Numbers 7:30 - Reuben's prince's generous dedication

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Hebrew Text

בַּיּוֹם הָרְבִיעִי נָשִׂיא לִבְנֵי רְאוּבֵן אֱלִיצוּר בֶּן־שְׁדֵיאוּר׃

English Translation

On the fourth day Eliżur the son of Shede᾽ur, prince of the children of Re᾽uven, did offer:

Transliteration

Bayom harevi'i nasi livnei Reuven Elitzur ben-Shedeiur.

Hebrew Leining Text

בַּיּוֹם֙ הָרְבִיעִ֔י נָשִׂ֖יא לִבְנֵ֣י רְאוּבֵ֑ן אֱלִיצ֖וּר בֶּן־שְׁדֵיאֽוּר׃

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Bamidbar 7:30) appears in the section detailing the offerings brought by the tribal leaders (nesi'im) during the dedication of the Mishkan. Each leader brought identical offerings on successive days, with Eliẓur ben Shede'ur representing Reuven on the fourth day.

Eliẓur's Role as Nasi

Rashi (Bamidbar 7:30) notes that the term nasi (prince) emphasizes Eliẓur's leadership position over the tribe of Reuven. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:15) highlights that each leader was chosen based on merit, not merely lineage.

Significance of Reuven's Placement

Reuven, as Yaakov's firstborn, might have expected to offer first. However, Ramban (Bamidbar 7:12) explains that Yehuda's precedence reflects the future kingship of David (from Yehuda) and the importance of humility (as Reuven demonstrated after his earlier mistakes).
The Sforno adds that the orderly progression of offerings teaches the value of each tribe's unique contribution to Klal Yisrael.

Eliẓur's Name

The name Eliẓur (אֱלִיצוּר) means "My G-d is a rock." The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:15) connects this to his steadfastness in leadership. His father's name, Shede'ur (שְׁדֵיאוּר), is interpreted by Ba'al HaTurim as alluding to divine inspiration (she-dibur, "that speaks"), suggesting prophetic qualities.

Fourth Day Symbolism

The Kli Yakar notes that the fourth day corresponds to the sun's creation (Bereshit 1:16), symbolizing how tribal leaders illuminate the nation like celestial bodies. Reuven's offering on this day may hint at his role in maintaining spiritual light despite challenges.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Elitzur ben Shede'ur mentioned in Numbers 7:30?
A: Elitzur ben Shede'ur was the prince (nasi) of the tribe of Reuven during the time of the Israelites' journey in the wilderness. As a leader, he represented his tribe in bringing offerings for the dedication of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), as described in this verse and the surrounding context.

Q: Why does the Torah list each tribe's offering separately if they were all the same?
A: Although each tribe brought identical offerings (as detailed in Numbers 7:12-88), the Torah lists them individually to honor each tribe and emphasize that every leader's contribution was equally valued before Hashem. Rashi (Numbers 7:19) explains that this teaches the importance of recognizing each person's unique intent and devotion in serving G-d, even if their actions appear similar to others.

Q: What is the significance of the 'fourth day' in Numbers 7:30?
A: The 'fourth day' refers to the sequence in which the tribal leaders brought their offerings for the Mishkan's dedication. Each day, a different prince presented his tribe's gifts, and Elitzur represented Reuven on the fourth day. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:14) notes that this orderly progression reflects the dignity and unity of the tribes in their divine service.

Q: What can we learn from Elitzur's role in this verse?
A: Elitzur's role teaches the importance of communal leadership and responsibility. As nasi, he didn't just act for personal merit but represented all of Reuven's descendants. The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 4:20) derives from such verses that leaders must prioritize their people's spiritual and physical needs, setting an example of dedication to Hashem's service.