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Numbers 26:4 - Counting the next generation's strength

Numbers 26:4 - במדבר 26:4

Hebrew Text

מִבֶּן עֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָה וָמָעְלָה כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה וּבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל הַיֹּצְאִים מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם׃

English Translation

Take the sum of the people, from twenty years old and upward; as the Lord commanded Moshe and the children of Yisra᾽el, who went forth out of the land of Miżrayim.

Transliteration

Miben esrim shana va'ma'la ka'asher tziva Adonai et-Moshe uvnei Yisrael hayotz'im me'eretz Mitzrayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

מִבֶּ֛ן עֶשְׂרִ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה וָמָ֑עְלָה כַּאֲשֶׁר֩ צִוָּ֨ה יְהֹוָ֤ה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה֙ וּבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל הַיֹּצְאִ֖ים מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃
מִבֶּ֛ן עֶשְׂרִ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה וָמָ֑עְלָה כַּאֲשֶׁר֩ צִוָּ֨ה יְהֹוָ֤ה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה֙ וּבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל הַיֹּצְאִ֖ים מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 1:45) describes the counting of Bnei Yisrael from the age of twenty and upward, as commanded by Hashem to Moshe. This census was conducted in the wilderness after the Exodus from Mitzrayim (Egypt).

Significance of the Age Twenty

Rashi (Bamidbar 1:3) explains that the age of twenty was chosen because it marks the beginning of eligibility for military service. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 1:10) further elaborates that this age represents spiritual maturity, as those below twenty were not held fully accountable for the sin of the Golden Calf (Cheit HaEgel).

  • Military Readiness: Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 7:4) notes that twenty is the age when physical strength is sufficient for battle.
  • Spiritual Responsibility: The Talmud (Niddah 45b) teaches that twenty is the age when divine punishment is incurred for transgressions.

Connection to the Exodus

The verse emphasizes that this commandment was given to "the children of Yisrael who went forth out of the land of Mitzrayim." The Sforno (Bamidbar 1:45) explains that this phrase highlights the unique status of the generation that experienced the Exodus, as they were the ones who accepted the Torah at Har Sinai and were bound by its mitzvot.

Purpose of the Census

Ramban (Bamidbar 1:45) suggests that the census served multiple purposes:

  • To demonstrate Hashem's love for Bnei Yisrael, as one counts precious possessions.
  • To organize the camp for travel and military formation.
  • To prepare for the division of Eretz Yisrael among the tribes.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 24a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the age at which one becomes obligated in commandments, particularly in the context of the census and military service.
📖 Sotah 8b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the criteria for being counted in the census and the significance of the age of twenty in various halachic contexts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah count people specifically from age 20 and up?
A: According to Rashi and other traditional Jewish sources, the age of 20 marks the point when a person becomes liable for military service and communal obligations. The Midrash explains that this is the age when a person has full physical and spiritual maturity to contribute to the nation.
Q: What is the significance of counting the Israelites in the desert?
A: The counting (census) in the desert, as explained by the Rambam, served multiple purposes: to organize the tribes for inheritance in the Land of Israel, to assess military strength, and to show G-d's personal care for each individual, as each person was counted directly (based on Bamidbar Rabbah).
Q: Why does the verse mention that this was commanded to Moshe and the Israelites leaving Egypt?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 111b) teaches that mentioning the Exodus here connects this census to the original redemption - showing that the new generation inherits the same covenant as their parents. Rashi adds that it emphasizes continuity of G-d's commandments through all generations.
Q: How does this verse about counting people apply to us today?
A: The Chofetz Chaim explains that just as each person was counted then, every Jew today has unique value and responsibility in fulfilling Torah. The number 20 reminds us that adulthood brings obligations to contribute to the Jewish people spiritually and physically.
Q: Why does the Torah repeat that this was 'as G-d commanded Moshe'?
A: The Sforno teaches that this repetition emphasizes that the census wasn't just a practical matter, but a sacred act done exactly according to Divine instruction. The Ramban adds that it shows Moshe's complete obedience in fulfilling every detail of G-d's commands.