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Numbers 32:18 - Tribes' pledge for unity

Numbers 32:18 - במדבר 32:18

Hebrew Text

לֹא נָשׁוּב אֶל־בָּתֵּינוּ עַד הִתְנַחֵל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אִישׁ נַחֲלָתוֹ׃

English Translation

We will not return to our houses, until the children of Yisra᾽el have inherited every man his inheritance.

Transliteration

Lo nashuv el-bateinu ad hitnakhel bnei yisrael ish nakhalato.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹ֥א נָשׁ֖וּב אֶל־בָּתֵּ֑ינוּ עַ֗ד הִתְנַחֵל֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אִ֖ישׁ נַחֲלָתֽוֹ׃
לֹ֥א נָשׁ֖וּב אֶל־בָּתֵּ֑ינוּ עַ֗ד הִתְנַחֵל֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אִ֖ישׁ נַחֲלָתֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Joshua 22:9) appears in the context of the tribes of Reuven, Gad, and half of Menashe, who requested to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River. Moshe Rabbeinu granted their request on the condition that they first assist the other tribes in conquering the land of Canaan before returning to their own inheritance.

Explanation of the Commitment

The phrase "לֹא נָשׁוּב אֶל־בָּתֵּינוּ" ("We will not return to our houses") reflects the unwavering commitment of these tribes to fulfill their promise to Moshe. Rashi (Joshua 22:9) emphasizes that they did not deviate from their word, demonstrating their integrity and dedication to the collective mission of Bnei Yisrael.

Meaning of "עַד הִתְנַחֵל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל"

The condition "עַד הִתְנַחֵל" ("until [the children of Israel] have inherited") underscores that their obligation was not merely to participate in battle but to ensure that all tribes received their allotted portions. The Ramban (Numbers 32:24) explains that this was not just a military duty but a spiritual responsibility—to help establish the divine plan of settling Eretz Yisrael.

Emphasis on Unity

The Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 7) highlights that this episode teaches the importance of unity among the tribes. Even though Reuven, Gad, and half of Menashe had their own lands, they prioritized the needs of the entire nation before attending to their personal interests.

Halachic and Ethical Lessons

  • Fulfilling Promises: The tribes' adherence to their word serves as a model for keeping commitments, as emphasized in Talmudic ethics (Makkot 24a).
  • Collective Responsibility: The verse reinforces the principle that individual Jews must act for the benefit of Klal Yisrael (the community of Israel) before personal gain (Pirkei Avot 2:4).
  • Loyalty to Eretz Yisrael: Their actions reflect the mitzvah of settling the land, a central value in Jewish tradition (Rambam, Hilchot Terumot 1:1-2).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 32:18 mean?
A: This verse is part of the promise made by the tribes of Reuben and Gad to Moshe (Moses). They agreed to help the other tribes conquer the land of Israel before settling in their own inherited land east of the Jordan River. The phrase 'We will not return to our houses' shows their commitment to stand with their brethren until all of Israel receives their portions.
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse teaches the importance of unity and responsibility among the Jewish people. The tribes of Reuben and Gad demonstrated loyalty by delaying their own comfort to help others fulfill the mitzvah (commandment) of settling the Land of Israel. The Talmud (Bava Kamma 117a) praises those who assist others in fulfilling mitzvot.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 32:18 today?
A: The verse teaches us the value of putting communal needs before personal comfort. Just as Reuben and Gad prioritized helping their brothers, we should support our fellow Jews in spiritual and physical needs before focusing solely on ourselves. The Rambam (Maimonides) emphasizes this principle in Hilchot De'ot (Laws of Character Traits).
Q: How does this verse relate to the concept of Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel)?
A: This verse highlights the collective responsibility of all tribes in settling the Land of Israel. Rashi explains that the inheritance of the land was a joint mission, showing that Eretz Yisrael is a national heritage for all Jews, not just individuals. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) connects this to the idea that the land is acquired through unity and shared effort.