Numbers 33:50 - Divine command before entering Israel

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Hebrew Text

וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה בְּעַרְבֹת מוֹאָב עַל־יַרְדֵּן יְרֵחוֹ לֵאמֹר׃

English Translation

And the Lord spoke to Moshe in the plains of Mo᾽av by the Yarden near Yereĥo, saying,

Transliteration

Vayedaber Adonai el-Moshe b'arvot Moav al-Yarden Yerecho lemor.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְדַבֵּ֧ר יְהֹוָ֛ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֖ה בְּעַֽרְבֹ֣ת מוֹאָ֑ב עַל־יַרְדֵּ֥ן יְרֵח֖וֹ לֵאמֹֽר׃

Parasha Commentary

Location of Divine Communication

The verse states that Hashem spoke to Moshe in the plains of Moav by the Jordan near Yericho. Rashi (Bamidbar 22:1) explains that this location is significant because it was the final place where Moshe received prophecy before his passing. The plains of Moav represent a transitional space between the wilderness and Eretz Yisrael, symbolizing the culmination of the Israelites' journey.

Significance of Moav

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:1) notes that Moav was the territory of Balak, who sought to curse Bnei Yisrael. Despite this hostility, Hashem chose to speak to Moshe there, demonstrating that divine communication is not limited by geographic or political boundaries. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:32) emphasizes that prophecy can occur anywhere when the recipient is spiritually prepared.

Proximity to Yericho

The Talmud (Sotah 34b) connects this location to the future conquest of Yericho, the first city Bnei Yisrael would encounter in Eretz Yisrael.
Rabbi Ovadia Sforno suggests that being near Yericho highlights the imminent fulfillment of Hashem's promise to bring the nation into the Land.

Literary Context

Ibn Ezra observes that this verse introduces the final discourses of Moshe in Sefer Devarim, which were delivered in this location. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) adds that the plains of Moav represent a place of clarity and openness, fitting for Moshe's comprehensive review of Torah law before his death.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where did Hashem speak to Moshe in Numbers 33:50?
A: In Numbers 33:50, Hashem spoke to Moshe in the plains of Moav, near the Jordan River by Jericho. This location is significant because it was the final encampment of the Israelites before entering the Land of Israel (Eretz Yisrael). Rashi explains that this was the place where Moshe received many of the final commandments before his passing.

Q: Why is the location in Numbers 33:50 important?
A: The location—plains of Moav near Jericho—is important because it marks the transition point where the Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land. According to the Talmud (Sotah 34a), this was where Moshe delivered his final instructions and where Yehoshua (Joshua) would later lead the people into Eretz Yisrael. It symbolizes the completion of the journey from Egypt to Israel.

Q: What is the significance of Hashem speaking to Moshe in this verse?
A: The fact that Hashem spoke to Moshe in this verse highlights that Moshe was still the leader and teacher of Israel until the very end of his life. Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that Moshe’s prophecy was unique, and this verse reinforces that his divine communication continued even as the people prepared to enter the Land without him.

Q: How does Numbers 33:50 connect to the broader narrative of the Torah?
A: Numbers 33:50 is part of the summary of the Israelites' journeys in the wilderness. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) explains that listing these locations reminds us of Hashem’s guidance throughout their travels. This verse specifically sets the stage for the laws and events that follow, including the division of the Land and the mitzvot relevant to settling it.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 33:50 today?
A: This verse teaches us about divine timing and leadership transitions. Just as Moshe continued guiding the people until they reached the border of Eretz Yisrael, we learn the importance of fulfilling our roles with dedication until the very end. The Talmud (Berachos 5a) also derives from here that Torah leadership is passed down carefully to ensure continuity.