Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Numbers 26:7 mean?
A: Numbers 26:7 records the census count of the tribe of Reuben (Re᾽uveni) during the second census taken in the wilderness. The verse states that there were 43,730 men eligible for military service (ages 20 and up) from the families of Reuben. This count was part of preparing the Israelites to enter the Land of Israel.
Q: Why is the census of Reuben important?
A: The census of Reuben (and all tribes) was important because it determined the military strength of each tribe and how the Land of Israel would be divided among them (Rashi on Numbers 26:53-54). Reuben, as the firstborn of Jacob, had a significant role, though later leadership shifted to Judah and the priesthood to Levi.
Q: How does the number of Reubenites compare to the first census?
A: In the first census (Numbers 1:21), Reuben had 46,500 men. Here, they decreased by 2,770 (to 43,730). Rashi explains that this reflects consequences of past sins, including Reuben's instability (Genesis 49:4) and the tribe's involvement in Korach's rebellion (Numbers 16:1).
Q: What can we learn from the counting of the tribes?
A: The detailed counting teaches that every individual in Klal Yisrael (the Jewish people) matters to Hashem. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:10) compares it to a king who counts his treasured coins frequently. It also emphasizes accountability, as the numbers reflect spiritual growth or decline.
Q: How does this apply to Jewish life today?
A: Just as each Reubenite was counted for a sacred purpose (inheriting the Land and serving Hashem), every Jew today has a unique role in the Jewish people. The decrease in numbers also reminds us that actions have consequences, encouraging us to strive for spiritual growth (Rambam, Hilchot Teshuvah 3:4).
Context in the Torah
The verse (Bamidbar 26:7) appears in the census of Bnei Yisrael taken in the plains of Moav before entering Eretz Yisrael. It records the number of male members of the tribe of Reuven who were eligible for military service (ages 20 and older). This census parallels the one taken earlier in the wilderness (Bamidbar 1:21), allowing for comparison between the two counts.
Numerical Significance
Rashi notes that the tribe of Reuven decreased slightly from the first census (46,500) to this count (43,730), a loss of 2,770 men. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:7) connects this decrease to Reuven's earlier sin with Bilhah (Bereishit 35:22), suggesting that his descendants bore some consequence. However, Ramban disagrees, arguing that the decrease was due to natural demographic shifts over 40 years in the wilderness.
Family Structure
The verse begins by mentioning "the families of the Reuveni," referring to the four main family branches descending from Reuven's sons:
These are listed in Bamidbar 26:5-6. The Sforno explains that the Torah emphasizes family lineage to show how each tribe maintained its distinct identity throughout the wilderness years.
Spiritual Lessons
The Kli Yakar draws attention to why the Torah repeats "these are the families" for each tribe. He suggests it teaches that despite the sins of individuals (like Datan and Aviram from Reuven), the tribe as a whole maintained its spiritual stature. The census reminds us that collective merit protects a community even when some individuals falter.
Historical Context
Ibn Ezra observes that Reuven's position as firstborn is no longer evident in these numbers - his tribe is now smaller than Yehuda's. This fulfills Yaakov's prophecy (Bereishit 49:4) that Reuven would lose his preeminence due to his instability. Yet, the tribe still maintained significant numbers, showing Hashem's mercy.