Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of the number of donkeys (61,000) mentioned in Numbers 31:34?
A: In Numbers 31:34, the 61,000 donkeys were part of the spoils of war from the battle against Midian. According to Rashi, this large number shows the great wealth that the Israelites acquired, fulfilling Hashem's promise to bless them. The counting also emphasizes the precision of the distribution, as the spoils were divided among the people, the Levites, and the Kohen (High Priest).
Q: Why does the Torah specify the exact number of donkeys in this verse?
A: The Torah specifies exact numbers (like 61,000 donkeys) to teach the importance of honesty and accountability, especially when dealing with communal property. The Midrash explains that every detail in the Torah has a purpose, and precise counting reflects the Israelites' integrity in dividing the spoils fairly, as commanded by Moshe (Moses).
Q: How were the donkeys and other spoils from Midian used by the Israelites?
A: The donkeys and other spoils were divided into three parts: one part for the warriors, one part for the rest of the community, and a portion for the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and the Kohanim (priests). The Rambam explains that this division ensured that everyone benefited, including those who served in a spiritual capacity, reinforcing the idea of shared responsibility in Jewish life.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the spoils of war being counted and recorded in the Torah?
A: The detailed accounting teaches us the importance of transparency and gratitude. The Talmud (Chullin 11a) notes that recording the spoils reminds us that material success comes from Hashem, and we must use our possessions ethically. It also sets an example for handling communal resources with honesty and fairness.
Context in the Torah
The verse "וַחֲמֹרִים אֶחָד וְשִׁשִּׁים אָלֶף" (and sixty-one thousand donkeys) appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 31:34, as part of the tally of spoils taken from the Midianites after the battle commanded by Hashem. This count includes livestock captured by Bnei Yisrael.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi notes that the unusual phrasing "אֶחָד וְשִׁשִּׁים אָלֶף" (one and sixty thousand) emphasizes that the count was exact, not rounded. The extra "one" donkey beyond the sixty thousand teaches precision in accounting for war spoils, as they were to be divided between soldiers, the community, and gifts to the Kohen (based on Bamidbar 31:27-30).
Numerical Significance
Halachic Implications
The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 8:1-2) derives from this verse that spoils of war must be counted meticulously before distribution, ensuring fairness and avoiding disputes. The extra "one" donkey underscores the obligation to account for even minor assets in communal divisions.
Symbolic Interpretation
The Alshich teaches that donkeys (chamorim) represent the chomer (physicality) of the world. Capturing 61,000 donkeys signifies elevating mundane possessions through their use for holy purposes, as these spoils were later sanctified for the Mishkan and Kohanim.