Numbers 32:14 - Sinful sons repeat fathers' failures?

Join Our Newsletter To Be Informed When New Videos Are Posted

Join the thousands of fellow Studends who rely on our videos to learn how to read the bible in Hebrew for free!

Hebrew Text

וְהִנֵּה קַמְתֶּם תַּחַת אֲבֹתֵיכֶם תַּרְבּוּת אֲנָשִׁים חַטָּאִים לִסְפּוֹת עוֹד עַל חֲרוֹן אַף־יְהוָה אֶל־יִשְׂרָאֵל׃

English Translation

And, behold, you are risen up in place of your fathers, a brood of sinful men, to augment yet the fierce anger of the Lord towards Yisra᾽el.

Transliteration

Vehineh kamtem tachat avoteichem tarbut anashim chata'im lisphot od al charon af-Adonai el-Yisrael.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהִנֵּ֣ה קַמְתֶּ֗ם תַּ֚חַת אֲבֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם תַּרְבּ֖וּת אֲנָשִׁ֣ים חַטָּאִ֑ים לִסְפּ֣וֹת ע֗וֹד עַ֛ל חֲר֥וֹן אַף־יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶל־יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 32:14, where Moshe rebukes the tribes of Reuven and Gad for requesting to settle east of the Jordan River. Moshe warns them that their actions may provoke further divine anger against Klal Yisrael, similar to the sin of the spies (Meraglim) that led to the 40-year wandering in the desert.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi interprets "tarbut anashim chata'im" (a brood of sinful men) as referring to the generation of the spies, who were the fathers of the current generation. He explains that the tribes of Reuven and Gad were following in the sinful footsteps of their ancestors by prioritizing their material desires (land for cattle) over entering Eretz Yisrael, which could incite Hashem's anger again.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides), in Hilchot Teshuvah, emphasizes the concept of collective responsibility. Moshe's rebuke highlights how the actions of a few can impact the entire nation. By potentially discouraging others from entering the Land, Reuven and Gad risked repeating the sin of the spies, which had catastrophic consequences for all of Yisrael.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 7) compares this situation to a flock of sheep being led by a shepherd. If some sheep stray, the entire flock is endangered. Similarly, the tribes' request to separate themselves from the collective mission of conquering Eretz Yisrael threatened to weaken the unity and spiritual resolve of the nation.

Key Lessons

Historical Parallel: Moshe draws a direct connection between this generation's behavior and the sin of their fathers, warning against repeating past mistakes.
Communal Responsibility: Individual actions affect the entire nation, especially when they undermine shared spiritual goals.
Material vs. Spiritual Priorities: The tribes' focus on livestock (material wealth) over settling the Land (a divine commandment) risked divine displeasure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 32:14 mean?
A: Numbers 32:14 is a warning from Moshe (Moses) to the tribes of Reuven and Gad, who wanted to settle on the east side of the Jordan River instead of entering the Land of Israel. Moshe criticizes them, saying they are repeating the sinful behavior of their fathers (the generation of the spies who doubted entering the Land), which could bring more of Hashem's anger upon the Jewish people. Rashi explains that Moshe feared their actions might discourage others from entering the Land, just as the spies did.

Q: Why is this verse important?
A: This verse is important because it teaches about the consequences of actions that weaken the unity and faith of the Jewish people. The Rambam (Maimonides) emphasizes that causing others to sin or lose faith is a serious matter. Here, Moshe warns that even well-intentioned requests (like settling outside Israel) can have negative spiritual effects on the community if not handled properly.

Q: What can we learn from Numbers 32:14 today?
A: We learn the importance of considering how our personal choices affect the broader Jewish community. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 74a) teaches that one must always think about the collective impact of their actions. Just as Moshe was concerned about the influence of Reuven and Gad’s decision, we must ensure our choices strengthen—not weaken—Jewish unity and commitment to Torah values.

Q: How did Reuven and Gad respond to Moshe's warning?
A: Later in the parsha (Numbers 32:16-27), Reuven and Gad clarify that they will fully participate in conquering the Land of Israel before settling east of the Jordan. They promise not to abandon their brothers, showing repentance for their initial request. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 22:9) praises their willingness to correct their mistake and fulfill their responsibility to the nation.