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Numbers 30:2 - Tribal vows: Divine or human?

Numbers 30:2 - במדבר 30:2

Hebrew Text

וַיְדַבֵּר מֹשֶׁה אֶל־רָאשֵׁי הַמַּטּוֹת לִבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל לֵאמֹר זֶה הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה׃

English Translation

And Moshe spoke to the heads of the tribes of the children of Yisra᾽el, saying, This is the thing which the Lord has commanded.

Transliteration

Vayedaber Moshe el-rashei hamatot livnei Yisrael lemor ze hadavar asher tziva Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶל־רָאשֵׁ֣י הַמַּטּ֔וֹת לִבְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לֵאמֹ֑ר זֶ֣ה הַדָּבָ֔ר אֲשֶׁ֖ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָֽה׃
וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶל־רָאשֵׁ֣י הַמַּטּ֔וֹת לִבְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לֵאמֹ֑ר זֶ֣ה הַדָּבָ֔ר אֲשֶׁ֖ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context and Significance of the Verse

The verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 30:2, introducing laws concerning vows and oaths. Rashi explains that Moshe was instructed to first address the Rashei HaMatot (heads of the tribes) before teaching these laws to the entire nation. This emphasizes the importance of leadership in transmitting Torah, as the heads of the tribes would ensure proper understanding and implementation among the people.

Why Address the Heads of the Tribes Specifically?

  • Rashi's Explanation: Rashi notes that this section follows the laws of communal offerings (Korbanot HaTzibbur), indicating that vows and oaths are matters of personal commitment that still require communal oversight. The leaders ensure that vows are made responsibly and in accordance with halacha.
  • Rambam's Perspective: In Hilchot Nedarim, Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that vows must be treated with utmost seriousness. By addressing the leaders first, Moshe reinforced that even personal obligations must align with Torah principles.

The Phrase "Zeh HaDavar" ("This is the Thing")

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) highlights the term Zeh HaDavar, noting that it signifies precision in halacha. Unlike other commandments where Moshe might have added his own explanations, here he conveyed Hashem's exact words to prevent any misinterpretation in matters of vows, which carry severe consequences if broken.

Leadership and Halachic Authority

The Kli Yakar (R’ Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz) explains that the heads of the tribes were chosen not only for their wisdom but also for their ability to judge fairly in cases of annulling vows (hatarat nedarim). This underscores the role of Torah leaders in maintaining spiritual and legal order within the community.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe speak specifically to the heads of the tribes in Numbers 30:2?
A: According to Rashi, Moshe addressed the heads of the tribes because this section deals with laws of vows (nedarim), which often involve financial or communal obligations. The leaders needed to understand these laws thoroughly to guide the people properly and judge cases involving vows (based on Talmud Nedarim 78a).
Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'This is the thing which the Lord has commanded' in this verse?
A: The Ramban explains that this phrasing emphasizes the divine origin and seriousness of the laws that follow (about vows). The Torah uses similar language when introducing major commandments to show they come directly from Hashem and require careful attention.
Q: How do the laws introduced in Numbers 30:2 apply to us today?
A: The principles about vows taught here remain very relevant. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 203) rules that one must be extremely careful before making vows or oaths, as breaking them is a serious matter. The verse teaches us to consider our words carefully and fulfill commitments.
Q: Why does the Torah place the laws of vows in the middle of the Book of Numbers?
A: The Midrash Tanchuma connects this to the previous section about the daily sacrifices, teaching that just as offerings are sacred commitments to Hashem, so too are our verbal vows sacred commitments that must be honored. The placement shows how speech can be as binding as actions.
Q: What lesson can we learn from how Moshe delivered these laws in Numbers 30:2?
A: The Ohr HaChaim highlights that Moshe first taught the leaders, showing the importance of proper Torah transmission through a chain of teachers to students. This models how we should learn - from qualified teachers who themselves learned from reliable tradition (based on Pirkei Avot 1:1).