Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 3:17 describe?
A: Deuteronomy 3:17 describes the geographical boundaries of the land given to the tribes of Reuven and Gad, as well as half the tribe of Menashe. It mentions the Arava (Jordan Valley), the Jordan River, the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee), and the Salt Sea (Dead Sea), all under the slopes of Pisga to the east. Rashi explains that this delineation was part of Moshe's division of the land before the Israelites entered Eretz Yisrael.
Q: Why is the Kinneret mentioned in Deuteronomy 3:17?
A: The Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) is mentioned in this verse as one of the key landmarks defining the northern boundary of the territory allocated to the tribes east of the Jordan. According to traditional Jewish sources, the Kinneret is significant not only geographically but also spiritually, as it is a freshwater lake that sustains life in the region, symbolizing Torah's life-giving waters (see Bamidbar Rabbah 18:21).
Q: What is the significance of the Salt Sea in this verse?
A: The Salt Sea (Dead Sea) is mentioned as the southern boundary of the land described in this verse. The Talmud (Bava Batra 74b) discusses its unique properties, noting that it is called the 'Salt Sea' due to its high salinity, which prevents most life from surviving there. This serves as a contrast to the fertile lands of Israel, highlighting Hashem's blessing on the land He gave to the Jewish people.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 3:17 apply to Jews today?
A: While this verse primarily describes historical borders, it reminds Jews today of the eternal connection between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel. Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 5:12) emphasizes that these boundaries hold halachic significance for mitzvot tied to the land. Additionally, it reinforces the importance of gratitude for the land Hashem granted our ancestors, as we pray for its full restoration.
Q: What is the 'Arava' mentioned in Deuteronomy 3:17?
A: The 'Arava' refers to the Jordan Valley, a low-lying area that runs from the Kinneret in the north to the Dead Sea in the south. Rashi explains that this fertile valley was part of the territory given to the tribes settling east of the Jordan. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) notes that the Arava's inclusion shows the expansiveness of the land promised to Israel.
Geographical Context in the Torah
The verse describes the boundaries of the land of Israel, specifically focusing on the eastern regions. The Arava refers to the Jordan Valley, a significant geographical feature mentioned frequently in Tanach. The Yarden (Jordan River) serves as a natural border, while Kinneret (the Sea of Galilee) and the Salt Sea (the Dead Sea) mark the northern and southern limits of this territory. Rashi (Devarim 3:17) explains that this delineation was part of Moshe Rabbeinu's division of the land for the tribes of Reuven and Gad, who requested territory east of the Jordan.
Symbolism of the Salt Sea
The Yam HaMelach (Salt Sea) is identified as the site of Sodom and Gomorrah's destruction (Bereishit 19:24-25). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 51:5) teaches that its extreme salinity reflects the desolation resulting from their wickedness. Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 4:1) uses this as a lesson about the consequences of moral corruption, emphasizing that the land itself bears witness to divine justice.
The Significance of Pisga
Ashdot HaPisga (the slopes of Pisga) is the region where Moshe viewed Eretz Yisrael before his passing (Devarim 34:1). The Talmud (Sotah 13b) relates that this vantage point was granted to Moshe as a consolation for not entering the land, demonstrating Hashem's compassion even in moments of judgment. The location's mention here reinforces its importance as a boundary and spiritual landmark.
Halachic Implications of Borders
The precise delineation of borders in this verse has practical halachic ramifications, particularly regarding: