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- The census of men in the Twelve tribes above age 20:
- Reuvein: The census of the tribe of Reuvein, the firstborn of Yaakov, showed a population of 46,500 men above the age of 20.
- Shimon: The census of the tribe of Shimon showed a population of 59,300 men above the age of 20.
- Gad: The census of the tribe Gad showed a population of 45,650 men above the age of 20.
- Yehuda: The census of the tribe of Yehuda showed a population of 74,600 men above the age of 20.
- Yissachar: The census of the tribe of Yissachar showed a population of 54,400 men above the age of 20.
- Zevulun: The census of the tribe of Zevulun showed a population of 57,400 men above the age of 20.
- Ephraim: The census of the tribe of Ephraim showed a population of 40,500 men above the age of 20.
- Menasheh: The census of the tribe of Menasheh showed a population of 32,200 men above the age of 20.
- Binyamin: The census of the tribe of Binyamin showed a population of 35,400 men above the age of 20.
- Dan: The census of the tribe of Dan showed a population of 62,700 men above the age of 20.
- Asher: The census of the tribe of Asher showed a population of 41,500 men above the age of 20.
- Naftali: The census of the tribe of Naftali showed a population of 53,400 men above the age of 20.
- This concludes the census taking of the Jewish people, which was performed by Moshe Aaron and the 12 tribal representatives
- The total count of men above age 20 within the 12 tribes was 603,550.
- The tribe of Levi:
- No census: Hashem commanded Moshe that the tribe of Levi is not to be counted.
- Carrying the Mishkan, dismantling and assembling it: You should appoint the Levites to oversee the Mishkan and its vessels. They are to carry it during travel, minister to the vessels, and encamp around the Mishkan. When it’s time to travel the Levites are to dismantle the Mishkan, and when it’s time to encamp they are to erect the Mishkan. A non-Levite who does this service shall die.
- The position of encampment and travel of the tribes:
- The Jewish people are to encamp, each man in the area of their tribe.
- The Levites are to encamp around the Mishkan. They will guard the Mishkan and prevent wrath from falling upon the Jewish people.
- The Jewish people did all that Moshe was commanded by G-d.
style="text-align: justify">📘 Rashi Q&A — Bamidbar 1:20–54 (Aliyah Sheini · Shrunk)
1:20–46 — Counting the Tribes
Q1. Who is counted in this census?
A: Males aged 20 and above, fit for military service.
Q2. How is each tribe counted?
A: Separately, under its tribal prince.
Order & Meaning of the Counts
Q3. Why is Reuven listed first?
A: Because of firstborn status, despite loss of leadership.
Q4. Why is Yehudah’s number the largest?
A: Destiny of kingship.
Q5. Why is Ephraim listed before Menasheh?
A: Spiritual precedence, despite younger age.
Q6. Why is Yosef split into two tribes?
A: Double inheritance.
1:44–46 — Total Count
Q7. What is the total number counted?
A: 603,550.
Q8. Who is excluded from this total?
A:
- Women
- Children
- Tribe of Levi
1:47–49 — Levi Excluded
Q9. Why is Levi not counted with the tribes?
A: Levi is designated for Mishkan service, not war.
Q10. What danger would inclusion cause?
A: Unauthorized approach to the Mishkan would bring death.
1:50–53 — Role of the Levites
Q11. What is Levi’s role?
A:
- Carrying
- Assembling
- Guarding the Mishkan
Q12. Why do they camp around the Mishkan?
A: To shield Israel from Divine wrath.
1:54 — Conclusion
Q13. What does the final verse emphasize?
A: Israel carried out the census exactly as God commanded.