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Numbers 2:7 - Zevulun's honored leadership role

Numbers 2:7 - במדבר 2:7

Hebrew Text

מַטֵּה זְבוּלֻן וְנָשִׂיא לִבְנֵי זְבוּלֻן אֱלִיאָב בֶּן־חֵלֹן׃

English Translation

Then the tribe of Zevulun: and Eli᾽av the son of Ḥelon shall be captain of the children of Zevulun.

Transliteration

Mateh Zvulun ve'nasi livnei Zvulun Eliyav ben-Chelon.

Hebrew Leining Text

מַטֵּ֖ה זְבוּלֻ֑ן וְנָשִׂיא֙ לִבְנֵ֣י זְבוּלֻ֔ן אֱלִיאָ֖ב בֶּן־חֵלֹֽן׃
מַטֵּ֖ה זְבוּלֻ֑ן וְנָשִׂיא֙ לִבְנֵ֣י זְבוּלֻ֔ן אֱלִיאָ֖ב בֶּן־חֵלֹֽן׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Tribe of Zevulun and Its Leader

The verse (Numbers 1:9) mentions the tribe of Zevulun and its appointed leader, Eli'av ben Chelon. According to Rashi, this Eli'av is the same individual later referred to as Eli'av ben Chelon in Numbers 7:24, who brought offerings during the dedication of the Mishkan. Rashi emphasizes that the consistency in naming highlights the importance of lineage and the honor given to tribal leaders in their service to Hashem.

The Role of Zevulun in Israel

The tribe of Zevulun is often associated with commerce and maritime trade, as referenced in Bereshit 49:13 ("Zevulun shall dwell by the seashore"). The Midrash Tanchuma (Vayechi 11) elaborates that Zevulun partnered with Yissachar—Zevulun engaged in business to support Yissachar’s Torah study, demonstrating the interdependence of material and spiritual pursuits in Klal Yisrael.

The Significance of Eli'av's Leadership

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 1:7) teaches that tribal leaders were chosen based on wisdom, righteousness, and capability to guide their people. Eli'av’s appointment reflects his merit and the divine wisdom in selecting leaders for each tribe. The Sforno adds that the phrase "נָשִׂיא" (captain) denotes not just political authority but also spiritual responsibility, as leaders were to inspire adherence to Torah.

Lessons from the Naming Convention

  • Rashi notes that the full title "Eli'av ben Chelon" underscores the importance of lineage, as tribal identity was tied to ancestry.
  • The Ba'al HaTurim points out that the name "Chelon" (חֵלֹן) shares a root with "chayil" (strength), suggesting Eli'av’s leadership was marked by vigor and dedication.
  • The Kli Yakar highlights that Zevulun’s representative being named Eli'av (אֱלִיאָב – "My God is Father") signifies the tribe’s devotion to Hashem despite their worldly engagements.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Eli'av ben Chelon mentioned in Numbers 2:7?
A: Eli'av ben Chelon was the leader (nasi) appointed over the tribe of Zevulun during their travels in the wilderness. According to Rashi, these tribal leaders were chosen for their wisdom and righteousness to represent their tribes before Hashem and Moshe.
Q: Why does the Torah list the leaders of each tribe in Numbers 2?
A: The Torah lists the leaders to show the honor and structure of the Israelite camp. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) teaches that each leader was carefully chosen to reflect the unique qualities of their tribe, and their orderly arrangement around the Mishkan (Tabernacle) demonstrated unity under Hashem's guidance.
Q: What was special about the tribe of Zevulun?
A: Zevulun was known for supporting Torah study through commerce. The Talmud (Berachot 34a) explains that Zevulun partnered with Yissachar – while Yissachar devoted themselves to learning, Zevulun engaged in business and shared the spiritual rewards. This verse highlights their importance among the tribes.
Q: How were the tribal leaders in the wilderness chosen?
A: Rambam (in his commentary on the Mishnah) explains that these leaders were selected based on their outstanding character and influence. The Midrash adds that they were the same noblemen who had previously resisted slavery in Egypt and now merited leadership roles.
Q: What can we learn from the orderly arrangement of the tribes in the wilderness?
A: The precise arrangement teaches the importance of unity with diversity. Each tribe had its own flag and leader (as seen with Zevulun and Eli'av), yet all were united around the Mishkan. This reflects how Jews today maintain unique customs while sharing core Torah values.