Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Numbers 26:15 teach us about the tribe of Gad?
A: Numbers 26:15 lists the families within the tribe of Gad—Żefon, Ḥaggi, and Shuni—showing their lineage and organization. This reflects the Torah's emphasis on preserving family identity and tribal structure, which was important for inheritance, military service, and communal responsibilities in Israel (Rashi on Numbers 26:5).
Q: Why does the Torah list the families of Gad in detail?
A: The detailed listing of Gad's families (and other tribes) in Numbers 26 served multiple purposes: 1) To organize the nation for the division of the Land of Israel (Rambam, Hilchot Nachalot 1:1-3), 2) To document the Jewish people's genealogy, and 3) To prepare for the census before entering the land (Talmud, Bava Batra 117b).
Q: What can we learn from the names of Gad's families (Żefon, Ḥaggi, Shuni)?
A: The names of Gad's families reflect their ancestral roots and possibly their traits. For example, 'Żefon' (צפון) means 'north,' which may relate to their territory. The Torah preserves these names to teach the value of honoring one's heritage and recognizing how each family contributes uniquely to the Jewish people (Midrash Tanchuma, Pinchas 11).
Q: How does the counting of tribes like Gad apply to us today?
A: While we no longer have tribal identities today, the principle of valuing family lineage and communal responsibility remains. Jewish law still emphasizes knowing one's ancestry (e.g., for marriage laws), and the idea that every individual and family has a unique role in the Jewish people (Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 19:17).
Overview of the Verse
The verse (Bamidbar 26:15) lists the families of the tribe of Gad, specifically mentioning the descendants of Zefon, Chaggi, and Shuni. This enumeration appears in the census taken in the plains of Moav before Bnei Yisrael entered Eretz Yisrael. The structure follows the pattern of other tribal genealogies in the parsha, emphasizing the importance of lineage and family identity within the nation.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) notes that the names of these families correspond to the sons of Gad mentioned earlier in Bereishit 46:16. He explains that the repetition here serves to reinforce the continuity of the tribes and their subdivisions, ensuring clarity in inheritance and tribal affiliation when dividing the land.
Significance of Family Lineage
According to Rambam (Maimonides) in Hilchot Nachalot, the meticulous recording of family names was essential for:
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) connects the names of Gad's families to their characteristics:
Halachic Implications
The Sifrei emphasizes that these genealogical records were necessary for:
Contemporary Relevance
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch explains that this detailed accounting teaches the importance of recognizing individual family units within the broader Jewish nation. Each family contributes unique qualities to Klal Yisrael while maintaining their distinct identity, much like different instruments in an orchestra creating harmonious unity.