Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Numbers 26:37 mean?
A: Numbers 26:37 records the census count of the tribe of Ephraim, one of the sons of Yosef (Joseph), during the Israelites' journey in the wilderness. It states that there were 32,500 men eligible for military service from the families of Ephraim. This verse is part of a larger census taken in Parshat Pinchas to organize the tribes before entering the Land of Israel.
Q: Why is the counting of Ephraim's descendants important?
A: The counting of Ephraim's descendants, like all the tribes, was important for several reasons: 1) To organize the military forces of Israel (Rashi on Numbers 1:3), 2) To show God's love for the Jewish people by counting them regularly (Midrash Tanchuma Ki Tisa 9), and 3) To establish the tribal inheritances in the Land of Israel (Numbers 26:52-56). Each tribe's unique count reflects its spiritual character and role within the nation.
Q: Why does the verse mention that these are 'the sons of Yosef'?
A: The verse emphasizes that Ephraim (along with Menasheh) are 'the sons of Yosef' to highlight their special status. Though they became independent tribes, they maintained their connection to Yosef, who was exceptionally righteous (Tzadik). The Ramban explains that this connection gave them merit and a double portion in the Land of Israel through these two tribes descending from Yosef.
Q: How does this census apply to us today?
A: While we don't conduct tribal censuses today, we learn from this that every Jew counts and has a unique role in the Jewish people (like each tribe did). The Sefat Emet teaches that just as each tribe was counted individually, every person's mitzvot and spiritual service matter. Also, the emphasis on family lineage reminds us of the importance of maintaining Jewish family traditions and continuity.
Q: Why was Ephraim's count smaller than other tribes?
A: Rashi (on Numbers 1:33) notes that Ephraim's population was smaller than some other tribes because of a tragedy: earlier generations of Ephraimites had prematurely tried to leave Egypt and were killed (see I Chronicles 7:20-24). This teaches that even great tribes face challenges, but they persevered and remained significant in Jewish history. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 92b) also discusses how Ephraim's descendants were later blessed despite this early setback.
The Counting of Ephraim's Descendants
The verse (Bamidbar 26:35) enumerates the families of Ephraim, totaling 32,500 men eligible for military service. This count reflects the fulfillment of Yosef's blessing in Bereshit 48:19, where Yaakov prophesied that Ephraim would become a melo hagoyim (multitude of nations). Rashi notes that this number, though substantial, was less than other tribes because many Ephraimites perished in an earlier failed attempt to leave Egypt prematurely (Sanhedrin 92b).
Spiritual Significance of the Numbers
The Baal HaTurim observes that the numerical value of "שְׁנַיִם וּשְׁלֹשִׁים אֶלֶף" (32,000) equals the gematria of "כבוד" (glory), suggesting Ephraim's descendants carried the spiritual glory of Yosef's righteousness. The additional 500 (represented by "וחמש מאות") corresponds to the 500 shekels paid for Yosef's sale (see Rashi on Bereshit 37:28), hinting at atonement for that event.
Family Structure and Tribal Identity
Comparative Demographics
Ramban contrasts this count with Ephraim's 40,500 in Bamidbar 1:33, noting an 8,000 decrease. Midrash Tanchuma attributes this to casualties during Korach's rebellion, where Ephraimites were disproportionately affected due to their proximity to the Mishkan (see Bamidbar 16:35). This teaches that spiritual leadership carries both privilege and responsibility.