Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the meaning of Numbers 26:41?
A: Numbers 26:41 records the census count of the tribe of Binyamin (Benjamin) during the second counting of the Israelites in the wilderness. It states that Binyamin had 45,600 men eligible for military service. This count was important for organizing the tribes and preparing them for entering the Land of Israel.
Q: Why does the Torah list the number of people in each tribe?
A: The Torah lists the numbers of each tribe to show the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to Avraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5). Additionally, Rashi explains that counting the people showed Hashem's love for Israel, like a shepherd who counts his flock often (Rashi on Numbers 26:1). The census also helped organize the camp and prepare for inheriting the Land.
Q: How does the count of Binyamin compare to other tribes?
A: Binyamin's count of 45,600 was among the smaller tribes. For comparison, Yehuda (Judah) had 76,500 (Numbers 26:22) and Dan had 64,400 (Numbers 26:43). The Midrash notes that despite being one of the younger tribes, Binyamin maintained strong numbers, showing their resilience (Bamidbar Rabbah 26:5).
Q: What can we learn from the detailed counting in the Torah?
A: The detailed counting teaches us that every individual in Klal Yisrael (the Jewish people) matters. The Rambam (Maimonides) explains that counting shows each person's importance in fulfilling the collective mission of the nation (Guide for the Perplexed 3:34). Additionally, the Sages teach that being counted reminds us of our personal responsibility in serving Hashem.
Q: Why is the tribe of Binyamin mentioned specifically here?
A: Binyamin is mentioned as part of the complete census of all twelve tribes. The Torah lists each tribe individually to honor their unique qualities. The Talmud (Sotah 36b) praises Binyamin for his righteousness, noting that the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) was later built in his tribal portion, showing his special status among the tribes.
Context in Sefer Bamidbar
The verse (Bamidbar 1:37) records the census count of the tribe of Binyamin during the wilderness journey. This enumeration follows the broader context of the military census of the twelve tribes, commanded by Hashem to Moshe and Elazar the Kohen (Bamidbar 1:1-3).
Significance of the Number
Rashi notes that Binyamin's count of 45,600 is relatively small compared to other tribes (e.g., Yehuda had 74,600). The Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 12) explains that Binyamin's modest numbers reflect the consequences of the tragic incident involving the concubine at Givah (Shoftim 19-21), which decimated the tribe early in its history. Despite this, Binyamin's descendants later flourished, as seen in the era of King Shaul (a Binyaminite) and Mordechai (Esther 2:5).
Binyamin's Unique Status
Gematria Insight
The Sifrei (Bamidbar 1:37) highlights that the numerical value of "Binyamin" (בִּנְיָמִין) is 162, which divides evenly into 45,600 (162 × 281.48). This mathematical harmony underscores Divine precision in tribal destinies.
Military Implications
Malbim emphasizes that despite their smaller size, Binyamin's warriors were renowned for skill (e.g., left-handed slingers in Shoftim 20:16). Their census inclusion affirms that all tribes—regardless of population—contributed uniquely to Klal Yisrael's collective mission.