Parashat Matot-Masei (מַּטּוֹת־מַסְעֵי – “Tribes / Journeys”)

Numbers 30:2–36:13 (In some traditions, Matot and Masei are read separately; here they are combined as often in the annual cycle.)

1. Laws Concerning Vows

Numbers 30:2–17 (Hebrew 30:3–17)

• The parashah opens with laws regarding vows and oaths, emphasizing the sanctity of one’s word.

• A vow made to God must be fulfilled. If a woman makes a vow, her father or husband may annul it if he does so promptly (30:3–16).

  “He shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.” – Numbers 30:2

2. War Against Midian

Numbers 31:1–54

• God commands Israel to execute judgment against the Midianites for leading Israel into idolatry and immorality at Baal Peor (see Num. 25).

• 12,000 men (1,000 from each tribe) go to war, led by Phinehas.

• Balaam the sorcerer is killed (31:8), and Midianite cities are destroyed.

• The spoils are divided between the soldiers, the congregation, and the Levites, and a portion is given to the Lord.

3. The Transjordan Tribes Settle

Numbers 32:1–42

• The tribes of Reuben and Gad, and later half of Manasseh, request to settle east of the Jordan River, where the land is good for livestock.

• Moses initially rebukes them, fearing a repeat of the sin of the spies, but they promise to help conquer Canaan before settling.

• Their request is granted with conditions. Cities are built east of the Jordan for their families and flocks.

4. Summary of Israel’s Journeys

Numbers 33:1–49

• A detailed list of all 42 encampments of the Israelites from Egypt to the plains of Moab.

• Each stage of the journey is recorded as a testimony of God’s guidance.

5. Instructions for Conquering Canaan

Numbers 33:50–56

• God commands Israel to drive out the Canaanites, destroy their idols, and divide the land by lot.

• If Israel fails to remove them, the Canaanites will become a thorn in their side and a snare.

6. Boundaries and Tribal Leaders

Numbers 34:1–29

• God provides a geographic description of the land’s boundaries.

• He appoints leaders from each tribe to oversee the division of the land, with Eleazar the priest and Joshuasupervising the process.

7. Cities of Refuge and Levite Cities

Numbers 35:1–34

• The Levites are given 48 cities, including six cities of refuge, where one who kills unintentionally may flee for protection.

• Clear distinctions are made between intentional murder and accidental manslaughter.

  “You shall not pollute the land in which you are… for blood pollutes the land.” – Numbers 35:33

8. The Daughters of Zelophehad Revisited

Numbers 36:1–13

• The tribal leaders of Manasseh raise concerns about the inheritance given to the daughters of Zelophehad.

• God commands that women who inherit land must marry within their tribe, so land remains within tribal boundaries.

Messianic Insights

• The cities of refuge prefigure Messiah Yeshua as our place of safety and mercy from judgment (Hebrews 6:18).

• The summary of Israel’s journey reminds us that God is present in every step—even the wilderness has divine purpose.

• The war against Midian reveals God's justice, while the careful distribution of land and inheritancedemonstrates His order and covenant faithfulness.

• The completion of the journey in Masei sets the stage for entering the Promised Land.

  
  

  This double portion concludes the Book of Numbers. As is customary: Chazak, chazak, v’nitchazek – Be strong, be strong, and may we be strengthened!