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Numbers 26:40 - Hidden tribes' eternal legacy?

Numbers 26:40 - במדבר 26:40

Hebrew Text

וַיִּהְיוּ בְנֵי־בֶלַע אַרְדְּ וְנַעֲמָן מִשְׁפַּחַת הָאַרְדִּי לְנַעֲמָן מִשְׁפַּחַת הַנַּעֲמִי׃

English Translation

And the sons of Bela were Ard and Na῾aman: of Ard, the family of the Ardi: and of Na῾aman, the family of the Na῾ami.

Transliteration

Vayihyu venei-vela ard vena'aman mishpachat ha'ardi lena'aman mishpachat hana'ami.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּהְי֥וּ בְנֵי־בֶ֖לַע אַ֣רְדְּ וְנַעֲמָ֑ן מִשְׁפַּ֙חַת֙ הָֽאַרְדִּ֔י לְנַֽעֲמָ֔ן מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַֽנַּעֲמִֽי׃
וַיִּהְי֥וּ בְנֵי־בֶ֖לַע אַ֣רְדְּ וְנַעֲמָ֑ן מִשְׁפַּ֙חַת֙ הָֽאַרְדִּ֔י לְנַֽעֲמָ֔ן מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַֽנַּעֲמִֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Bamidbar

This verse appears in Bamidbar 26:40 as part of the census of Bnei Yisrael in the plains of Moav before entering Eretz Yisrael. The verse lists the descendants of Bela, who was a son of Binyamin (see Bereishit 46:21). The Torah traces the lineage through Bela's sons, Ard and Na'aman, noting their respective families.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (on Bamidbar 26:40) notes that Ard and Na'aman were originally mentioned in Bereishit 46:21 as sons of Bela, but here, the Torah emphasizes that they became the progenitors of distinct families (mishpachot). This demonstrates how individual descendants grew into significant clans within Shevet Binyamin.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra observes that the repetition of "family of the Ardi" and "family of the Na'ami" underscores the importance of lineage in Israel's tribal structure. Each family maintained its identity even as part of the larger tribe, reflecting the Torah's emphasis on preserving ancestral heritage.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Sifrei (Bamidbar 161) connects this verse to the broader theme of zechut avot (merit of the fathers). Just as Bela's descendants were counted individually, so too does Hashem remember the merits of each family within Klal Yisrael.

Halachic Significance

  • The listing of families had practical implications for land inheritance in Eretz Yisrael (Rambam, Hilchot Nachalot 1:6).
  • Family lineage also affected eligibility for leadership roles and certain mitzvot tied to tribal identity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of listing the families of Ard and Na'aman in Numbers 26:40?
A: This verse is part of the census taken in the wilderness to count the Israelite families before entering the Land of Israel. Listing the families of Ard and Na'aman (descendants of Bela, son of Benjamin) shows the importance of preserving family lineage and tribal identity, as it determined land inheritance and tribal roles (Rashi on Numbers 26:5).
Q: Why does the Torah mention the 'family of the Ardi' and 'family of the Na'ami' separately?
A: The Torah specifies each family to emphasize that even within a tribe (Benjamin), each subgroup had its unique identity and role. This reflects the principle that every Jewish family and individual has a distinct purpose in fulfilling the Torah's mission (Midrash Tanchuma, Bamidbar 12).
Q: Are there any lessons we can learn from the names Ard and Na'aman in this verse?
A: While the simple meaning lists names, some commentaries note that 'Na'aman' means 'pleasant,' teaching that families should strive for pleasantness and good deeds. The Talmud (Yoma 86a) connects names to character traits, hinting at the importance of living up to a noble name.
Q: How does this verse about tribal families apply to Jews today?
A: Though tribal identities are less prominent today, the verse reminds us of the value of family heritage and continuity. The Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 12:3) teaches that in the future, lineage will be clarified, showing its eternal significance in Jewish tradition.