Machshavot HaLev - Yeshivat Lev HaTorah

193
בלה תובשחמ
count them numerically, rather we use a verse from Tanach that contains ten words
(most commonly, “Hoshia et amecha…”). There are many explanations given for
the reason behind this prohibition. Some commentaries say that counting Jews
directly can bring judgment upon the individuals who, if not deemed worthy, may
be punished. Others propose that when we count individuals we are emphasizing
the parts rather than the whole, thus demonstrating a lack of unity in Klal Yisrael.
Perhaps we can suggest yet another reason why we may not count the Jewish
people. If we were to count the Jewish people we may fall prey to that same trap
that Balak fell prey to; the assumption that our strength depends on our numbers.
Our strength stems not from our sum total; numbers are irrelevant. Rather our
might is derived from the quality of our service of Hashem.