Numbers 26:23 - Yissakhar's tribal lineage recorded

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Hebrew Text

בְּנֵי יִשָּׂשכָר לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם תּוֹלָע מִשְׁפַּחַת הַתּוֹלָעִי לְפֻוָה מִשְׁפַּחַת הַפּוּנִי׃

English Translation

Of the sons of Yissakhar after their families: of Tola, the family of the Tola῾i: of Puvva, the family of the Puni:

Transliteration

Bnei Yisaschar lemishpechotam Tola mishpachat haTola'i leFua mishpachat haPuni.

Hebrew Leining Text

בְּנֵ֤י יִשָּׂשכָר֙ לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֔ם תּוֹלָ֕ע מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַתּוֹלָעִ֑י לְפֻוָ֕ה מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַפּוּנִֽי׃

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 26:23) lists the families of the tribe of Yissakhar, specifically mentioning the descendants of Tola and Puvva (also spelled Puvah or Puah in other sources). This is part of the census taken in the wilderness before Bnei Yisrael entered Eretz Yisrael.

Commentary on the Names

Tola: Rashi (on Bereishit 46:13) explains that Tola was one of the sons of Yissakhar mentioned earlier in Sefer Bereishit. The name "Tola" is related to the word for a crimson worm (תולעת), symbolizing humility, as the worm is lowly yet produces a valuable dye used in the Mishkan.
Puvva (Puvah/Puah): The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 98:17) connects this name to the idea of "peh v’oh" (פה ואוה), meaning "mouth and desire," suggesting that the tribe of Yissakhar was known for their wisdom in Torah study and their eagerness to teach it.

The Significance of Yissakhar's Tribe

According to the Talmud (Berachot 17a), the tribe of Yissakhar was renowned for their dedication to Torah study. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:16) elaborates that Yissakhar’s descendants were the scholars and judges of Israel, often sitting in the Sanhedrin. This aligns with Yaakov Avinu’s blessing to Yissakhar (Bereishit 49:14-15), describing him as a "strong-boned donkey" who would bear the yoke of Torah.

Family Lineages in the Census

The listing of families ("mishpachot") emphasizes the importance of lineage in Jewish tradition. Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 4:1) notes that tribal affiliation was crucial for inheritance and leadership roles in Israel. The names "Tola’i" and "Puni" indicate that these families maintained their distinct identities even within the broader tribe of Yissakhar.

Lessons from the Verse

The preservation of family names teaches the value of mesorah (tradition) and the continuity of Jewish identity.
Yissakhar’s descendants exemplify the ideal of Torah study as a central mission, reinforcing the principle that Torah is the foundation of Jewish life.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 26:23 teach us about the tribe of Yissakhar?
A: Numbers 26:23 lists the families of the tribe of Yissakhar during the census in the wilderness. It mentions two main families: Tola (the Tola῾i) and Puvva (the Puni). This shows the organization of the tribes into smaller family units, which was important for inheritance, military service, and tribal responsibilities (Rashi on Numbers 26:5).

Q: Why is the tribe of Yissakhar mentioned in the census?
A: The census in Numbers 26 was taken to count the Israelites before entering the Land of Israel, determining military readiness and land allocation. Yissakhar, like all tribes, was counted to uphold their role in the nation’s future (Rambam, Hilchot Melachim 4:5). The Torah emphasizes each tribe’s unique contribution, and Yissakhar was known for Torah scholarship (Midrash Tanchuma, Vayechi 11).

Q: What is the significance of listing family names like Tola and Puvva?
A: Listing families like Tola and Puvva preserves the identity and lineage of each sub-group within Yissakhar. In Jewish tradition, family lineage (yichus) matters for marriage, inheritance, and tribal roles (Talmud, Kiddushin 70a). It also honors the individuality of each family within the broader tribe.

Q: How does this verse connect to Yissakhar’s role in Jewish tradition?
A: Yissakhar is traditionally associated with Torah study (Genesis 49:14–15; Midrash Rabbah Bereishit 99:9). While this verse focuses on their census listing, it underscores their presence as a tribe dedicated to spiritual wisdom, later reflected in their partnership with Zevulun (Talmud, Megillah 26a).

Q: Does this verse have any relevance today?
A: While tribal identities are not active today as in biblical times, the verse reminds us of the importance of preserving family heritage and contributing to the Jewish people’s collective mission. Just as Yissakhar had a distinct role, every Jew today has a unique purpose (Tanya, Chapter 37).