Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Numbers 32:34 mean when it says the children of Gad built these cities?
A: The verse describes how the tribe of Gad, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, built the cities of Divon, Atarot, and Aroer after receiving these territories east of the Jordan River. According to Rashi, this demonstrates their fulfillment of the promise made to Moshe (Moses) to help conquer the land of Canaan before settling in their own allotted portion (Numbers 32:16-32).
Q: Why is it important that the tribe of Gad built these cities?
A: This is important because it shows the commitment of the tribe of Gad to the collective mission of Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel). The Talmud (Bava Batra 123a) highlights that Gad chose land suitable for their flocks but still upheld their responsibility to help the other tribes conquer the land west of the Jordan, as promised to Moshe.
Q: What can we learn from the actions of the tribe of Gad in this verse?
A: We learn the importance of keeping one's word and contributing to the greater community. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 22:7) praises Gad for their loyalty and willingness to delay settling in their own inheritance until they fulfilled their promise to assist their brethren in conquering Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel).
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This teaches us the value of mutual responsibility (ערבות, areivut) in Jewish life. Just as Gad supported the other tribes, we must prioritize communal needs even when it requires personal sacrifice. The Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot De'ot 6:3) emphasizes that one should always share in the burdens of the community.
Q: Where were these cities located, and why were they significant?
A: These cities were located in the territory east of the Jordan River (modern-day Jordan). Divon, Atarot, and Aroer were strategic cities for defense and agriculture. Rashi notes that Gad chose this region because it was fertile land for their livestock (Numbers 32:1), demonstrating that one can fulfill divine commandments while also tending to practical needs.
Context in Sefer Bamidbar
The verse (Bamidbar 32:34) describes the actions of the tribe of Gad in building the cities of Divon, Atarot, and Aroer after receiving their portion in the Transjordan. This follows their request to Moshe to settle east of the Jordan River, provided they first assist in conquering Eretz Yisrael (Bamidbar 32:1-33).
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that the term "built" (וַיִּבְנוּ) here does not mean they constructed these cities from scratch, but rather that they fortified and rebuilt existing cities that had been conquered from Sichon and Og (Rashi on Bamidbar 32:34). This aligns with the principle that the tribes were permitted to settle only in lands already conquered under Moshe's leadership.
Ramban's Additional Insight
Ramban (Nachmanides) adds that the listing of these three cities first—Divon, Atarot, and Aroer—indicates they were strategically important as border towns. Aroer, in particular, is mentioned elsewhere (Devarim 2:36) as a key frontier city on the Arnon River, suggesting Gad prioritized securing their territorial boundaries.
Midrashic Perspective
The Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 12) notes that Gad's swift action in building these cities demonstrated their commitment to their promise to Moshe. By immediately establishing settlements, they showed they did not intend to renege on their vow to join the battles in Canaan.
Halachic Implications