Numbers 26:55 - Divine lottery determines tribal inheritance

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Hebrew Text

אַךְ־בְּגוֹרָל יֵחָלֵק אֶת־הָאָרֶץ לִשְׁמוֹת מַטּוֹת־אֲבֹתָם יִנְחָלוּ׃

English Translation

Nevertheless the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit.

Transliteration

Akh-b'goral yechalek et-ha'aretz lishmot matot-avotam yinchalu.

Hebrew Leining Text

אַךְ־בְּגוֹרָ֕ל יֵחָלֵ֖ק אֶת־הָאָ֑רֶץ לִשְׁמ֥וֹת מַטּוֹת־אֲבֹתָ֖ם יִנְחָֽלוּ׃

Parasha Commentary

Division of the Land by Lot

The verse (Bamidbar 26:55) states: "אַךְ־בְּגוֹרָל יֵחָלֵק אֶת־הָאָרֶץ לִשְׁמוֹת מַטּוֹת־אֲבֹתָם יִנְחָלוּ" ("Nevertheless the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit"). This teaches that the division of Eretz Yisrael among the tribes was to be conducted through a sacred lottery (goral), ensuring divine oversight in the allocation.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (on Bamidbar 26:55) explains that the lottery was performed with the assistance of the Urim v'Tumim, the sacred breastplate of the Kohen Gadol, through which Hashem's will was revealed. The names of the tribes were written on one set of lots, and the boundaries of the territories on another. When the lots were drawn, they miraculously matched perfectly, demonstrating that the division was divinely ordained.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Terumot 1:5) emphasizes that the division of the land was not arbitrary but followed ancestral lineage ("לִשְׁמוֹת מַטּוֹת־אֲבֹתָם"). Each tribe received its portion based on the inheritance of their forefathers, reinforcing the eternal covenant between Hashem and the tribes of Israel.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:9) teaches that the lottery was a public miracle, ensuring no tribe could claim favoritism. The land was apportioned fairly, reflecting the divine wisdom in assigning each tribe a portion suited to its character and needs.
Another Midrash (Tanchuma Pinchas 10) notes that the inheritance was tied to the tribes' names to honor the merit of the Avot (forefathers), showing that the land was a fulfillment of Hashem's promise to Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Bava Batra 122a) derives from this verse that the division of the land was irreversible—once a tribe received its portion, it could not be permanently transferred to another tribe. This ensured the stability of tribal identities and their connection to their ancestral lands.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Batra 122a

The verse is referenced in the discussion about the division of the Land of Israel among the tribes by lot, emphasizing the divine allocation of land according to ancestral tribes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that the land was divided by lot in Numbers 26:55?
A: According to Rashi, dividing the land by lot (גורל) means that the allocation of portions in the Land of Israel was determined through a divinely guided process (with the Urim and Thummim). This ensured fairness and showed that the distribution was directed by Hashem, not human decisions.

Q: Why was the land divided according to tribes in Numbers 26:55?
A: The Torah emphasizes inheritance by tribal names to maintain the ancestral legacy of each tribe. The Rambam explains that keeping tribal boundaries preserved family identity and ensured that land remained within each tribe’s lineage, as later laws (like the Jubilee year) required land to return to its original tribal owners.

Q: What lesson can we learn from the land division method in Numbers 26:55?
A: The Talmud (Bava Batra 122a) teaches that the lottery system demonstrated faith in Hashem’s providence—the results were accepted without dispute. Today, this reminds us to trust in divine fairness even when outcomes seem random or beyond our control.

Q: How does the inheritance law in Numbers 26:55 apply today?
A: While we currently lack the Temple and the Urim and Thummim, the principle of equitable distribution remains relevant. Jewish law (based on this verse) still prioritizes fair division of property, as seen in halachic guidelines for inheritance (חלוקת נחלות) among family members.