Originally published 7/21/11, 7:42 pm.
R'uvein and Gad approached Moshe Rabbeinu requesting TransJordan. When Moshe acquiesced, he added Hatzi Shevet M'nasheh. Why?
Below is a an answer based upon the structure of the Tribes throughout Sefer Bamidbar - here is that dynamic at work
When Levi drops out of the "tribes" a shuffle occurs in Parshas Bamidbar, Nasso, B'haalot'cha. *
1. Gad is promoted to Honorary Ben Leah, camping with R'uvein and Shim'on
2. Yosef is divided into Two, Ephraim and M'nasheh to restore the number to 12
The 4 camps now are structured as follows
East - 3 from Leah
South - 2 from Leah plus Gad
West - 3 from Rachel
North - 3 from the "sh'fachot" - 1 from Zilpah, 2 from Bilhah
Levi was now in a circle inside
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When R'uvein and Gad chose TransJordan, then we have
20% of Leah
25% of the Sh'fachot
0% of Rachel
To Remedy this Moshe takes 1/2 of M'nasheh which comprises about 25% of Rachel - thereby restoring a balance of Imahot. [Counting Bilhah/Zilpah as a unit]
Why M'nasheh and not Ephraim? I'm not sure - but perhaps it is since he is the b'chor and so are R'uvein and Gad.
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* Note whenever Levi IS counted in the 12, Joseph is reunited.
Shalom,
RRW
1 comment:
According to the midrash, Menashe is the "translator" who accused the brothers of stealing Yosef's goblet, causing them to tear their garments. Just as he caused that so God tore the tribe in half and put each on opposite sides of the Yarden.
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