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Numbers 31:5 - Tribal unity in holy war

Numbers 31:5 - במדבר 31:5

Hebrew Text

וַיִּמָּסְרוּ מֵאַלְפֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶלֶף לַמַּטֶּה שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂר אֶלֶף חֲלוּצֵי צָבָא׃

English Translation

So there were delivered out of the thousands of Yisra᾽el, a thousand of every tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.

Transliteration

Vayimasru me'alfei Yisrael elef lama'te shneim asar elef chalutsei tzava.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּמָּֽסְרוּ֙ מֵאַלְפֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֶ֖לֶף לַמַּטֶּ֑ה שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂ֥ר אֶ֖לֶף חֲלוּצֵ֥י צָבָֽא׃
וַיִּמָּֽסְרוּ֙ מֵאַלְפֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֶ֖לֶף לַמַּטֶּ֑ה שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂ֥ר אֶ֖לֶף חֲלוּצֵ֥י צָבָֽא׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Bamidbar 31:5) describes the selection of soldiers from each tribe of Israel to wage war against Midian, as commanded by Hashem. The phrase "וַיִּמָּסְרוּ מֵאַלְפֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" ("delivered out of the thousands of Israel") indicates a formal mustering of troops, emphasizing organization and divine appointment.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the term "וַיִּמָּסְרוּ" ("delivered") implies that the leaders of each tribe handed over the selected soldiers willingly and with full consent. The phrase "אֶלֶף לַמַּטֶּה" ("a thousand of every tribe") shows equitable representation, ensuring no single tribe bore disproportionate responsibility for the war effort.

Symbolism of Twelve Thousand Soldiers

The number twelve thousand (שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂר אֶלֶף) holds significance in Jewish thought:

  • Unity of the Tribes: Each tribe contributed equally, reinforcing the idea of collective responsibility (כל ישראל ערבים זה בזה).
  • Divine Precision: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 22:4) notes that the number corresponds to the twelve tribes, reflecting Hashem's meticulous planning in warfare.

Halachic Insights from Rambam

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 7:1) derives from this verse principles about military conduct:

  • Fair Conscription: Soldiers must be selected proportionally from all tribes, avoiding favoritism.
  • Readiness for War: The term "חֲלוּצֵי צָבָא" ("armed for war") teaches that soldiers must be properly equipped and spiritually prepared (see Deut. 20:1-8).

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash Tanchuma (Matot 3) highlights that these soldiers were not only physically armed but also spiritually fortified. Their mission against Midian was not merely a battle of strength but a moral imperative to eradicate evil (עבודה זרה) and its influence.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 31:5 mean when it says 'a thousand of every tribe'?
A: This verse describes how each of the 12 tribes of Israel contributed 1,000 men to form an army of 12,000 soldiers to wage war against Midian. Rashi explains that this was a fair and equal representation from each tribe, showing unity in fulfilling Hashem's command.
Q: Why were exactly 12,000 soldiers chosen in Numbers 31:5?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 22b) teaches that taking an equal number from each tribe (1,000 per tribe) demonstrated fairness and prevented any one tribe from bearing a disproportionate burden. The Rambam (Melachim 6:1) also notes that this number was sufficient for the military objective while maintaining balance among the tribes.
Q: What can we learn from the phrase 'armed for war' in Numbers 31:5?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 22:4) explains that being 'armed for war' refers to both physical weapons and spiritual preparation. The soldiers needed proper military training, but also had to be morally and spiritually ready, as they were carrying out a divine mission. This teaches us the importance of proper preparation in all our endeavors.