Parashat B’midbar
30th May 2025
Week of 24 – 31 May 2025
Torah portion : Numbers 1 :1-4 :20 ; Haftarah : Hosea 2 :1-22
Theme: Encountering freedom in the wilderness.
This Haftarah for this week reflects the transformative period of wandering in the wilderness, emphasizing the census of the Israelite nation. It begins with the powerful declaration: “The number of the people of Israel shall be like the sands of the sea, which cannot be measured or counted. No longer will they be called ‘You are Not-My-People’; instead, they shall be celebrated as the children of the Living God.” (cf. ETZ HAYIM Hosea 2:1 p 787; Hosea 1:10 Catholic Study Bible p 1247).
The people of Israel’s journey with the Ark of the Covenant, following their experience with the golden calf, can be viewed as a significant period of purification and renewal before they entered the Promised Land (cf. Maimonides, Guide III:24). This week’s Torah portion is drawn from the fourth book of the Hebrew Testament, known as “Numbers.” The title “Numbers” originates from the ancient Greek and Latin translations of the Torah, emphasizing a central theme of the text: its focus on various censuses. Throughout the book, we find two counts of the Israelites in chapters 1 and 26 (Ibid. Numbers 1 p 769; Numbers 26 p 920) and two counts of the Levites in chapters 3 and 4 (cf. Ibid. Numbers 3 p 777; Numbers 4 p 783). The Hebrew Testament “Numbers” is rich with statistics, population counts, tribal and priestly figures, and other numerical data. In the Mishnah and the Talmud, this book is referred to as Homesh ha-Pequdîm (meaning “the Fifth of the Mustered”) due to the censuses recorded at its beginning and in chapter 26. This framework of counting and organization allows for a deeper understanding of the community’s structure, and its journey toward establishing a cohesive identity in the Promised Land.
In our parashah, we witness a powerful aspect of God’s relationship with the Israelites: His unwavering dedication to counting them. This theme has captivated Jewish commentators through the ages. The Midrash Rabbah2 reveals that God does not count His people on just two occasions but on ten. While Scripture records nine instances, the tenth will take place in the future when “the flocks shall again pass under the hands of Him that counts them” (cf. Jeremiah 33:13, Catholic Study Bible, p. 1115). Rashi beautifully notes, “Because they were dear to Him, He counted them often.”
The book of Numbers paints a vivid picture of God’s profound affection for His people. Throughout their wilderness journey, God walked beside them, counting them with devotion. Nachmanides echoes Rashi’s insight, explaining that The Hebrew words for “to count” are (lispor) and (limnot), also conveys meanings of “to remember (zakar)” and “to be concerned with / lehayot mudag ” This duality highlights God’s attentive love for us, reminding us that He knows even the number of hairs on our heads (Matt. 10:30). Each of us holds a cherished place in His heart. (Ibid. Hosea 2:1 p 787; Genesis 15:5 p 83)
The focus of this parashah delivers a compelling message, even if it may initially seem militaristic. As troops are organized into the tribal militia and a census is conducted for the conquest of Canaan, it is clear that the Israelites’ time in the desert was essential training to fully embrace the teachings of Leviticus. Had they entered the Promised Land directly from Egypt, they would have carried with them a slave mentality that would have stifled their potential. (Ibid. Numbers 1:52 p 774)
The Lord commands a census: “Take a census of the whole community of Israelites… recording the name of every male person, head by head.” (Ibid. Numbers 1:2 p 770). This act of counting is not merely administrative; it underscores the essential importance of each individual’s identity an expression of divine prerogative. A census embodies two critical truths. Firstly, it asserts the significance of each individual. Secondly, it serves as the ultimate equalizer; every member of the community, from the highest to the lowest, is counted as ‘one’ or ‘head’ ‘rosh” (Ibid. Hosea 2:2 p 787) no more, no less. God repeatedly instructs Moses to count the Jewish people to reinforce both their worth and inherent equality. Even if we are as numerous as the sand of the sea, God counts us time and again because each one of us is invaluable.
For Reflection and Discussion:
1) What have been your desert experiences and how have you encountered God and yourself in them?
2) Are we genuinely devoted to serving God by caring for and protecting our community as God shows us in counting us? Do we thoughtfully consider the motives behind our good deeds? Are they inspired by personal satisfaction, or do we strive to participate in a divine purpose of caring for the needy and the enslaved?
Bibliography: ETZ HAYIM, Torah and Commentary: The Rabbinical Assembly, The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, 1999; The Catholic Study Bible 3rd Edition; The New American Bible, Saint Joseph Edition (p. 110-144) ;)www.sefaria.org.il;)www.chabad.org) /; Commentary on the Torah by Ramban (Nachmanides). Translated and annotated by Charles B. Chavel. New York, Shilo Pub House, 1971-1976;
This week’s Parasha Commentary was prepared by
Dunhill Malunar Timkang, Jerusalem-Israel, Bat Kol Alumnus: 2023
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