Numbers 33:46 - Wandering toward final redemption?

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Hebrew Text

וַיִּסְעוּ מִדִּיבֹן גָּד וַיַּחֲנוּ בְּעַלְמֹן דִּבְלָתָיְמָה׃

English Translation

And they removed from Divon-gad, and encamped in ῾Almon-divlatayema.

Transliteration

Vayis'u mi-Divon Gad vayachanu b'Almon Divlatayma.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּסְע֖וּ מִדִּיבֹ֣ן גָּ֑ד וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ בְּעַלְמֹ֥ן דִּבְלָתָֽיְמָה׃

Parasha Commentary

Geographical Context

The verse (Bamidbar 33:46) describes one of the 42 journeys of Bnei Yisrael in the wilderness. Divon-gad and Almon-divlatayema were stops along their route after leaving Egypt. Rashi explains that these names reflect the locations where they camped, though their exact identities are debated among commentators. The Targum Yonatan identifies Almon-divlatayema as a place near the borders of Moav.

Etymology of the Names

Divon-gad: The name may be connected to the tribe of Gad, as Rashi suggests that Gad settled in this region later (Bamidbar 32:34). Alternatively, Radak notes that "Divon" relates to "dibah" (lamentation), possibly alluding to events that occurred there.
Almon-divlatayema: The Kli Yakar explains that "Almon" means "hidden," while "divlatayema" may derive from "devel" (fig cake), symbolizing either abundance or a place where figs were processed. The double name may indicate a transition between two adjacent sites.

Spiritual Significance

The Sforno teaches that each encampment served as a stage in Bnei Yisrael's spiritual refinement. Almon-divlatayema, coming toward the end of their journeys, may represent a period of introspection ("hidden" – Almon) before entering Eretz Yisrael. The Kli Yakar adds that the "fig cake" (divlatayema) hints at the sweetness of Torah, which sustained them in the wilderness.

Historical Parallels

Ramban connects these locations to later events in Navi, where Divon features in the conflicts between Moav and Yisrael (Yeshayahu 15:2). The Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 22) suggests that these places were later inhabited by descendants of Lot, showing how Hashem guided Bnei Yisrael through lands with historical significance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 33:46 mean?
A: Numbers 33:46 describes one of the 42 journeys the Israelites made in the wilderness after leaving Egypt. Here, they traveled from Divon-gad and camped in Almon-divlatayema. Rashi explains that these place names reflect the Israelites' experiences—Divon-gad ('enough of wealth') hints at their material blessings, while Almon-divlatayema ('hidden cakes of figs') may symbolize hidden spiritual lessons.

Q: Why does the Torah list all the Israelites' encampments?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 34b) teaches that listing all 42 encampments reminds us of G-d's constant care during the 40-year journey. Rambam adds that it shows Divine providence—even temporary stops had purpose. Each location taught lessons in faith, as the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) connects place names to spiritual growth.

Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: Just as each encampment had meaning, our 'journeys'—life changes or challenges—are opportunities for growth. The Sforno notes that leaving Divon-gad ('enough wealth') teaches contentment, while Almon-divlatayema ('hidden figs') reminds us to seek hidden wisdom in every situation, as we trust in G-d's guidance like our ancestors did.

Q: What is the significance of place names in this verse?
A: Traditional commentators see deeper meanings in the names. Divon-gad combines 'Divon' (possibly from 'dibah,' murmuring) and 'Gad' (tribe/fortune), hinting at overcoming complaints through gratitude. Almon-divlatayema's 'hidden figs' (Targum Onkelos) symbolize concealed Torah truths we uncover through study, as the Zohar teaches about wilderness journeys revealing hidden light.