Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was Paltiel ben Azzan mentioned in Numbers 34:26?
A: Paltiel ben Azzan was the prince (nasi) of the tribe of Yissakhar during the time when the Land of Israel was being divided among the tribes. According to Rashi, he was a righteous leader appointed to represent his tribe in the distribution of the land.
Q: Why is the tribe of Yissakhar mentioned in this verse?
A: The verse lists the tribal leaders responsible for dividing the Land of Israel. Yissakhar was one of the twelve tribes, and their prince, Paltiel, played a key role in ensuring his tribe received their rightful portion, as commanded by Hashem through Moshe.
Q: What can we learn from Paltiel ben Azzan's role in this verse?
A: Paltiel’s appointment teaches the importance of having righteous and responsible leaders. The Talmud (Horayot 10a) emphasizes that tribal leaders were chosen for their wisdom and integrity, showing that leadership in Judaism requires both fairness and devotion to Hashem’s commandments.
Q: Does the name 'Paltiel' have any special meaning?
A: Yes, the name 'Paltiel' means 'G-d delivers' or 'G-d is my salvation.' Names in the Torah often reflect character traits or divine providence. Midrashic sources suggest that leaders with such names were entrusted with roles that required faith and reliance on Hashem.
Q: How does this verse relate to the division of the Land of Israel today?
A: While the physical division of the land in this verse was specific to biblical times, the principle of fair and divinely guided distribution remains relevant. Jewish tradition, as discussed in Rambam’s Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Terumot), teaches that settling the Land of Israel is a mitzvah, and its division was a foundational event in Jewish history.
Introduction to the Verse
The verse (Numbers 34:26) lists Palti᾽el ben ῾Azzan as the prince (נָשִׂיא) representing the tribe of Yissakhar during the division of the Land of Israel. This appointment reflects the importance of tribal leadership in the biblical narrative.
Meaning of the Names
Role of the Tribal Prince
According to Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 1:3), tribal princes were appointed to oversee matters of governance, justice, and the division of land. Palti᾽el's role was crucial in ensuring Yissakhar received its rightful portion, as described in Joshua 19:17-23.
Yissakhar's Distinction
The tribe of Yissakhar was known for its scholarship and dedication to Torah study (see Divrei Hayamim I 12:33 and Berachot 17a). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 99:9) highlights that Yissakhar's leaders were often chosen for their wisdom, aligning with Palti᾽el's role in the land division.
Lessons in Leadership
The selection of Palti᾽el teaches that leadership in Judaism requires both strength (עַזָּן) and divine reliance (פַּלְטִיאֵל). The Talmud (Horayot 10a) emphasizes that leaders must balance authority with humility, a trait exemplified by Palti᾽el's service to his tribe.