Numbers 32:42 - Conquest renames identity forever.

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Hebrew Text

וְנֹבַח הָלַךְ וַיִּלְכֹּד אֶת־קְנָת וְאֶת־בְּנֹתֶיהָ וַיִּקְרָא לָה נֹבַח בִּשְׁמוֹ׃

English Translation

And Novaĥ went and took Qenat, and its hamlets, and called it Novaĥ, after his own name.

Transliteration

Venovach halach vayilkod et-Kenat ve'et-benoteha vayikra lah Novach bishmo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְנֹ֣בַח הָלַ֔ךְ וַיִּלְכֹּ֥ד אֶת־קְנָ֖ת וְאֶת־בְּנֹתֶ֑יהָ וַיִּקְרָ֧א לָ֦הֿ נֹ֖בַח בִּשְׁמֽוֹ׃ {פ}

Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Bamidbar

The verse (Bamidbar 32:42) describes the conquests of the tribe of Menashe in Transjordan, specifically the actions of Novach, a descendant of Menashe. This occurs during the division of the land under Moshe's leadership before entering Eretz Yisrael.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi notes that Novach was from the family of Machir (Bamidbar 32:39-40) and emphasizes that he conquered Kenat on his own initiative, separate from the general conquest led by Moshe. This demonstrates the special merit and strength of Novach.

Naming After Himself

The act of renaming the city after himself is interpreted by the Da'at Zekeinim MiBa'alei HaTosafot as an expression of ownership and permanent settlement. This follows the precedent of other biblical figures who renamed conquered locations (e.g., Judges 18:29).

Historical Significance

The Ramban explains that this conquest was part of fulfilling the promise to Avraham of inheriting the land (Bereishit 15:18-21), extending even to Transjordan when inhabited by descendants of Avraham.

Lessons in Leadership

Individual Initiative: Novach's independent conquest models how individuals can contribute to national goals beyond communal efforts (based on Malbim).
Permanent Settlement: Renaming the city reflects the Jewish ideal of putting down roots in the land (as discussed in Sifrei Devarim).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 32:42 mean when it says Nobah named the city after himself?
A: According to Rashi, Nobah renaming the city after himself shows that he took possession of it as his inheritance in the Land of Israel. This was a common practice in biblical times to establish ownership and legacy (see similar examples in Deuteronomy 3:14).

Q: Why is the conquest of Kenat and its villages mentioned in the Torah?
A: The Ramban explains that this verse is included to show how the tribes fulfilled Moses' condition (Numbers 32:20-22) to help conquer the land before settling east of the Jordan. It demonstrates their commitment to the collective mission of settling Eretz Yisrael.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Nobah naming the city after himself?
A: The Midrash teaches that while it's natural to want to leave a legacy, we should be careful about excessive pride in our accomplishments. The city's original name (Kenat) isn't completely erased, showing that true legacy comes from righteous deeds, not just naming things after ourselves.

Q: How does this verse about territorial conquest apply to Jews today?
A: The Talmud (Bava Batra 119b) derives from such verses that proper acquisition of land in Israel requires both physical possession and a formal act of acquisition. This becomes the basis for halachic discussions about purchasing property in Israel today.

Q: Who was Nobah in the Bible?
A: Nobah was from the tribe of Menashe (see Numbers 32:39-42). The Sforno explains he was a leader who helped conquer territory east of the Jordan River. His story teaches that even those who settled outside the main land of Israel still participated in the national mission.