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Numbers 26:16 - Eri's lineage significance?

Numbers 26:16 - במדבר 26:16

Hebrew Text

לְאָזְנִי מִשְׁפַּחַת הָאָזְנִי לְעֵרִי מִשְׁפַּחַת הָעֵרִי׃

English Translation

of Ozni, the family of the Ozni: of ῾Eri, the family of the ῾Eri:

Transliteration

Le'ozni mishpakhat ha'ozni le'eri mishpakhat ha'eri.

Hebrew Leining Text

לְאׇזְנִ֕י מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הָאׇזְנִ֑י לְעֵרִ֕י מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הָעֵרִֽי׃
לְאׇזְנִ֕י מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הָאׇזְנִ֑י לְעֵרִ֕י מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הָעֵרִֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 26:16) appears in the census of the tribes of Israel, specifically listing the families of the tribe of Gad. The names "Ozni" and "Eri" refer to descendants of Gad, forming distinct family groups within the tribe.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) explains that "Ozni" is another name for Etzbon, mentioned earlier in the genealogy (Bereishit 46:16). He notes that it was common for individuals to have multiple names, as seen elsewhere in Tanach. The repetition ("of Ozni, the family of the Ozni") emphasizes that the family was called by his name.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra suggests that the double mention ("the family of the Ozni") serves to clarify that this was indeed the formal name of the family, distinguishing it from any other possible interpretations or similar-sounding names.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) connects the name "Ozni" (from "ozen," meaning ear) to the idea of attentive listening to Torah. It teaches that these families were distinguished by their willingness to hear and internalize divine wisdom.

Significance in Tribal Structure

  • Each family group maintained its identity even within the larger tribe of Gad
  • The preservation of family names ensured proper allocation of tribal lands in Eretz Yisrael
  • Demonstrates the Torah's emphasis on maintaining detailed genealogical records

Halachic Implications

Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Nachalot 1:6) derives from such verses the importance of maintaining clear family lineages, particularly for matters of inheritance and tribal affiliation in Eretz Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of Numbers 26:16?
A: Numbers 26:16 lists two families from the tribe of Gad: the family of Ozni and the family of Eri. This is part of the census taken in the wilderness before entering the Land of Israel, showing the importance of each family's lineage in Jewish tradition.
Q: Why does the Torah mention these family names in Numbers 26:16?
A: The Torah records these names to document the genealogy of the tribes of Israel, particularly the tribe of Gad. Jewish tradition (as seen in Rashi and Midrash) teaches that every family and individual has a unique role in fulfilling the mission of the Jewish people.
Q: What can we learn from the listing of families in Numbers 26:16?
A: This verse teaches the value of every family's contribution to the Jewish nation. The Rambam (Maimonides) emphasizes that each tribe and family had its unique strengths, showing that every individual has a purpose in serving Hashem.
Q: How does Numbers 26:16 apply to Jewish identity today?
A: Just as the Torah carefully records each family's lineage, Jewish tradition places great importance on knowing one's heritage. The Talmud (Pesachim 62b) discusses the significance of family lineage, teaching that understanding our roots strengthens our connection to Torah and mitzvot.