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Numbers 26:13 - Tribal lineage defines identity?

Numbers 26:13 - במדבר 26:13

Hebrew Text

לְזֶרַח מִשְׁפַּחַת הַזַּרְחִי לְשָׁאוּל מִשְׁפַּחַת הַשָּׁאוּלִי׃

English Translation

of Zeraĥ, the family of the Zarĥi: of Sha᾽ul, the family of the Sha᾽uli.

Transliteration

Lezerach mishpachat hazarchi leshaul mishpachat hashauli.

Hebrew Leining Text

לְזֶ֕רַח מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַזַּרְחִ֑י לְשָׁא֕וּל מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַשָּׁאוּלִֽי׃
לְזֶ֕רַח מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַזַּרְחִ֑י לְשָׁא֕וּל מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַשָּׁאוּלִֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Numbers 26:13) appears in the census of the Israelites taken in the plains of Moav before entering Eretz Yisrael. It lists the families of the tribe of Shimon, specifically mentioning the descendants of Zeraḥ and Shaul.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) explains that the family of the Zarḥi and Shauli are subdivisions of the tribe of Shimon, tracing their lineage back to Zeraḥ and Shaul, the sons of Shimon (Genesis 46:10). He notes that this enumeration follows the same pattern as the earlier census in the wilderness (Numbers 1:22-23), reinforcing the continuity of the tribal lineages.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 16:7) highlights that the tribe of Shimon was smaller in number compared to other tribes, which is attributed to the incident of Zimri (Numbers 25:14), where many from Shimon perished due to their involvement in sin. The mention of these families serves as a reminder of the tribe’s resilience despite their diminished numbers.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides) in Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Shemita v’Yovel 10:8) emphasizes the importance of tribal lineage in matters of inheritance and land distribution in Eretz Yisrael. The detailed listing of families, including the Zarḥi and Shauli, underscores the Torah’s precision in preserving familial and tribal identities for halachic purposes.

Significance of Names

  • Zeraḥ (זרח) – Means "to shine" or "rise," possibly alluding to the family’s role in maintaining spiritual brightness within the tribe.
  • Shaul (שאול) – Means "asked for" or "borrowed," which may hint at the family’s humility or their reliance on divine providence.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Bava Batra 117a) discusses how family divisions like the Zarḥi and Shauli were essential for determining inheritance rights and tribal land allocations. This verse thus serves as a legal foundation for the orderly division of Eretz Yisrael among the tribes and their families.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of Numbers 26:13?
A: Numbers 26:13 lists the families descended from Zeraḥ and Sha'ul, who were sons of Shimon (Simeon), one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The verse is part of the census taken in the wilderness, recording the lineage and divisions within the tribes. Rashi explains that these family names help identify the tribal subdivisions for inheritance and land distribution in Israel.
Q: Why is the family lineage important in this verse?
A: In Jewish tradition, family lineage (yichus) is significant for tribal identity, inheritance rights, and maintaining the structure of the nation. The Rambam (Maimonides) emphasizes that tribal affiliation determined land allocation in Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel). This census ensured an organized division of the land as promised to the descendants of Jacob.
Q: What can we learn from the mention of Zeraḥ and Sha'ul's families?
A: This verse teaches the importance of preserving family and tribal heritage in Judaism. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) notes that each family had a unique role in the community. Recognizing individual families highlights how every person contributes to the collective mission of the Jewish people.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish identity today?
A: While tribal distinctions are not as prominent today due to historical exile, Orthodox Judaism still values lineage (e.g., Kohen, Levi, Yisrael). The Talmud (Kiddushin 70b) discusses the importance of knowing one's ancestry. This verse reminds us of our connection to our forefathers and the continuity of the Jewish people.