Numbers 31:36 - Warriors' sacred sheep share

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Hebrew Text

וַתְּהִי הַמֶּחֱצָה חֵלֶק הַיֹּצְאִים בַּצָּבָא מִסְפַּר הַצֹּאן שְׁלֹשׁ־מֵאוֹת אֶלֶף וּשְׁלֹשִׁים אֶלֶף וְשִׁבְעַת אֲלָפִים וַחֲמֵשׁ מֵאוֹת׃

English Translation

And the half, which was the portion of those who went out to war, was in number three hundred and thirty seven thousand, five hundred sheep:

Transliteration

Vatehi hamechetsa chelek hayotzim batzava mispar hatzon shlosh-meot elef ushloshim elef ushiv'at alafim vachamesh meot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתְּהִי֙ הַֽמֶּחֱצָ֔ה חֵ֕לֶק הַיֹּצְאִ֖ים בַּצָּבָ֑א מִסְפַּ֣ר הַצֹּ֗אן שְׁלֹשׁ־מֵא֥וֹת אֶ֙לֶף֙ וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים אֶ֔לֶף וְשִׁבְעַ֥ת אֲלָפִ֖ים וַחֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵאֽוֹת׃

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 31:43) describes the division of spoils from the war against Midian. Moshe was commanded to divide the spoils equally between the soldiers who fought and the rest of the community. This verse specifies the number of sheep allocated to the soldiers as their portion.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi notes that the precise counting of the sheep (337,500) demonstrates the Torah's emphasis on honesty and integrity in financial matters, even in wartime. The exact accounting ensures transparency in the distribution of spoils, reflecting the principle of "midah keneged midah" (measure for measure) – since Bnei Yisrael acted with integrity, Hashem blessed them with abundant spoils.

Mathematical Precision in the Midrash

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 22:8) highlights that the total number of sheep (675,000 when combined with the other half) was miraculously exact, without a single animal missing. This reflects Divine providence in ensuring that every individual received their rightful share according to halachah.

Halachic Implications

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 8:1-2) derives from this episode several principles regarding wartime ethics:

Spoils must be divided fairly between combatants and non-combatants.
Precise accounting is required to avoid even the appearance of impropriety.
The sanctity of property rights applies even to spoils of war.

Symbolic Meaning

The Kli Yakar suggests that the sheep represent the Jewish people's role as Hashem's flock. The large number (337,500 for the soldiers alone) symbolizes that when Bnei Yisrael go to war with pure intentions (as against Midian), they are under Divine protection and merit abundant blessing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the large number of sheep mentioned in Numbers 31:36?
A: The large number of sheep (337,500) highlights the great wealth and blessing that Hashem granted to the Israelites after their victory in battle. According to Rashi, this demonstrates how Hashem rewards those who fulfill His commandments, as the spoils were divided according to His instructions.

Q: Why was the spoils of war divided into halves in Numbers 31:36?
A: The Torah (Numbers 31:27) commands that the spoils be divided equally between the soldiers who fought and the rest of the community. This teaches the importance of sharing blessings and recognizing that victory comes from Hashem, not just human effort. The Talmud (Chullin 17a) discusses the fairness in this division.

Q: How does the counting of sheep in Numbers 31:36 relate to Jewish law?
A: The precise counting of the sheep reflects the Jewish value of honesty and accuracy in financial and holy matters. Rambam (Hilchot Gezeila 1:1) emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct even in war, including proper accounting of spoils.

Q: What lesson can we learn today from the division of spoils in Numbers 31:36?
A: This teaches us that even in times of success, we must remember to include others and acknowledge Hashem's role in our achievements. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 22:8) explains that sharing spoils with the community fosters unity and gratitude.

Q: Why does the Torah give such specific numbers for the sheep in Numbers 31:36?
A: The Torah often provides exact numbers to emphasize the truth and precision of its accounts. Rashi notes that these details show the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to make Israel prosperous. The large, specific number also highlights the magnitude of the blessing.