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Numbers 7:11 - Princes' altar dedication days

Numbers 7:11 - במדבר 7:11

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה נָשִׂיא אֶחָד לַיּוֹם נָשִׂיא אֶחָד לַיּוֹם יַקְרִיבוּ אֶת־קָרְבָּנָם לַחֲנֻכַּת הַמִּזְבֵּחַ׃

English Translation

And the Lord said to Moshe, They shall offer their offering, each prince on his day, for the dedicating of the altar.

Transliteration

Vayomer Adonai el-Moshe nasi echad layom nasi echad layom yakrivu et-korbano lachanukat hamizbe'ach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֑ה נָשִׂ֨יא אֶחָ֜ד לַיּ֗וֹם נָשִׂ֤יא אֶחָד֙ לַיּ֔וֹם יַקְרִ֙יבוּ֙ אֶת־קׇרְבָּנָ֔ם לַחֲנֻכַּ֖ת הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֑ה נָשִׂ֨יא אֶחָ֜ד לַיּ֗וֹם נָשִׂ֤יא אֶחָד֙ לַיּ֔וֹם יַקְרִ֙יבוּ֙ אֶת־קׇרְבָּנָ֔ם לַחֲנֻכַּ֖ת הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Bamidbar 7:11) introduces the sequence of offerings brought by the twelve tribal princes (nesi'im) during the dedication of the Mishkan. Each prince brought identical offerings on successive days, totaling twelve days of consecration.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi notes the repetition of "nasi echad layom, nasi echad layom" (one prince each day) and explains that this emphasizes each prince had his own designated day—none could bring their offering simultaneously. This teaches the importance of honoring each tribe individually (Rashi on Bamidbar 7:11).

The Order of the Offerings

  • Chronological Significance: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:14) states the order followed the tribes' birth order and their encampment around the Mishkan, reflecting divine wisdom in their arrangement.
  • Equal Honor: Despite differences in tribal status (e.g., Yehuda as kings, Levi as priests), each prince brought the same offering, symbolizing equality before Hashem (Sforno on Bamidbar 7:11).

Symbolism of the Altar's Dedication

The Ramban explains that the altar required sanctification through communal participation. By having each tribe contribute, the entire nation became partners in the Mishkan's sanctity (Ramban on Bamidbar 7:10). The Talmud (Menachot 95a) further links this to the idea that unity in divine service brings lasting merit.

Practical Halachic Insight

The Kli Yakar highlights that the princes voluntarily initiated these offerings, setting a precedent for leaders to act with generosity in sacred matters. This aligns with the principle of zerizim makdimim l'mitzvot (those eager perform mitzvot promptly—Pesachim 4a).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 13a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the offerings brought by the princes during the dedication of the altar.
📖 Menachot 95a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the order and significance of the offerings made by the tribal princes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 7:11 mean?
A: Numbers 7:11 describes how each tribal leader (nasi) of Israel brought offerings on successive days to dedicate the altar in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). This was part of the inauguration ceremony, showing unity and shared responsibility among the tribes in serving Hashem. Rashi explains that each prince had his own designated day to emphasize individual honor while maintaining collective participation.
Q: Why was the altar dedication done over 12 days?
A: The dedication lasted 12 days—one day per tribe—to give equal honor to each nasi and avoid rivalry. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:14) teaches that although they could have brought offerings together, Hashem arranged separate days to highlight each tribe’s unique contribution while uniting them in a common purpose.
Q: What can we learn from the princes' offerings in this verse?
A: The verse teaches the importance of both individuality and unity in serving Hashem. Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 1:12) notes that while all tribes shared the same goal, each leader brought identical offerings to show equality. This reminds us that everyone has a distinct role, but all contributions are equally valued in fulfilling a mitzvah.
Q: How does this verse apply to leadership today?
A: The princes’ example shows that true leadership involves humility and cooperation. The Talmud (Horayot 10a) praises their willingness to take turns without jealousy. Today, leaders should emulate this by recognizing others’ roles and working together for communal goals, as seen in synagogue or community projects.
Q: Why is the dedication of the altar important in Judaism?
A: The altar’s dedication marked the Mishkan’s readiness for divine service, symbolizing the relationship between Hashem and Israel. The Ramban explains that this event foreshadowed the eternal bond represented by the Temple. Today, we recall this dedication during Chanukah, which also celebrates renewing sacred service (as per the name 'Chanukat HaMizbeach' in the verse).