Parashat Matot: Priorities That Shape Our Legacy

The parashah of Matot concludes with a request that revealed much about personal values—and the consequences of misplaced priorities.

The tribes of Reuven, Gad, and half of Menashe approached Moshe Rabbeinu with a unique appeal. Rather than crossing the Jordan River with the rest of klal Yisrael, they asked to settle on the eastern bank. Their reasoning? The land was ideal for grazing, and they had large herds to maintain.

Superficially, their request was valid. The territory had already been conquered from the Amorite kings Sichon and Og, who had attacked the Jewish people. It was territory secured by Divine sanction and Jewish courage. Yet, Moshe’s immediate reaction was one of deep concern: “Shall your brothers go to war while you remain here?” (Bamidbar 32:6).

Moshe feared a repeat of the meraglim (spies) debacle. But the tribes reassured him. They would leave their livestock and families behind and cross over to lead the charge in conquering Eretz Yisrael. And so they did. The warriors of Reuven, Gad, and half of Menashe marched at the front lines and fulfilled their pledge with distinction. In the end, not a single soldier from their ranks perished in battle.

Yet their future was marred. These tribes were the first to be exiled from the Land during the Assyrian invasions. The pasuk in Mishlei (20:21) poignantly captures this outcome: “An inheritance obtained hastily at first will not be blessed in the end.”

Why?

Their request—though practical—revealed something deeper. “We will build sheepfolds for our flocks here and cities for our children,” they told Moshe (Bamidbar 32:16). In their hierarchy, livestock came first. Children were second.

Moshe responded by reversing their order: “Build cities for your children and pens for your sheep” (Bamidbar 32:24). Moshe subtly corrected their priorities. Livelihood is important—but the spiritual and moral well-being of the next generation must come first.

There was once a time when Jewish parents’ greatest investment was in the souls of their children. Torah learning, yirat Shamayim, and refined middot were the cornerstones of Jewish family life. Financial security, while important, was secondary. Today, it is all too common to see the reverse: families pouring endless energy into material success, while their children are left to navigate a moral wilderness.

Moshe Rabbeinu’s rebuke is eternal. Build cities for your children. Give them Torah. Give them a wholesome home. Give them values that last beyond bank accounts and properties.

Only after that—pens for your sheep. Build your career, tend to your assets, secure your estate. But never lose sight of what truly endures.

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Rabbi Yitzchok Zilber, zt”l, was the founder of LaMaalot Foundation. He dedicated his life to teaching Torah, and his impactful writings continue to inspire Jews worldwide. Copyright 2023 by The LaMaalot Foundation. Conversations on the Torah, by Rabbi Yitzchak Zilber is catalogued at The Library of Congress. All rights reserved. www.LaMaalot.org.