How is this parasha different from all others? No other parasha in the Torah or legal section is addressed to the heads of the tribes (matot). Why is this parasha different? Because by the end of this book of Bemidbar, the heads of the tribes have finally assumed their rightful role as intermediaries between Moshe and the people. Actually, the parasha over and again mentions the role of the leaders of the tribes. The whole book ends on a request by the leaders of the tribe of Menashe and its response. Now that there is tribal representation, democratic leadership among the people, they can enter the land of Israel as one nation, united and well represented.