Why Moses Counted Israel Like a Shepherd Returning the Flock

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Pinchas 6:2

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

Another interpretation (of Numbers 26:2): Why did he count them? The matter is like a shepherd to whom the householder handed over his flock by number. When he has completed his guarding, when he returns them, he must count them. So too when Israel went out from Egypt, He handed them over to Moses by number, as it is written, "And the LORD spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai... Take a census..." (Numbers 1:1-2). And also when they went out it is written, "And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot" (Exodus 12:37). Behold, he received them by number. When he came to depart in the plains of Moab, he returned them by number.

Themes

MosesFaithEgyptExodusAdam Eve

Biblical References

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