The name of the Parshah, “Matot,” means “Tribes,” and it is found in Numbers 30:2. The name of the Parshah, “Masei,” means “Journeys,” and it is found in Numbers 33:1.
Moses conveys the laws governing the annulment of vows to the heads of the
tribes of Israel.
War is waged against Midian for their role in plotting the moral destruction of Israel, and the
Torah gives a detailed account of the war spoils and how they were allocated amongst the people, the warriors, the
Levites and the
high priest.
The tribes of
Reuben and Gad (later joined by half of the tribe of Manasseh) ask for the lands east of the Jordan as their portion in the Promised Land, these being prime pastureland for their cattle. Moses is initially angered by the request, but subsequently agrees on the condition that they first join, and lead, in Israel’s conquest of the lands west of the Jordan.
The
forty-two journeys and encampments of Israel are listed, from the
Exodus to their encampment on the plains of Moab across the river from the land of Canaan. The boundaries of the Promised Land are given, and
cities of refuge are designated as havens and places of exile for inadvertent murderers. The
daughters of Tzelafchad
marry within their own tribe of Manasseh, so that the estate which they inherit from their father should not pass to the province of another tribe.
Learn:
Matot-Masei in Depth
Browse:
Matot-Masei Parshah Columnists
Prep:
Devar Torah Q&A for Matot-Masei
Read:
Haftarah in a Nutshell
Play:
Matot-Masei Parshah Quiz
