Class 004 —How the Spoil Was Divided After the War with Midyan

1. The Aftermath of the War with Midyan

This section of Parshas Matos discusses what happened after the Jewish people waged war against Midyan. Not only did they achieve victory, but they also took a significant amount of spoil from their enemies. The Torah details how this spoil was distributed among the people, providing insight into both the practical and spiritual dimensions of this process.

The spoil was divided into two main categories: living beings (animals and people) and all other possessions. Rashi explains that regarding the non-living items, everyone simply took what they could; it was a free-for-all where whoever grabbed something kept it. However, when it came to the animals and people captured, there was a much more organized approach commanded by Hashem to Moshe Rabbeinu.

2. Accounting and Division of Living Spoil

Hashem instructed Moshe to take an exact accounting of all the people and animals captured in battle. It’s important to note that only certain women were spared—those who had not participated in sinful acts—while others were not kept alive. Once counted, these living spoils were to be split evenly: 50% went to those who had actually gone out to fight in the war, while the other 50% was distributed among the rest of Bnei Yisroel.

Rashi points out that all tribes participated in sending warriors, including Levi, resulting in 13 tribes each contributing 1,000 men for a total of 13,000^[1] soldiers. This is contrasted with the broader Jewish population at that time—about 601,000 men as counted previously (not including Leviyim). Thus, a relatively small group of warriors received half of all living spoils, while the vast majority shared the other half.

3. Further Distribution: Gifts to Hashem and Leviim

The Torah further commands that from the warriors’ half, one out of every 500 animals or people be given as a tribute to Hashem through Elazar HaKohen. From the half given to the rest of Bnei Yisroel, one out of every 50 was set aside for the Leviim. This meant that not only did those who stayed behind receive a smaller share (split among many more people), but even from their portion they had to give up part to support those dedicated to spiritual service.

The posuk—verse—details these calculations explicitly, emphasizing both fairness and support for those serving Hashem directly.

4. Reflections on Motivation and Reward

An interesting point arises regarding motivation: this command about dividing spoil came only after the warriors returned from battle. Had Moshe announced beforehand how generous the reward would be for going out to war, perhaps more than 1,000 per tribe would have volunteered. Yet Rashi notes that there was reluctance among Bnei Yisroel not because they feared battle but because they knew Moshe Rabbeinu’s passing was linked to this war’s conclusion—they didn’t want him to die.

Ultimately, those who did go were richly rewarded with half of all living spoils—a significant sum as detailed in the Torah’s accounting.

5. The Spiritual Parallel: Roles in War and Support

This division serves as a metaphor for our own roles in life’s spiritual battles. Just as some Jews went out physically to fight while others stayed behind but provided essential support, so too in our ongoing struggle against yetzer hora—the evil inclination—and golus—exile—everyone has a role. Those on the front lines are supported by those who remain “in camp,” ensuring victory is possible for all.

This model continued throughout Jewish history: half goes to those actively engaged in battle (baalei milchama) and half goes to those supporting from behind (yeshvei ha-keilim). Even if someone isn’t visibly fighting on the front lines—spreading Torah or combating spiritual challenges—they are still crucial participants whose support enables success.

6. The Unique Mission of Those “Given Over”

The phrase vayi mosru—“they were given over”—also hints at individuals specifically tasked with spreading Yiddishkeit and Chassidus throughout the world (afotzas ha-mayonos). These are people sent on shlichus—a mission—to wage spiritual war so that ultimately all recognize Hashem’s unity.

While everyone receives a share in this mission’s rewards, those who dedicate themselves fully—who are “given over” entirely—receive an especially significant portion for their efforts on behalf of Klal Yisroel and Hashem’s cause.

7. Being Worthy at the Head of the Line

A well-known saying relates that when Mashiach comes, those who fought on behalf of Torah and Yiddishkeit will stand at the head of the line—a place of honor reserved for true warriors. But there is an important caveat: being at the front is only honorable if one is presentable—spiritually refined and ready for such distinction.

If someone stands at the front unprepared or disheveled (spiritually speaking), it becomes an embarrassment rather than an honor. Therefore, as Chassidim engaged in spreading Torah and fighting Hashem’s battles—especially as emissaries (shluchim)—we must ensure we are spiritually prepared so our position at “the head” brings true kavod—honor—to ourselves, our Rebbeim, and ultimately Hashem.

8. The Ultimate Goal: Victory and Redemption

This lesson concludes with hope: may we merit soon that these days be transformed from mourning into joy (yehofchu yamim eilu le-sason u-le-simcha). May we greet Mashiach Tzidkeinu speedily with victory over all spiritual obstacles (lahavir gilulim min ha’aretz) so that all humanity recognizes Hashem echod u-shmo echod—the absolute unity of God.