Numbers 26:19 - Why did righteous sons perish?

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Hebrew Text

בְּנֵי יְהוּדָה עֵר וְאוֹנָן וַיָּמָת עֵר וְאוֹנָן בְּאֶרֶץ כְּנָעַן׃

English Translation

The sons of Yehuda were ῾Er and Onan: and ῾Er and Onan died in the land of Kena῾an.

Transliteration

Bnei Yehuda Er ve'Onan vayamat Er ve'Onan be'eretz Kena'an.

Hebrew Leining Text

בְּנֵ֥י יְהוּדָ֖ה עֵ֣ר וְאוֹנָ֑ן וַיָּ֥מׇת עֵ֛ר וְאוֹנָ֖ן בְּאֶ֥רֶץ כְּנָֽעַן׃

Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Bereishit

The verse (Bereishit 46:12) appears in the list of Yaakov's descendants who descended to Egypt. It mentions Yehuda's sons Er and Onan, who died in the land of Canaan, as previously recounted in Bereishit 38.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi notes that the Torah repeats their deaths here to emphasize that despite their sins, they were still counted among Yaakov's descendants who went down to Egypt. This teaches that even those who stray retain their connection to Klal Yisrael.

The Sin of Er and Onan

Er's Sin: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 85:4) states Er was wicked because he sought to prevent Tamar from conceiving, thereby denying her children.
Onan's Sin: Onan practiced "onanism" (spilling seed) to avoid fulfilling the mitzvah of yibum (levirate marriage) with Tamar (Bereishit 38:9). The Rambam (Hilchot Ishut 15:7) cites this as the source for the prohibition of hashchatat zera (wasting seed).

Spiritual Lessons

The Kli Yakar explains their deaths in Canaan symbolize how their actions were antithetical to the sanctity of Eretz Yisrael. Their misuse of marital intimacy represented a rejection of the divine purpose of building the Jewish nation in the Holy Land.

Inclusion in the Genealogy

The Sforno notes that despite their deaths, they are listed to show the complete lineage of Yehuda, from whom the Davidic dynasty would descend through Peretz (born later to Tamar). This demonstrates Hashem's plan unfolds even through complex family situations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yevamot 34b

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the laws of levirate marriage (yibbum) and the deaths of Er and Onan, which are central to the narrative that leads to the commandment of yibbum.

📖 Sanhedrin 92a

The deaths of Er and Onan are mentioned in the context of discussing divine justice and the consequences of their actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Er and Onan die in the land of Canaan?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Yevamot 34b), Er and Onan died young because they were wicked. Er refused to fulfill the mitzvah of yibum (levirate marriage) properly, and Onan practiced 'wasting seed' (spilling his seed on the ground) to avoid fulfilling this obligation. Their deaths serve as a lesson about the seriousness of these sins in Jewish law.

Q: What is the significance of mentioning Er and Onan in the Torah?
A: The Torah mentions Er and Onan to teach important moral lessons. As explained in Midrash Bereishit Rabbah (85:4), their story highlights the consequences of failing to fulfill family obligations and acting selfishly. Their inclusion in the genealogy also sets the stage for the eventual lineage of King David and the Messiah, who descend from Peretz, the son born later to Yehuda and Tamar.

Q: How does the story of Er and Onan apply to us today?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Ishus 15:7) derives from this episode the importance of fulfilling marital obligations properly and avoiding selfish behavior in relationships. Jewish tradition sees this as a timeless lesson about personal responsibility and the sanctity of family life.

Q: Why are Er and Onan listed in the census in Numbers 26 if they died earlier?
A: As Rashi explains on this verse, the Torah includes them in the census to show the complete genealogy of the tribe of Yehuda. Even though they died without children, they were still part of Yehuda's lineage. The Talmud (Bava Basra 109a) notes that genealogical records must be complete for tribal inheritance purposes.