Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was Elyasaf ben De'uel mentioned in Numbers 7:42?
A: Elyasaf ben De'uel was the prince (nasi) of the tribe of Gad during the time of the dedication of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). As Rashi explains, each tribal leader brought identical offerings, but the Torah lists them separately to honor each one individually.
Q: Why does the Torah specify 'the sixth day' in Numbers 7:42?
A: The 'sixth day' refers to the sixth day of the 12-day dedication period when the tribal leaders brought offerings for the Mishkan. As the Midrash notes, though all brought the same gifts, each day is recorded separately to show that each leader's contribution was equally valued before Hashem.
Q: What can we learn from Elyasaf bringing his offering on the sixth day?
A: The Rambam teaches that this teaches the importance of patience and orderliness in divine service. Though all tribes had equal status, they waited their turn without jealousy. The Talmud (Yoma 26a) also derives from here that honor is given based on one's willingness to serve properly, not through rushing ahead.
Q: How does the dedication of the Mishkan apply to us today?
A: The Sages explain that just as each tribe contributed to the Mishkan in their proper time, today we must contribute to communal needs in an orderly way. The Kli Yakar adds that this teaches the value of both individual honor and collective unity in serving Hashem.
Q: Why is the father's name (De'uel) mentioned for Elyasaf?
A: Rashi explains that listing both names shows the importance of lineage in Jewish tradition. The Midrash Tanchuma adds that 'De'uel' (literally 'knower of G-d') hints that true leaders must be knowledgeable and God-fearing, as leadership is inherited through righteous families.
Context in the Torah
This verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 7:42, during the account of the offerings brought by the tribal leaders (nesi'im) for the dedication of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Each leader presented identical offerings on successive days, with Elyasaf ben De'uel representing the tribe of Gad on the sixth day.
Elyasaf ben De'uel: The Prince of Gad
Rashi (on Bamidbar 1:14) notes that Elyasaf's father is elsewhere called "Reuel" (Bamidbar 2:14), explaining that the name "De'uel" (דְּעוּאֵל) is a contraction of "דעה אל" – "knowledge of G-d," indicating his righteous character. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 12:19) teaches that the names of the nesi'im reflect their virtues and their tribes' roles in Israel's spiritual journey.
The Significance of the Sixth Day
The sequence of offerings corresponds to the tribes' encampment around the Mishkan. Gad was positioned to the south (Bamidbar 2:14), and the sixth day's offering mirrors the creation narrative, where the sixth day (Friday) culminates in preparation for Shabbat. The Kli Yakar (R' Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz) suggests this symbolizes Gad's role in balancing physical strength (as warriors, see Bereishit 49:19) with spiritual dedication.
The Offering's Deeper Meaning