Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was Elidad ben Kislon mentioned in Numbers 34:21?
A: Elidad ben Kislon was a representative from the tribe of Binyamin (Benjamin) appointed to help divide the Land of Israel among the tribes. According to Rashi, he was one of the leaders chosen for this sacred task of land distribution as the Israelites prepared to enter Eretz Yisrael.
Q: Why does the Torah list specific names like Elidad for dividing the land?
A: The Torah lists names like Elidad to teach us the importance of having trustworthy, G-d-fearing leaders for holy tasks. The Talmud (Bava Batra 122a) explains that these men were selected for their wisdom and righteousness to ensure fair and proper division of the Land according to Divine will.
Q: What can we learn from Elidad being from the tribe of Binyamin?
A: The fact that Elidad came from Binyamin teaches that every tribe had a unique role. Binyamin was the tribe where the Beit Hamikdash (Holy Temple) would later stand (as the portion of Jerusalem was in their territory), showing how each tribe's contribution was essential to the nation's spiritual mission.
Q: How is the division of land in Numbers 34 relevant today?
A: While we don't currently divide tribal portions, the principles remain relevant: (1) The Land of Israel is a sacred inheritance (Rambam, Hilchot Terumot), (2) Jewish leaders must act with fairness and integrity, and (3) every Jew has a unique portion in Torah and mitzvot - just as each tribe had its portion in the Land.
Q: Why does the verse mention Elidad's father's name (Kislon)?
A: Mentioning 'ben Kislon' (son of Kislon) follows the Torah's pattern of identifying people through their lineage. Midrash Tanchuma teaches this honors both the individual and their family, showing that our actions reflect on our ancestors and descendants - a lesson in maintaining family merit and responsibility.
Context in the Torah
The verse (Bamidbar 34:21) lists Elidad ben Kislon as the representative of the tribe of Binyamin in the division of the Land of Israel. This occurs in the context of Hashem instructing Moshe to appoint leaders from each tribe to oversee the distribution of the land.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi (Bamidbar 34:21) notes that the name Elidad ("אֱלִידָד") can be interpreted as "אֵל דּוֹד" (El Dod), meaning "God is my beloved" or "God of my uncle." This hints at his righteous character and close relationship with Hashem. The name Kislon ("כִּסְלוֹן") is less common, but Rashi does not provide additional commentary on it, suggesting it may simply be the name of his father without deeper significance in this context.
Midrashic Insights
Symbolism of Binyamin's Representation
The tribe of Binyamin held a unique position among the tribes, as their territory included Jerusalem (though it was later designated as a shared city). The selection of Elidad may symbolize the importance of fairness in land distribution, especially concerning sacred areas.
Halachic Significance
Rambam (Hilchot Terumot 1:2) derives from this portion that the division of the Land was a foundational act with lasting halachic implications, as it determined tribal boundaries for agricultural laws, terumot, and ma'aserot.