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Numbers 7:48 - Efrayim's prince's seventh-day offering

Numbers 7:48 - במדבר 7:48

Hebrew Text

בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי נָשִׂיא לִבְנֵי אֶפְרָיִם אֱלִישָׁמָע בֶּן־עַמִּיהוּד׃

English Translation

On the seventh day Elishama the son of ῾Ammihud, prince of the children of Efrayim, offered:

Transliteration

Bayom hashvi'i nasi livnei Efrayim Elishama ben-Ammihud.

Hebrew Leining Text

בַּיּוֹם֙ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י נָשִׂ֖יא לִבְנֵ֣י אֶפְרָ֑יִם אֱלִֽישָׁמָ֖ע בֶּן־עַמִּיהֽוּד׃
בַּיּוֹם֙ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י נָשִׂ֖יא לִבְנֵ֣י אֶפְרָ֑יִם אֱלִֽישָׁמָ֖ע בֶּן־עַמִּיהֽוּד׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Bamidbar 7:48) appears in the section detailing the offerings brought by the tribal leaders (nesi'im) during the dedication of the Mishkan. Each prince of the twelve tribes brought identical offerings over twelve consecutive days, with Elishama ben Ammihud representing the tribe of Ephraim on the seventh day.

Elishama ben Ammihud

Rashi (Bamidbar 7:48) notes that Elishama was the grandfather of Yehoshua bin Nun (Joshua), connecting this leader to future greatness. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 14:4) elaborates that Ephraim's offering being on the seventh day hints at Yehoshua's role in conquering Eretz Yisrael, as the number seven symbolizes completion (like the seven days of creation and seven years of conquest).

Significance of the Seventh Day

  • Completion: The number seven represents wholeness in Jewish thought (Shabbat, Shemittah, etc.). The Sforno suggests Ephraim's seventh-day offering alludes to their future role in completing the conquest of Canaan under Yehoshua's leadership.
  • Ephraim's Precedence: Though Menashe was Yosef's firstborn, Ephraim received precedence (Bereishit 48:14-20). Their seventh-day position may reflect this elevated status.

Symbolism of the Offerings

The Kli Yakar (Bamidbar 7:48) observes that all tribes brought identical offerings to demonstrate unity, despite their individual characteristics. Ephraim's offering on the seventh day particularly emphasizes this unity reaching its perfected state.

Leadership Lessons

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch notes that Elishama's willingness to wait until the seventh day—without seeking earlier prominence—teaches the value of patience and humility in leadership, qualities embodied by his descendant Yehoshua.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the offerings brought by the tribal princes in Numbers 7?
A: The offerings brought by the tribal princes (including Elishama from Ephraim) were dedicated to the inauguration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Each prince brought identical offerings on successive days to demonstrate unity among the tribes, despite their individual identities. Rashi explains that this teaches the importance of equality and mutual respect in serving Hashem.
Q: Why is Elishama specifically mentioned as the prince of Ephraim?
A: Elishama is mentioned because each tribe had a designated leader (nasi) who represented them in sacred matters. The Torah lists each prince individually to honor their role in contributing to the Mishkan. Rambam teaches that leadership in Judaism carries responsibility, and these princes set an example of devotion to communal service.
Q: Why does the Torah repeat the same details for each prince's offering?
A: Although each prince brought identical offerings, the Torah repeats the details twelve times to emphasize the equal importance of each tribe. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) notes that this repetition shows Hashem values every tribe's contribution individually, just as each person's mitzvot are cherished uniquely.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the princes bringing offerings for the Mishkan?
A: The Talmud (Chagigah 7a) derives from this that leaders must set an example in supporting communal holiness. Just as the princes initiated the Mishkan's service, we learn that those in positions of influence should lead in Torah observance and acts of kindness to inspire others.
Q: How does this verse connect to the theme of tribal unity?
A: Despite each tribe having its own identity and prince, they all participated equally in dedicating the Mishkan. The Sforno explains that this teaches unity through shared sacred goals—while diversity exists among Jews, we unite in serving Hashem and upholding Torah values.