to one such verse, found in Numbers 31:4, which speaks of sending soldiers to battle against Midian: "One thousand from each and every tribe [elef lamateh elef lamateh], from all the tribes of Israel, you shall send to the army."
Now, on the surface, it seems straightforward. But as we delve deeper, guided by the wisdom of our sages in Bamidbar Rabbah, we uncover fascinating interpretations. The very repetition of "elef lamateh" – "one thousand from each tribe" – sparks debate. Was it really just one thousand from each tribe?
Some say that Moses actually sent two thousand from each tribe! And others went even further, suggesting three thousand from each tribe were sent, with twelve thousand serving as guardians of their weapons. Quite a force, wouldn't you agree? The text even connects this to the beautiful imagery of the Song of Songs (4:2): “Your teeth are like a flock of ordered ewes…that are all paired.” What does this mean? It suggests a sense of order and purpose, a perfect pairing in their mission.
But how do we arrive at these higher numbers? Well, let’s look closely at the text. The Rabbis in Midrash Rabbah point to the double mention of "elef lamateh elef lamateh" – one thousand from each tribe, one thousand from each tribe – concluding that this implies twenty-four thousand. And then, if we add in the next verse, Numbers 31:5, "One thousand from each tribe from the thousands of Israel were provided, twelve thousand mobilized soldiers," we see another twelve thousand.
But there’s even more to unpack here. The word "vayimasru," translated as "were provided," is ripe with interpretation. The Rabbis suggest it can also mean "they were handed over," implying that these soldiers were given as partners to each other. Why? To avoid the dangerous situation of a man entering alone to capture a woman, keeping the group safe.
However, there's a darker, more reluctant side to this story. The Rabbis suggest that "were provided" could also mean "against their will." Why would that be? Because the Torah seemingly linked Moses' death to the vengeance against Midian, the people feared that going to war would hasten his demise. "We will go to Midian, and Moses will die," they worried, and so they hesitated.
So, how did God resolve this impasse? According to the Midrash, God told Moses to draw lots among the tribes. This way, the soldiers would be "provided on their own," essentially volunteering by divine decree. It takes away the human fear and creates a sense of holy purpose.
What can we take away from this intricate exploration? It highlights the depth and complexity of Torah interpretation. It reveals how a seemingly simple verse can unveil layers of historical, social, and even emotional context. More than that, it shows us how a community grapples with fear, duty, and faith, ultimately finding a way to fulfill a divine command, even when faced with uncertainty and reluctance. It teaches us that sometimes, the greatest acts of courage come when we confront our fears and step forward, even when we'd rather stay behind.