share torah logo

Numbers 2:5 - Yissakhar's honored encampment position?

Numbers 2:5 - במדבר 2:5

Hebrew Text

וְהַחֹנִים עָלָיו מַטֵּה יִשָּׂשכָר וְנָשִׂיא לִבְנֵי יִשָּׂשכָר נְתַנְאֵל בֶּן־צוּעָר׃

English Translation

And those that pitch next to him shall be the tribe of Yissakhar: and Netan᾽el the son of Żu῾ar shall be captain of the children of Yissakhar.

Transliteration

Vehachonim alav mateh Yissakhar venasi livnei Yissakhar Netanel ben-Tzuar.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהַחֹנִ֥ים עָלָ֖יו מַטֵּ֣ה יִשָּׂשכָ֑ר וְנָשִׂיא֙ לִבְנֵ֣י יִשָּׂשכָ֔ר נְתַנְאֵ֖ל בֶּן־צוּעָֽר׃
וְהַחֹנִ֥ים עָלָ֖יו מַטֵּ֣ה יִשָּׂשכָ֑ר וְנָשִׂיא֙ לִבְנֵ֣י יִשָּׂשכָ֔ר נְתַנְאֵ֖ל בֶּן־צוּעָֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Positioning of the Tribe of Yissakhar

The verse describes the encampment of the tribe of Yissakhar next to Yehudah in the wilderness. Rashi (Bamidbar 2:5) explains that this placement reflects the close relationship between Yehudah and Yissakhar, as Yehudah represented kingship and Yissakhar symbolized Torah scholarship. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7) elaborates that Yissakhar's proximity to Yehudah signifies the interdependence of Torah (Yissakhar) and leadership (Yehudah), as a kingdom cannot endure without Torah wisdom.

The Role of Netan'el ben Tzu'ar

Netan'el is identified as the nasi (prince) of Yissakhar. The name "Netan'el" (נְתַנְאֵל) means "gift of G-d," which the Kli Yakar (Bamidbar 2:5) connects to Yissakhar's dedication to Torah study—a divine gift. The Talmud (Berachos 57a) states that one who sees Netan'el in a dream may hope for wisdom, reinforcing his association with Torah scholarship.

Yissakhar's Spiritual Distinction

According to the Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 99:9), Yissakhar was uniquely devoted to Torah study, as seen in Yaakov's blessing (Bereishis 49:14-15) comparing him to a "strong-boned donkey" bearing the yoke of Torah. Rambam (Hilchos Talmud Torah 3:1) cites Yissakhar as a model for those who dedicate themselves entirely to Torah learning, supported by the broader community—symbolized here by their encampment near Yehudah.

  • Leadership and Scholarship: The Sforno notes that Yissakhar's leaders were chosen for wisdom, not just lineage, as Netan'el's appointment demonstrates.
  • Tribal Unity: The Ohr HaChaim highlights how each tribe's designated position reflects their spiritual role, with Yissakhar's place affirming their contribution to Klal Yisrael's intellectual foundation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 2:5 teach us about the tribe of Yissakhar?
A: Numbers 2:5 describes the tribe of Yissakhar's position in the Israelite camp during their travels in the wilderness. According to Rashi, Yissakhar camped next to Yehuda, showing their close connection. The verse also introduces Netanel ben Tzuar as their leader, highlighting the importance of tribal structure.
Q: Why is Netanel ben Tzuar mentioned specifically in this verse?
A: Netanel ben Tzuar is mentioned as the leader (nasi) of Yissakhar to emphasize the divinely appointed leadership structure among the tribes. The Rambam teaches that every tribe had its own leader to maintain order and represent them before Moshe and Aharon, showing the importance of proper communal organization.
Q: What can we learn from the arrangement of the tribes in the wilderness?
A: The precise arrangement of the tribes around the Mishkan (Tabernacle), with Yissakhar next to Yehuda, teaches us about the importance of order and unity in Jewish communal life. The Midrash explains that each tribe had its unique role, just as Yissakhar was known for Torah scholarship while Yehuda represented leadership - showing how different strengths work together.