Numbers 26:35 - Efrayim's enduring tribal legacy?

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Hebrew Text

אֵלֶּה בְנֵי־אֶפְרַיִם לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם לְשׁוּתֶלַח מִשְׁפַּחַת הַשֻּׁתַלְחִי לְבֶכֶר מִשְׁפַּחַת הַבַּכְרִי לְתַחַן מִשְׁפַּחַת הַתַּחֲנִי׃

English Translation

These are the sons of Efrayim after their families: of Shutelaĥ, the family of the Shutalĥi: of Bekher, the family of the Bakhri: of Taĥan, the family of the Taĥani.

Transliteration

Eleh vene-Efrayim lemishpechotam, leShutelach mishpachat haShutalchi, leVecher mishpachat haBachri, leTachan mishpachat haTachani.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֵ֣לֶּה בְנֵי־אֶפְרַ֘יִם֮ לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם֒ לְשׁוּתֶ֗לַח מִשְׁפַּ֙חַת֙ הַשֻּׁ֣תַלְחִ֔י לְבֶ֕כֶר מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַבַּכְרִ֑י לְתַ֕חַן מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַֽתַּחֲנִֽי׃

Parasha Commentary

The Lineage of Ephraim

The verse (Bamidbar 26:35) enumerates the descendants of Ephraim, one of Yosef's sons, through their respective families: Shutelaḥ, Bekher, and Taḥan. This listing appears in the census taken in the wilderness before Bnei Yisrael entered Eretz Yisrael.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi notes that the names Shutelaḥ and Bekher are significant because they reflect Yosef's legacy. Shutelaḥ comes from the root שֶׁלַח ("sent"), alluding to Yosef being sent down to Egypt (Bereshit 37:28). Bekher means "firstborn," referencing how Ephraim was elevated over Menashe (Bereshit 48:14-20). The name Taḥan is less clear, but some suggest it relates to תַּחֲנוּנִים ("supplications"), hinting at divine mercy in Ephraim's lineage.

Midrashic Insights

The Sifrei connects these families to the broader destiny of Ephraim’s tribe, which later became prominent in the Northern Kingdom of Israel.
The Midrash Aggadah highlights that each family name carries a hidden message about divine providence in Yosef’s life and his descendants' future.

Rambam’s Perspective

In Hilchot Melachim, Rambam emphasizes the importance of tribal lineages, as they determine inheritance and leadership roles in Israel. The detailed recording of Ephraim’s families underscores the Torah’s precision in preserving tribal identities.

Practical Implications

This verse reinforces the Torah’s emphasis on yichus (lineage) and the unique roles of each shevet (tribe) in Klal Yisrael. It also serves as a reminder of Hashem’s fulfillment of His promise to make Yosef’s descendants numerous (Bereshit 48:19).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah list the families of Efrayim in Numbers 26:35?
A: The Torah lists the families of Efrayim as part of the census taken in the wilderness (Bamidbar 26). This was important for organizing the tribes, allocating land in Israel, and understanding the lineage of the Jewish people. Rashi explains that these genealogies highlight the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to Avraham that his descendants would be numerous (Bereishit 15:5).

Q: Who was Efrayim, and why is his family mentioned separately?
A: Efrayim was one of the sons of Yosef (Bereishit 41:52) and was blessed by Yaakov to become a great tribe (Bereishit 48:19). His descendants were counted separately because they were a major tribe in Israel. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) teaches that Efrayim's family was significant due to their role in Jewish history, including future leaders like Yehoshua (Joshua).

Q: What is the significance of recording family names like 'Shutelach' and 'Bekher'?
A: Recording family names preserves the identity and heritage of each tribe. The Talmud (Bava Batra 109b) explains that family lineages were crucial for inheritance, marriage laws, and tribal responsibilities. Names like 'Shutelach' and 'Bekher' remind us of our ancestors' legacies and the importance of maintaining Jewish tradition through generations.

Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today?
A: While we no longer have tribal divisions like in ancient times, this verse reminds us of the value of family and Jewish identity. The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 12:3) teaches that knowing our roots strengthens our connection to Torah and mitzvot. Many Jews today study genealogy to honor their heritage, just as the Torah emphasizes lineage.