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Numbers 31:33 - War spoils' kosher division dilemma

Numbers 31:33 - במדבר 31:33

Hebrew Text

וּבָקָר שְׁנַיִם וְשִׁבְעִים אָלֶף׃

English Translation

And seventy two thousand head of beef,

Transliteration

Uvakar shnayim vishivim elef.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבָקָ֕ר שְׁנַ֥יִם וְשִׁבְעִ֖ים אָֽלֶף׃
וּבָקָ֕ר שְׁנַ֥יִם וְשִׁבְעִ֖ים אָֽלֶף׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse "וּבָקָר שְׁנַיִם וְשִׁבְעִים אָלֶף" (And seventy-two thousand head of beef) appears in Numbers 31:38, within the context of the spoils of war from the battle against Midian. This was part of the distribution of the captured livestock among the Israelites, the Levites, and as a tribute to Hashem.

Interpretation of the Number 72,000

Rashi, citing the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 22:4), explains that the number 72,000 is significant because it corresponds to the 72 sacrifices offered during the seven days of the inauguration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). This parallel suggests that the spoils of war were sanctified in a manner reminiscent of the Mishkan's dedication.

  • Symbolism: The number 72,000 may also allude to the completeness of the victory, as 72 is a multiple of 12 (tribes of Israel) and 6 (days of creation), symbolizing divine order and blessing.
  • Practical Allocation: Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 8:1) discusses the laws of spoils of war, emphasizing that such distributions were made according to divine command, ensuring fairness and sanctity.

Spiritual Lessons

The Midrash (Tanchuma, Matot 3) teaches that the spoils, including the 72,000 cattle, were a test for Bnei Yisrael. Their proper handling demonstrated gratitude to Hashem for the victory and reinforced the principle that material gains must be sanctified through mitzvot, such as giving portions to the Kohanim and Levi'im.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Chullin 17a) discusses the laws of slaughtering and consuming these cattle, noting that even in times of war, the Israelites adhered to the laws of kashrut and proper sanctification. This underscores the idea that holiness must be maintained even in extraordinary circumstances.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the number 72,000 cattle represent in Numbers 31:33?
A: The 72,000 cattle mentioned in Numbers 31:33 were part of the spoils taken from the Midianites after the battle described in this parsha. According to Rashi, these numbers demonstrate the great wealth that was captured, showing how Hashem blessed Bnei Yisrael with material success in their military campaign.
Q: Why does the Torah specify the exact number of cattle captured?
A: The Torah specifies exact numbers to teach us the importance of accounting for everything that belongs to the community. Rambam teaches that precise counting reflects honesty in handling communal property. Additionally, the Midrash notes that these numbers highlight how the spoils were divided fairly between the warriors and the rest of the nation.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the spoils of war in Numbers 31:33?
A: This verse teaches us that material gains must be handled with kedusha (holiness). The Talmud (Chullin 17a) explains that even spoils of war require proper shechita (kosher slaughter) and purification before use. It reminds us that all possessions, even those acquired through battle, must be used in accordance with Torah law.