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Numbers 26:3 - Counting Israel before entering Canaan

Numbers 26:3 - במדבר 26:3

Hebrew Text

וַיְדַבֵּר מֹשֶׁה וְאֶלְעָזָר הַכֹּהֵן אֹתָם בְּעַרְבֹת מוֹאָב עַל־יַרְדֵּן יְרֵחוֹ לֵאמֹר׃

English Translation

And Moshe and El῾azar the priest spoke with them in the plains of Mo᾽av by the Yarden near Yereĥo, saying,

Transliteration

Vaydaber Moshe v'Elazar hakohen otam b'arvot Moav al-Yarden Yerecho lemor.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְדַבֵּ֨ר מֹשֶׁ֜ה וְאֶלְעָזָ֧ר הַכֹּהֵ֛ן אֹתָ֖ם בְּעַֽרְבֹ֣ת מוֹאָ֑ב עַל־יַרְדֵּ֥ן יְרֵח֖וֹ לֵאמֹֽר׃
וַיְדַבֵּ֨ר מֹשֶׁ֜ה וְאֶלְעָזָ֧ר הַכֹּהֵ֛ן אֹתָ֖ם בְּעַֽרְבֹ֣ת מוֹאָ֑ב עַל־יַרְדֵּ֥ן יְרֵח֖וֹ לֵאמֹֽר׃

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Parasha Commentary

Location of the Discourse

The verse describes Moshe and Elazar the Kohen addressing Bnei Yisrael in the plains of Moav near the Jordan River by Yericho. Rashi (Bamidbar 26:3) explains that this location is significant because it was the final encampment before entering Eretz Yisrael. The plains of Moav were the staging ground for the transition of leadership from Moshe to Yehoshua and the preparation for conquering the land.

Leadership Roles of Moshe and Elazar

Ramban (Bamidbar 26:3) notes that Moshe and Elazar are mentioned together here, highlighting their joint leadership at this critical juncture. Moshe represents the prophetic and legislative authority, while Elazar, as Kohen Gadol, represents the spiritual and priestly leadership. The Talmud (Sotah 42a) teaches that this partnership symbolizes the unity of Torah and Avodah (service in the Mishkan) necessary for entering the Land.

Significance of the Phrase "לֵאמֹר"

The word "לֵאמֹר" ("saying") is interpreted by the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:7) as indicating that Moshe and Elazar were transmitting a divine message, not merely speaking their own words. The Ohr HaChaim (Bamidbar 26:3) elaborates that this emphasizes the prophetic nature of their address, connecting it to the earlier divine command in Bamidbar 26:1-2.

Connection to the Previous Census

  • Ibn Ezra (Bamidbar 26:3) points out that this verse follows the census in the plains of Moav, showing that the leadership was ensuring proper organization before entering the Land.
  • The Kli Yakar (Bamidbar 26:3) adds that the location near Yericho hints at the imminent conquest, as Yericho would be the first city Bnei Yisrael would encounter in Eretz Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe and Elazar the priest speak to the people in the plains of Moav?
A: According to Rashi, this took place after the war with Midian (Numbers 31) and before the Jewish people entered the Land of Israel. Moshe and Elazar were preparing the new generation for entry into the land by conducting a census (as seen in Numbers 26) and teaching them the laws they would need to observe in the land.
Q: What is the significance of the location mentioned (plains of Moav by the Jordan near Jericho)?
A: The Midrash explains that this location was significant because it was the final stop before entering the Land of Israel. The plains of Moav represent the transition point between the wilderness journey and the promised land. Jericho would be the first city conquered when they entered, making this a meaningful place for final instructions.
Q: Why is Elazar mentioned together with Moshe in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 43a) notes that Elazar is mentioned because he had taken over many of the priestly duties from his father Aharon after Aharon's passing. As the new Kohen Gadol (High Priest), his presence was essential when teaching the people about matters related to the land and the Temple service they would soon establish.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of proper leadership transition and preparation for major life changes. Just as Moshe and Elazar prepared the people before entering Israel, we learn from the Rambam that leaders must ensure the next generation is properly instructed before undertaking significant new responsibilities in Jewish life.