Numbers 26:31 - Tribes' hidden spiritual legacy?

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Hebrew Text

וְאַשְׂרִיאֵל מִשְׁפַּחַת הָאַשְׂרִאֵלִי וְשֶׁכֶם מִשְׁפַּחַת הַשִּׁכְמִי׃

English Translation

and of Asri᾽el, the family of the Asri᾽eli: and of Shekhem, the the family of the Shikhmi:

Transliteration

Ve'asriel mishpakhat ha'asri'eli veshechem mishpakhat hashikhmi.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאַ֨שְׂרִיאֵ֔ל מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הָאַשְׂרִֽאֵלִ֑י וְשֶׁ֕כֶם מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַשִּׁכְמִֽי׃

Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Bamidbar

The verse (Bamidbar 26:31) appears in the census of Bnei Yisrael taken in the plains of Moav before entering Eretz Yisrael. It lists the families descended from Menashe, son of Yosef, specifically mentioning the families of Asri'el and Shekhem.

The Family of Asri'el

Rashi (Bamidbar 26:31) explains that Asri'el was a son of Menashe, as stated in Divrei Hayamim I 7:14. The name Asri'el is interpreted by the Radak (Divrei Hayamim I 7:14) as meaning "G-d is my help" (עזר-אל). The Sifrei (Bamidbar 133) notes that this family was counted separately due to their distinct lineage.

The Family of Shekhem

Rashi (Bamidbar 26:31) identifies Shekhem as another son of Menashe. The name Shekhem may relate to the city of Shekhem in Eretz Yisrael, suggesting a connection to this territory. The Talmud (Bava Batra 118b) discusses how the descendants of Menashe inherited land in both Transjordan and west of the Jordan, with Shekhem's portion being particularly significant.

Inheritance and Tribal Allotments

The Ramban (Bamidbar 26:31) emphasizes that these families received distinct portions in Eretz Yisrael, reflecting the Torah's principle (Bamidbar 26:53-56) of allocating land based on family size and divine lot.
The Da'at Zekeinim MiBa'alei HaTosafot notes that Shekhem's descendants may have had a special connection to the city of Shekhem, which was later given to Levi'im as an ir miklat (city of refuge).

Lessons from the Names

The Kli Yakar (Bamidbar 26:31) draws attention to the meanings of these names: Asri'el ("G-d is my help") teaches reliance on Hashem, while Shekhem (literally "shoulder") symbolizes bearing the yoke of Torah. This reflects the dual spiritual and physical inheritance of Eretz Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 26:31 mean?
A: Numbers 26:31 lists two families descended from the tribe of Menasheh (Manasseh): the family of Asri'el (Asrielites) and the family of Shekhem (Shechemites). This is part of the census taken in the wilderness to count the Israelites before entering the Land of Israel. Rashi explains that these names represent descendants of Menasheh through his son Machir (see Numbers 26:29).

Q: Why is the family of Shekhem mentioned in the Torah?
A: The family of Shekhem is mentioned because they were an important clan within the tribe of Menasheh. The name Shekhem may refer to the city of Shekhem (Shechem) in Israel, showing the family's connection to that region. The Talmud (Bava Batra 118a) discusses how the tribes received their portions in the Land of Israel, and families like the Shechemites would have had ancestral ties to specific areas.

Q: What can we learn from the listing of families in Numbers 26?
A: The detailed listing of families teaches us the importance of every individual and family within the Jewish people. The Rambam (Maimonides) explains in his introduction to Mishneh Torah that genealogical records were carefully maintained to preserve tribal identities and inheritance rights. This shows how each family has a unique role in the Jewish nation.

Q: Are the Asrielites and Shechemites still known today?
A: After the destruction of the First Temple and the exile of the tribes, many tribal identities became less distinct. However, Jewish tradition maintains that in the future, Eliyahu (Elijah) the Prophet will help restore knowledge of tribal lineage (see Rambam, Hilchot Melachim 12:3). Until then, we focus on our shared identity as part of Klal Yisrael (the Jewish people as a whole).