Numbers 31:50 - Gold gifts atone souls?

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Hebrew Text

וַנַּקְרֵב אֶת־קָרְבַּן יְהוָה אִישׁ אֲשֶׁר מָצָא כְלִי־זָהָב אֶצְעָדָה וְצָמִיד טַבַּעַת עָגִיל וְכוּמָז לְכַפֵּר עַל־נַפְשֹׁתֵינוּ לִפְנֵי יְהוָה׃

English Translation

We have therefore brought an offering for the Lord, what every man has gotten, of jewels of gold, chains, and bracelets, rings, earrings, and girdles, to make atonement for our souls before the Lord.

Transliteration

Vanakrev et-korban Adonai ish asher matza kli-zahav etz'ada v'tzamid taba'at agil v'chumaz l'chaper al-nafsoteinu lifnei Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַנַּקְרֵ֞ב אֶת־קׇרְבַּ֣ן יְהֹוָ֗ה אִישׁ֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר מָצָ֤א כְלִֽי־זָהָב֙ אֶצְעָדָ֣ה וְצָמִ֔יד טַבַּ֖עַת עָגִ֣יל וְכוּמָ֑ז לְכַפֵּ֥ר עַל־נַפְשֹׁתֵ֖ינוּ לִפְנֵ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 31:50, following the battle against Midian. The officers of the Israelite army brought voluntary offerings of gold jewelry to atone for their souls before Hashem. Rashi explains that this was an expression of gratitude and repentance, as they feared they might have sinned during the war, particularly by coveting the spoils.

Meaning of the Offering

The phrase "לְכַפֵּר עַל־נַפְשֹׁתֵינוּ" ("to make atonement for our souls") indicates that the officers recognized the spiritual dangers of war and sought to purify themselves. The Ramban (Nachmanides) elaborates that their concern stemmed from the possibility of improper thoughts or actions amid the spoils of battle. The offering served as a kaparah (atonement) for any unintentional sins.

Types of Jewelry Brought

The verse lists specific items of gold jewelry:

אֶצְעָדָה (armlets or chains) – Rashi identifies these as ornaments worn on the arms.
צָמִיד (bracelets) – Worn on the wrists, as seen in the case of Rivka (Genesis 24:22).
טַבַּעַת (rings) – Likely finger rings, often used as seals.
עָגִיל (earrings) – Ornaments for the ears.
כוּמָז (girdles or ornamental belts) – The Talmud (Shabbat 64a) discusses its exact nature, suggesting it was a type of women's jewelry.

Spiritual Lessons

The Midrash Tanchuma highlights that the officers' voluntary offering demonstrated humility and self-reflection. Unlike the sin of the Golden Calf, where gold was misused, here it was sanctified for a holy purpose. The Sforno adds that their act of bringing these items to the Mishkan showed their commitment to ensuring that material wealth was used in service of Hashem.

Connection to Atonement

The Kli Yakar explains that gold, which can symbolize materialism, was transformed into a means of atonement. By dedicating it to the Mishkan, they elevated their intentions, turning potential spiritual pitfalls into merits. This aligns with the principle that sincere repentance and generosity can rectify past missteps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 31:50 mean when it says they brought an offering to 'make atonement for our souls'?
A: According to Rashi, the Jewish soldiers who fought in the battle against Midian brought these gold items as a voluntary offering to atone for any improper thoughts they might have had during the war. The Ramban explains that this was an act of repentance and gratitude to Hashem for their victory and safe return.

Q: Why did they specifically bring jewelry as an offering in Numbers 31:50?
A: The Midrash explains that since the jewelry was acquired during the war against Midian (who had tempted Israel with immoral behavior involving jewelry, as seen in the incident with Balaam), bringing these very items as an offering demonstrated their rejection of materialism and commitment to spiritual values. The Talmud (Yoma 75a) also notes that gold jewelry represents worldly desires that needed to be sanctified.

Q: What can we learn today from the offering described in Numbers 31:50?
A: The Sforno teaches that this verse shows the importance of recognizing when we've been spiritually at risk and taking concrete actions to strengthen our connection to Hashem. Just as the soldiers transformed war spoils into holy offerings, we should find ways to elevate our material possessions for spiritual purposes. This is especially relevant regarding how we use our wealth and resources.

Q: Why was this voluntary offering necessary after the battle with Midian?
A: The Kli Yakar explains that even though the war against Midian was commanded by Hashem, the soldiers wanted to atone for any possible pride or improper intentions they might have had during battle. The Ohr HaChaim adds that since they took spoils of war (which could lead to greed), this offering purified their motives and showed their primary concern was spiritual, not material gain.

Q: What is the significance of listing different types of jewelry in Numbers 31:50?
A: Rashi notes that each item mentioned represents a different type of gold ornament: armlets, bracelets, signet rings, earrings, and decorative chains. The variety shows that they gave their finest and most valuable possessions. The Ibn Ezra explains that listing them separately emphasizes the completeness of their offering - they didn't hold anything back in their desire to serve Hashem properly.