Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Numbers 26:51 mean?
A: Numbers 26:51 records the total count of the Israelite men eligible for military service after the second census taken in the wilderness. The verse states there were 601,730 men, showing the size of the Israelite nation before entering the Land of Israel. Rashi explains that this census was taken to organize the division of the Land among the tribes.
Q: Why is the census in Numbers 26 important?
A: The census in Numbers 26 is important because it determined how the Land of Israel would be divided among the tribes. Unlike the first census in the Book of Numbers, which was for military purposes, this census (taken 40 years later) was for inheritance purposes. Rambam (Hilchot Nachalot) explains that land distribution was based on the population count of each tribe.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today?
A: While we no longer divide the Land of Israel by tribe today, this verse teaches the importance of organization and fairness in communal life. The Talmud (Bava Batra 122a) discusses how the division was done justly, setting a precedent for equitable distribution of resources—a principle that remains relevant in Jewish law and community leadership.
Q: Why were only men counted in this census?
A: The census in Numbers 26 specifically counted men aged 20 and older because it was for military and land inheritance purposes. Rashi explains that women were not included in this count because land inheritance at that time passed through male lineage (with exceptions like the daughters of Tzelophchad, as discussed later in Numbers 27).
Q: What can we learn from the number 601,730 in this verse?
A: The number 601,730 shows that the Israelite population remained roughly the same size as when they left Egypt (603,550 in Numbers 1:46), despite 40 years in the wilderness. The Midrash (Tanchuma Pinchas 6) explains that this demonstrates divine protection—though the generation of the Exodus perished, Hashem ensured the nation's survival and continuity.
Overview of the Verse
The verse (Bamidbar 1:46) records the total count of the Israelite men eligible for military service, aged twenty and above, following the census taken in the wilderness. The number given is 603,550, which aligns with the earlier count in Shemot 12:37 and 38:26.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi (Bamidbar 1:1) explains that this census was conducted with great care and Divine love, as Hashem repeatedly counts Bnei Yisrael to show their importance. He notes that the count was done through the half-shekel (Shemot 30:12) to avoid the "evil eye," as direct counting could invite misfortune (based on the principle of "אין הברכה שורה אלא בדבר הסמוי מן העין").
Symbolism of the Number
Rambam's Perspective
In Moreh Nevuchim (3:24), Rambam explains that the census served both a practical and spiritual purpose: to organize Bnei Yisrael for their journey and to instill a sense of unity and collective responsibility under Hashem's guidance.
Halachic Implications
The Talmud (Yoma 22b) derives from this verse that counting Jews directly is discouraged unless done indirectly (e.g., through half-shekel coins or by asking for a "blessing" instead of a number). This principle is codified in Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 156:4).
Kabbalistic Insight
The Zohar (Bamidbar 117b) teaches that the 600,000 souls parallel the 600,000 root souls in Klal Yisrael, each containing sparks that branch into all future generations. The precise count reflects Divine providence over every individual.