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Numbers 34:25 - Zevulun's leader: Divine appointment?

Numbers 34:25 - במדבר 34:25

Hebrew Text

וּלְמַטֵּה בְנֵי־זְבוּלֻן נָשִׂיא אֱלִיצָפָן בֶּן־פַּרְנָךְ׃

English Translation

And the prince of the tribe of the children of Zevulun, Eliżafan the son of Parnakh.

Transliteration

Ulematte venei-Zvulun nasi Elitzafan ben-Parnach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּלְמַטֵּ֥ה בְנֵֽי־זְבוּלֻ֖ן נָשִׂ֑יא אֱלִיצָפָ֖ן בֶּן־פַּרְנָֽךְ׃
וּלְמַטֵּ֥ה בְנֵֽי־זְבוּלֻ֖ן נָשִׂ֑יא אֱלִיצָפָ֖ן בֶּן־פַּרְנָֽךְ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 34:25) lists Eliẓafan ben Parnakh as the prince (נָשִׂיא) representing the tribe of Zevulun in the division of the Land of Israel. This appears in the context of the leaders appointed to oversee the distribution of tribal portions under the guidance of Elazar the Kohen and Yehoshua bin Nun.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Bamidbar 34:25) notes that this Eliẓafan is the same individual mentioned earlier (Bamidbar 3:30) as the leader of the Kehatite family of Levi'im. This indicates that a Levite was chosen to represent Zevulun in dividing the land, despite Levites not receiving a territorial portion. Rashi explains that since the Levites were dispersed among the tribes, it was appropriate for them to participate in the allocation process.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:13) highlights the significance of Zevulun's representative being from the tribe of Levi. It connects this to the symbiotic relationship between Zevulun and Yissachar—where Zevulun engaged in commerce to support Yissachar's Torah study. The choice of a Levite as Zevulun's prince reinforces the tribe's spiritual role in facilitating Torah learning.

Name Analysis

  • Eliẓafan (אֱלִיצָפָן): Meaning "My G-d has concealed" or "protected," suggesting divine guardianship over the tribe's interests in the land division.
  • Parnakh (פַּרְנָךְ): Some commentators (e.g., Ibn Ezra) link this to "parnas," meaning sustainer, alluding to the Levites' role in sustaining spiritual life.

Halachic Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Terumot 1:2) derives from such verses that land division required representatives with integrity and Torah knowledge. A Levite's involvement ensured impartiality, as they had no personal stake in territorial claims.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Elitzafan ben Parnach mentioned in Numbers 34:25?
A: Elitzafan ben Parnach was the prince (nasi) of the tribe of Zevulun during the time when the Land of Israel was being divided among the tribes. He was chosen as a leader to represent his tribe in matters of land allocation, as recorded in the Torah (Bamidbar 34:25). Rashi explains that these princes were appointed for their wisdom and righteousness to oversee the fair distribution of the land.
Q: Why does the Torah list the names of tribal princes like Elitzafan?
A: The Torah lists the names of the tribal princes to emphasize the importance of proper leadership and representation. Each tribe had its own prince to ensure their interests were respected during the division of the Land of Israel. Rambam teaches that leadership in Judaism must be based on merit and responsibility, and these princes were chosen for their integrity and ability to serve their people.
Q: What can we learn from the role of Elitzafan in the Torah?
A: From Elitzafan's role as a prince of Zevulun, we learn the importance of dedicated leadership in Jewish life. The Midrash highlights that tribal leaders were responsible not just for land distribution but also for guiding their people spiritually. This teaches us that leadership in Judaism involves both practical and spiritual responsibilities, ensuring the welfare of the community in all aspects.
Q: Why is the tribe of Zevulun mentioned in this verse?
A: Zevulun is mentioned here because each tribe had a designated portion in the Land of Israel, and their prince played a key role in securing it. The Talmud (Sotah 13b) notes that Zevulun was known for supporting Torah study through commerce, showing that each tribe had a unique role in the Jewish nation. This verse reminds us of the unity and diversity among the tribes.