After receiving the Torah and setting up
the culture and society of the Bnei Yisrael is Sefers Shemos and Vayikra, Sefer
Bamidbar begins the process of the nation traveling to Eretz Yisrael. And what
better way for the Sefer to begin than to describe the camping method. The
Torah details exactly how the nation camped and traveled, the process that the
nation went through to shift from camping mode to traveling mode, the formation
of the tribe during these, even the exact order that they traveled in, as
directed by Hashem to Moshe.
They encamped in a box formation, three
tribes together on each side, with the Mishkan in the middle surrounded by
Shevet Levi. The tribes of Yehuda, Yissachar, and Zevulun were together in
front (on the eastern side). Reuven, Shimon, and Gad on their right, to the
south of the Mishkan. In the back to the west were Efraim, Menashe, and
Binyamin. To the north on the left side of the formation were Dan, Asher, and
Naftali. Chazal tell us that Yaakov Avinu determined this formation. When he
died, he instructed his sons to position themselves in this manner when they
carried his body for burial in Eretz Yisrael. What was the reason for this
formation? Why were these specific tribes paired up with each other and why on
those specific sides?
Rav Hirsh gives an explanation in his
classic manner. Let’s begin with the front group. Each of the three shevatim on
that side figured prominently in the material and spiritual success of the
nation. Yehuda was the royal tribe, Yissachar was responsible for constant
Torah study, and Zevulun was the most prominent commercial tribe. (All these
ideas are found in their blessings given to them by Yaakov in Bereishis 49, and
brought into reality through the remainder of NaCH.) So right at the front of
the nation were the most vital pieces to their survival, the ruling party,
Torah study, and financial support.
The two side groups each contained an
important factor in the protection of the nation. The tribes of Shimon and Gad
were known as fierce warriors, and Reuven was known for having a softer
character. These traits balanced each other out, and allowed this group to be
the physical protectors of the nation. Dan, Asher, and Naftali were all known
for traits that would help grow and develop the culture of the nation. Dan was
known for quick thinking, Asher for refined taste, and Naftali for eloquence.
(As we mentioned before, these characteristics are all based on Yaakov’s blessings
to his children in Bereishis 49.)
When it comes to the back group, Rav
Hirsh admits that it’s not as clear to him as the others. However, he focuses
on the bracha Yaakov gave Menashe and Efraim in Bereishis 48 that they should
both become great and mighty tribes. This greatness and might was why they camped
opposite Yehuda, not just practically as extra protection in the rear of the
group, but symbolically as well. Later on in history, the tribes of Yosef would
break away from the Kingdom of Yehuda, denying his leadership of Bnei Yisrael.
Instead of complementing Yehuda with their greatness, they instead tried to
tear his greatness away from him. Therefore, they were positioned opposite him
in the back.
Similarly, the first King of Yisrael,
Shaul, was from the tribe of Binyamin. Even though he didn’t steal any kingdom
from Yehuda as there was no king yet in his day, because Binyamin did produce a
king, perhaps that’s why they was placed in this same grouping.
Shabbat Shalom!
Click here for last year's Dvar Torah for Parshas Bamidbar
Click here to listen this this week's Podcast (Also available on Apple Podcasts)
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