Numbers From Numbers

The fourth book of Torah, Bamidbar (“In the Wilderness”), aka the Book of Number concludes with this week's reading. Bamidbar details how the young nation of Israel is constantly challenged and sometimes falters in the wilderness. The double parshiot of Matot-Masei (Num. 30:2–36:13) finds Moses, addressing the tribal heads. It alludes to the emergence of Aaron and the priesthood, as well as the valor of Joshua, Caleb and Pinchas—all tested—yet revealed as true leaders overcoming existential challenges.

In Matot, Moses' instruction is specifically to the leadership, wanting them take on more responsibility, especially in teaching the people the importance of a shevuah usually translated as "oath" and neder, often translated as "vow".

The Torah tells us that vows and oaths, in specific circumstances can be annulled in cases of unexpected hardships, however, the importance of one's word is not to be ignored. These laws are related to the command against taking the name of G-d in vain. To underscore the importance of these ideas is the simple command that a man, "...not desecrate his word according to whatever comes out of his mouth."

Masei recalls “The journeys of the Children of Israel,” and each of the 42 stops on the way to the Promised Land, as well as the figures who could have destroyed the nation, people like Korach, Dothan, Bilaam and Barak who brought the nation to the brink of tragedy. But we also see ennobling growth in those who did not "desecrate their word". And it was all necessary so that Israel would arrive at the entrance to the Promised Land—ready to establish the homeland of the Chosen People.

There is a prophetic note embedded in Numbers 33:1-2, taught by the Chida (Rabbi Chaim David Yosef Azulai) that hints the larger journey looming in Israel's destiny. He points out that the first letter of each word in that verse,”Eileh mas’ei bnai yisrael” yields the first letter of the names Esau, Madai (Persia), Bavel and Yavan (Greece)—the four empires who would oppress Israel. This layers in a deep symbolic aspect found throughout the Torah and Jewish tradition. One of the most profound examples is the Tetragrammaton — the four-lettered, ineffable name of God. Elsewhere, the number four recalls:

• The Matriarchs — who represent the roots of the Jewish people. It was the guidance of Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah who profoundly shaped the lives of their descendants.

• There are four expressions of redemption in Exodus ("I will bring out, deliver, redeem, and take") are echoed in the four cups of wine at the Passover Seder. That same Seder features the four questions asked by the four children — wise, wicked, simple, and silent — emphasizing how each person engages with tradition.

  
  

• The Israelite encampment in the wilderness was organized into four directional camps around the Tabernacle.

  
  

• The tzitzit (fringes )are placed on the four corners of a Jewish male garment called the tallit katan, reflecting sacred order and spatial symbolism.

  
  

• Prophets like Isaiah speak of gathering exiles from the four corners of the earth, symbolizing global redemption.

Altogether, the number four does more than signify quantity — it reflects a sacred harmony seen in Bamidbar, the fourth book of Torah.