In describing how the twelve tribes journeyed in the Wilderness the Torah tells us that the entire nation was divided into four groups. Each group consisted of three tribes. The leading group was comprised of the tribe of Yehuda first and then Yissachar and followed by Zevulun. It is interesting to understand why specifically these three tribes were selected to lead the traveling through the Wilderness.
Who were these tribes and what did they represent? The tribe of Yehuda stood for MALCHUT, kingship. Yehuda had proven his leadership ability when he stood up against Joseph who wanted to keep Binyamin behind in Egypt in the incident of the silver goblet. Yehuda had shown his leadership ability and his descendants were destined to become the kings of Israel.
Yissacher had the distinction of being the scholar among the tribes. It was he who according to our Sages carried the burden of the Torah. (See Rashi on Yaakov’s blessing of Yissachar, Gen. 49,14.) Zevulun, according to our Sages was the businessman who supported Yissachar so who could devote his life to the study of Torah. (See Rashi on Yaakov’s blessing of Zevulun, Gen. 49,13.)
This is the reason these three tribes were selected to go first and lead the journeys of the Israelites. They represented great values in Jewish life – leadership, Torah and the support of Torah. Hence Jews have always given respect to leaders, to those who study Torah and to those who support the study of Torah.
