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Numbers 26:30 - Gil῾adi's tribal lineage revealed?

Numbers 26:30 - במדבר 26:30

Hebrew Text

אֵלֶּה בְּנֵי גִלְעָד אִיעֶזֶר מִשְׁפַּחַת הָאִיעֶזְרִי לְחֵלֶק מִשְׁפַּחַת הַחֶלְקִי׃

English Translation

These are the sons of Gil῾adi: of I῾ezer, the family of the I῾ezri: of Ḥeleq, the family of the Ḥelqi:

Transliteration

Ele bnei Gilad Iezer mishpachat haIezri leChelek mishpachat haChelki.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֵ֚לֶּה בְּנֵ֣י גִלְעָ֔ד אִיעֶ֕זֶר מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הָאִֽיעֶזְרִ֑י לְחֵ֕לֶק מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַֽחֶלְקִֽי׃
אֵ֚לֶּה בְּנֵ֣י גִלְעָ֔ד אִיעֶ֕זֶר מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הָאִֽיעֶזְרִ֑י לְחֵ֕לֶק מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַֽחֶלְקִֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Bamidbar

The verse (Bamidbar 26:30) appears in the census of Bnei Yisrael before entering Eretz Yisrael, listing the descendants of Gil'ad, son of Menashe. This genealogy establishes the tribal lineages for inheritance purposes, as detailed later in the parsha regarding the daughters of Tzelofchad (Bamidbar 27:1-11).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi notes that "I'ezer" and "Cheleq" were sons of Gil'ad, and their families are called "Ha'I'ezeri" and "HaChelqi" respectively. This follows the Torah's pattern of naming families after their founders (e.g., "HaKehati" for descendants of Kehat). Rashi emphasizes that these names preserve the memory of righteous ancestors, as seen throughout Tanach.

Ramban's Insight

The Ramban connects this verse to the earlier mention of Gil'ad in Bamidbar 26:29, explaining that the Torah specifies these families to clarify inheritance rights in the Transjordan region. He notes that Menashe's territory was split between the western and eastern sides of the Jordan River, with these families receiving portions in the east.

Midrashic Interpretation

  • Sifrei: The listing of families teaches that each contributed unique qualities to Klal Yisrael - I'ezer's descendants were known for their unity ("ezer" hinting at mutual aid), while Cheleq's line excelled in Torah study ("chelek" alluding to one's portion in Torah).
  • Bamidbar Rabbah: Suggests these names prophetically referenced future events - "I'ezer" foreshadowed how Gilead would assist (le'ezor) Israel in battles, while "Cheleq" hinted at the region being divided (chalukah) among tribes.

Halachic Significance

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 400) derives from such verses that maintaining accurate genealogical records is essential for:

  • Proper allocation of tribal inheritances
  • Preserving the purity of the priesthood
  • Maintaining the structure of Jewish society as ordained by the Torah

Onomastic Analysis

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch analyzes the names etymologically:

  • I'ezer: From the root ע-ז-ר, indicating strength and assistance, reflecting the tribe's role in supporting others
  • Cheleq: From the root ח-ל-ק, suggesting both "portion" (as in inheritance) and "smoothness," perhaps alluding to diplomatic skills

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of listing the families of Gil'ad in Numbers 26:30?
A: The Torah lists the families of Gil'ad (such as the I'ezeri and Helqi families) as part of the census taken before entering the Land of Israel. This was important for determining tribal inheritances, military service, and land distribution, as explained in Rashi (Bamidbar 26:5). Each family's lineage ensured their rightful portion in Eretz Yisrael.
Q: Why does the Torah mention specific family names like 'I'ezeri' and 'Helqi'?
A: The Torah records family names to preserve the identity and heritage of each tribe. According to the Rambam (Hilchot Nachalot 1:7), these details were crucial for maintaining the integrity of tribal land allotments. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:10) also teaches that every family had unique virtues, and their names reflect their roles in Jewish history.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader theme of the census in Parshat Pinchas?
A: This verse is part of the census in Parshat Pinchas (Numbers 26), which counted the Israelites before entering the Land of Israel. The Sforno (26:5) explains that the census emphasized the importance of each individual and family in fulfilling the collective mission of settling the land. The families of Gil'ad were part of this divine plan.
Q: What can we learn today from the detailed family listings in the Torah?
A: The Torah's attention to family lineages teaches the value of preserving Jewish identity and heritage. The Talmud (Pesachim 113a) states that knowing one's ancestry fosters humility and responsibility. Today, many Jews trace their roots to specific traditions (e.g., Sephardic, Ashkenazi), reflecting the Torah's emphasis on familial continuity.