Numbers 31:42 - Warriors' share divided for Israel

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Hebrew Text

וּמִמַּחֲצִית בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֲשֶׁר חָצָה מֹשֶׁה מִן־הָאֲנָשִׁים הַצֹּבְאִים׃

English Translation

And of the children of Yisra᾽el’s half, which Moshe divided from the men that warred,

Transliteration

U-mimachatzit bnei Yisrael asher chatza Moshe min-ha'anashim hatzove'im.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּמִֽמַּחֲצִ֖ית בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל אֲשֶׁר֙ חָצָ֣ה מֹשֶׁ֔ה מִן־הָאֲנָשִׁ֖ים הַצֹּבְאִֽים׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bamidbar 31:42) appears in the context of the distribution of spoils from the war against Midian. Moshe divided the spoils into two halves: one for the soldiers who fought and one for the rest of the community. The verse refers to the half designated for the broader community of Bnei Yisrael.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 31:42) clarifies that Moshe divided the spoils equally between those who went to battle and those who remained in the camp. This division teaches the principle that even those who did not physically participate in the war still contributed through their support—such as prayer and merit—and thus deserved a share.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 22:4) elaborates that the division of spoils reflects the unity of Klal Yisrael. Just as the Levi'im received tithes despite not inheriting land, those who stayed behind were entitled to a portion of the spoils because the entire nation shares collective responsibility (ערבות).

Halachic Implications

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 4:9): Rules that spoils of war must be divided fairly between combatants and non-combatants, based on this verse.
Chatam Sofer (Torat Moshe, Bamidbar): Suggests that this division underscores the idea that spiritual contributions (like Torah study and prayer) are as vital as physical battle in securing victory.

Symbolic Meaning

The Or HaChaim (Bamidbar 31:42) explains that the equal division symbolizes the interdependence of all Jews. Those who engage in physical endeavors (like war) and those who focus on spiritual pursuits (like learning) are equally essential to the nation's survival and success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 31:42 mean when it mentions 'the half of the children of Israel'?
A: This verse refers to the division of spoils from the war against Midian. Moshe divided the spoils into two equal parts: one half for the soldiers who fought, and the other half for the rest of the Israelite community (Rashi on Numbers 31:27). This teaches fairness in distributing resources after battle.

Q: Why did Moshe divide the spoils of war in Numbers 31:42?
A: Moshe followed Hashem's command to divide the spoils equally between the warriors and the community (Numbers 31:27). This teaches that even those who didn't fight directly still had a share, as the entire nation was involved in the spiritual merit of the battle (Midrash Tanchuma, Matot 3).

Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 31:42 about sharing resources?
A: The verse teaches the importance of equitable distribution. Even though only some Israelites fought, everyone received a portion, showing that communal efforts and benefits should be shared (Rambam, Hilchot Melachim 4:10). This principle applies today in how communities distribute charity and resources.

Q: How does the division in Numbers 31:42 relate to Jewish law?
A: This division established a halachic precedent for distributing spoils of war. The Torah later formalizes these laws, showing that gains from battle must be shared fairly between combatants and the community (Talmud, Chullin 17a; Rambam, Hilchot Me'ilah 8:4).