Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 3:5 mean when it describes fortified cities?
A: Deuteronomy 3:5 describes the strong, well-defended cities conquered by the Israelites. According to Rashi, the 'high walls, gates, and bars' emphasize the cities' impressive defenses, showing that Hashem gave the Israelites victory even over seemingly unconquerable places.
Q: Why does the Torah mention both fortified and unwalled towns in this verse?
A: The Torah contrasts fortified cities with unwalled towns to highlight the extent of the Israelites' conquest. Rambam explains that this distinction shows that the Israelites took possession of all types of settlements—both heavily defended and vulnerable—demonstrating Hashem's complete fulfillment of His promise to give them the land.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 3:5 today?
A: This verse teaches us that with faith in Hashem, even the greatest obstacles can be overcome. The Talmud (Berachot 3b) relates that human efforts alone cannot succeed without divine assistance. Just as the Israelites conquered fortified cities with Hashem's help, we too can face challenges with trust in Him.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader narrative in Deuteronomy?
A: Deuteronomy 3:5 is part of Moshe's recounting of the Israelites' journey and victories. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah) explains that Moshe reminded the people of these conquests to strengthen their faith as they prepared to enter Eretz Yisrael under Yehoshua's leadership, showing that Hashem would continue to guide them.
Q: Were all the cities in the land of Israel fortified like this?
A: No, the verse specifies that besides the fortified cities, there were also many unwalled towns ('arei haperazi'). Rashi explains that 'perazi' refers to open, rural settlements without defenses, indicating that the land had a mix of urban strongholds and vulnerable villages, all of which fell under Israelite control.
Context of the Verse
This verse appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 3:5, where Moshe recounts the conquest of the lands of Sichon and Og, emphasizing the strength of the fortified cities the Israelites encountered. The description highlights both the military might of these cities and the divine assistance that enabled Bnei Yisrael to overcome them.
Explanation of the Fortifications
Rashi explains that the phrase "חומה גבוהה" (high walls) refers to walls so tall that they were virtually impregnable by human means. The mention of "דלתים ובריח" (gates and bars) underscores the cities' defensive measures, making them difficult to breach. The contrast with "ערי הפרזי" (unwalled towns) emphasizes that these fortified cities were exceptional in their strength.
Spiritual Significance
The Kli Yakar offers a deeper interpretation, suggesting that the fortified cities symbolize the challenges and obstacles one faces in spiritual growth. Just as Bnei Yisrael needed divine help to conquer these cities, a person must rely on Hashem's assistance to overcome personal struggles. The "unwalled towns" represent areas where spiritual defenses are weaker, requiring constant vigilance.
Historical and Military Perspective
Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that the conquest of these cities demonstrated Hashem's promise to deliver the land to Bnei Yisrael, despite seemingly insurmountable odds. The verse serves as a reminder of the miracles performed during the conquest, reinforcing the idea that victory came through divine intervention rather than human strength alone.
Midrashic Insights