Numbers 26:43 - Shuĥam's numerous legacy?

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Hebrew Text

כָּל־מִשְׁפְּחֹת הַשּׁוּחָמִי לִפְקֻדֵיהֶם אַרְבָּעָה וְשִׁשִּׁים אֶלֶף וְאַרְבַּע מֵאוֹת׃

English Translation

All the families of the Shuĥami, according to those that were numbered of them, were sixty four thousand, four hundred.

Transliteration

Kol-mishpechot haShuchami lifkudeihem arba'a veshishim elef ve'arba me'ot.

Hebrew Leining Text

כׇּל־מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת הַשּׁוּחָמִ֖י לִפְקֻדֵיהֶ֑ם אַרְבָּעָ֧ה וְשִׁשִּׁ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וְאַרְבַּ֥ע מֵאֽוֹת׃ {ס}

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 1:42, as part of the census of the tribes of Israel in the wilderness. The Shuĥami refers to the descendants of Shucham, a son of Dan, as recorded in Bamidbar 26:42. This count reflects the military strength of the tribe of Dan at that time.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (on Bamidbar 1:42) notes that the name "Shuĥami" is derived from "Shucham," a son of Dan mentioned later in the Torah. He explains that the Torah sometimes refers to clans by the name of their founding ancestor. Rashi also emphasizes that the counting was done meticulously, as each individual was precious in the eyes of Hashem.

Significance of the Number

The number 64,400 is notable because it shows the substantial size of the tribe of Dan. The Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 12) comments that Dan was one of the most populous tribes, which is why they camped to the north of the Mishkan—their large numbers provided protection for the camp.

Spiritual Lessons

Unity in Diversity: The Sforno explains that each family within the tribe had its unique role, yet they were counted together as part of the greater whole, teaching the importance of unity among Bnei Yisrael.
Divine Providence: The Rambam (Hilchot Temidim uMusafim 4:4) derives from such censuses that every Jew has intrinsic value in the eyes of Hashem, as each was counted individually.

Historical Perspective

The Ibn Ezra observes that the large number of the Shuĥami reflects the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to Avraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars. The Malbim adds that this census also served as a preparation for the eventual conquest and settlement of Eretz Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were the Shuhami mentioned in Numbers 26:43?
A: The Shuhami were one of the families (mishpachot) descended from Binyamin (Benjamin), as listed in the census in the Book of Numbers. According to Rashi, they are called 'Shuhami' after their ancestor Shuham, the son of Dan (though some opinions suggest a connection to Binyamin). This shows how each tribe and family was carefully counted in the wilderness.

Q: Why does the Torah give such specific numbers in the census (like 64,400 for the Shuhami)?
A: The detailed census in Bamidbar (Numbers) emphasizes the importance of every individual in Klal Yisrael (the Jewish people). Ramban explains that counting shows G-d's love for His people, like a shepherd who counts his flock. The numbers also reflect the fulfillment of G-d's promise to Avraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars (Bereishit 15:5).

Q: What can we learn from the census of the Shuhami family today?
A: The census teaches that every Jew counts—literally and spiritually. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) compares the Jewish people to stars: just as each star has its unique place, so too every Jew has a unique role. The Shuhami's large number (64,400) reminds us that even 'smaller' families contribute significantly to the Jewish nation.

Q: Why are some tribes/families counted separately in the Torah?
A: Each tribe and family had its unique role and blessing. The Sforno notes that the separate counts highlight the diversity within unity—like different branches of one tree. The Shuhami's distinct count preserves their identity, showing that their contributions (whether in war, Torah study, or other areas) were valued individually within the larger nation.