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Numbers 26:56 - Divine lots divide land fairly

Numbers 26:56 - במדבר 26:56

Hebrew Text

עַל־פִּי הַגּוֹרָל תֵּחָלֵק נַחֲלָתוֹ בֵּין רַב לִמְעָט׃

English Translation

According to the lot shall their inheritance be divided between many and few.

Transliteration

Al-pi ha-goral techalek nachalato bein rav le-mat.

Hebrew Leining Text

עַל־פִּי֙ הַגּוֹרָ֔ל תֵּחָלֵ֖ק נַחֲלָת֑וֹ בֵּ֥ין רַ֖ב לִמְעָֽט׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
עַל־פִּי֙ הַגּוֹרָ֔ל תֵּחָלֵ֖ק נַחֲלָת֑וֹ בֵּ֥ין רַ֖ב לִמְעָֽט׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 26:55) discusses the division of the Land of Israel among the tribes, emphasizing that the allocation was determined by lot (goral). This method ensured divine involvement in the distribution, as the outcome was seen as directly guided by Hashem's will.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 26:55) explains that the division by lot was a miraculous process. The names of the tribes and the boundaries of the land were inscribed on separate lots, and they miraculously matched perfectly—demonstrating that the allocation was not random but divinely ordained. This ensured fairness, as no human bias could influence the distribution.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Terumot 1:5) discusses the principle of equitable distribution in halachah. While the verse refers to land inheritance, Rambam extends the concept to other areas of Jewish law, teaching that fairness and divine providence should govern all communal allocations, whether material or spiritual.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:9) teaches that the lot reflected the unique spiritual qualities of each tribe. The land each tribe received was perfectly suited to its character and mission, as determined by divine wisdom.
  • Another Midrash (Tanchuma Pinchas 10) emphasizes that the division was "between many and few" to show that larger tribes received more land, but the distribution was proportional, ensuring justice regardless of population size.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Bava Batra 122a) derives from this verse that inheritance in general should follow clear, unbiased rules. The use of the lot (goral) serves as a model for resolving disputes fairly, whether in land division or other legal matters, ensuring that human judgment does not override divine justice.

Spiritual Lesson

The Sforno (Bamidbar 26:55) highlights that this system reinforced the idea that the Land of Israel is a divine gift. By accepting the lot's outcome, the tribes acknowledged that their portion was not merely a human allocation but a sacred trust from Hashem, tailored to their spiritual needs.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Batra 122a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the division of the Land of Israel among the tribes by lot, emphasizing the divine allocation of land.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'according to the lot shall their inheritance be divided' mean in Numbers 26:56?
A: This verse refers to the division of the Land of Israel among the tribes. The Torah teaches that the land was to be allocated by casting lots (גורל), a method seen as divinely guided. Rashi explains that this ensured fairness, as the division was not based on human judgment but on Hashem's will, preventing disputes.
Q: Why was the land divided by lot in the Torah?
A: The division by lot (גורל) emphasized that the Land of Israel is a sacred inheritance from Hashem, not merely a human allocation. The Talmud (Bava Batra 122a) teaches that the lots miraculously 'spoke,' affirming each tribe's portion. This method removed human bias and showed that the distribution was directed by Divine Providence.
Q: Does the concept of 'lot' (גורל) still have significance in Judaism today?
A: While we no longer divide land by lot, the principle remains meaningful. The idea teaches us to recognize Hashem's hand in all distributions—whether wealth, opportunities, or challenges. The Rambam (Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 8:13) applies this concept to tzedakah, emphasizing that one’s possessions are allotted by Hashem and should be shared generously.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the phrase 'between many and few' in this verse?
A: The Torah (Rashi on Numbers 26:54) clarifies that larger tribes received more land, but the allocation was proportional—smaller tribes weren’t disadvantaged. This teaches fairness: everyone’s needs are met according to their size, reflecting balance in Hashem’s justice. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:8) adds that unity mattered more than quantity—each tribe’s portion was equally holy.