Deuteronomy 3:29 - Exile near idolatry's shadow?

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Hebrew Text

וַנֵּשֶׁב בַּגָּיְא מוּל בֵּית פְּעוֹר׃

English Translation

So we abode in the valley over against Bet-pe῾or.

Transliteration

Vaneshev bagai mul beit peor.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַנֵּ֣שֶׁב בַּגָּ֔יְא מ֖וּל בֵּ֥ית פְּעֽוֹר׃ {פ}

Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy)

The verse (Devarim 3:29) appears in Moshe's recounting of Bnei Yisrael's journey before entering Eretz Yisrael. It describes their encampment near Beit Peor, a place associated with earlier incidents of idolatry (Bamidbar 25:3). Rashi notes that this location is mentioned to contrast Moshe's impending death outside the Land with the people's future entry—highlighting the consequences of the Meraglim's sin.

Significance of the Valley Opposite Beit Peor

Beit Peor was linked to the Moabite deity Peor, where Bnei Yisrael previously stumbled into avodah zarah (Bamidbar 25:1-3). Ramban explains that encamping there served as a reminder of their past failures and the need for vigilance against spiritual pitfalls. The valley's location—opposite Beit Peor—symbolizes a stance of opposition to idolatry.

Midrashic Insights

Sifrei Devarim 26: Suggests this encampment was providential, allowing Bnei Yisrael to reflect on their past mistakes before entering the Land.
Midrash Tanchuma (Balak 18): Connects Beit Peor to the episode of Balak and Bilam, emphasizing that proximity to temptation requires heightened moral awareness.

Halachic and Ethical Lessons

The Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 7:1) derives from such verses the importance of distancing oneself from environments that may lead to sin. The valley's positioning—"opposite" Beit Peor—teaches the principle of creating boundaries (seyag) against negative influences, a concept echoed in Mishnah Avot 1:7.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'we abode in the valley over against Bet-peor' mean in Deuteronomy 3:29?
A: This verse refers to the Israelites camping in the valley near Beit Peor before entering the Land of Israel. Rashi explains that this location was significant because it was where Balaam had tried to curse the Jewish people (Numbers 23-24), but instead blessings came forth. The Torah reminds us of this place to recall God's protection.

Q: Why is Beit Peor mentioned in the Torah?
A: Beit Peor is mentioned as a place of both spiritual challenge and divine protection. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 106a) notes that it was associated with idol worship (as the name suggests connection to the pagan deity Peor), yet it became a place where God's kindness was evident when Balaam's intended curses were transformed into blessings.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 3:29 today?
A: This verse teaches that even when we are in places or situations that were once associated with negativity (like Beit Peor), God can transform them into places of blessing. The Rambam teaches that remembering past miracles strengthens our faith in God's ongoing protection in our lives today.