Numbers 33:48 - Journey's end near Jericho?

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Hebrew Text

וַיִּסְעוּ מֵהָרֵי הָעֲבָרִים וַיַּחֲנוּ בְּעַרְבֹת מוֹאָב עַל יַרְדֵּן יְרֵחוֹ׃

English Translation

And they departed from the mountains of ῾Avarim, and pitched in the plains of Mo᾽av by Yarden near Yereĥo.

Transliteration

Vayisu meharei ha'avarim vayachanu be'arvot mo'av al yarden yericho.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּסְע֖וּ מֵהָרֵ֣י הָעֲבָרִ֑ים וַֽיַּחֲנוּ֙ בְּעַֽרְבֹ֣ת מוֹאָ֔ב עַ֖ל יַרְדֵּ֥ן יְרֵחֽוֹ׃

Parasha Commentary

Location and Significance of the Journey

The verse describes Bnei Yisrael's journey from Har Ha'Avarim (the mountains of Avarim) to Arvot Moav (the plains of Moav) near the Yarden (Jordan River) opposite Yericho. Rashi (Bamidbar 33:48) explains that this was their final encampment before entering Eretz Yisrael, marking the transition from wandering in the wilderness to preparing for conquest.

Har Ha'Avarim and its Connection to Moshe Rabbeinu

The mountains of Avarim are significant because they include Har Nevo, where Moshe Rabbeinu would later ascend to view Eretz Yisrael before his passing (Devarim 32:49). The Sforno notes that this location symbolizes the completion of the generation's journey—those who left Egypt had perished, and the new generation stood ready to enter the Land.

Arvot Moav: A Place of Preparation

The plains of Moav served as the staging ground for key events before entering Eretz Yisrael:

Birkat Bilam (Balak's failed attempt to curse Bnei Yisrael) occurred here (Bamidbar 22-24).
Moshe delivered his final discourses (Sefer Devarim) in this location.
Yehoshua was formally appointed as Moshe's successor here (Bamidbar 27:22-23).

Proximity to Yericho

The mention of Yarden near Yericho highlights the imminent conquest. The Ramban (Bamidbar 33:48) emphasizes that this positioning was strategic—Yericho was the first city to be conquered (Yehoshua 6), and camping opposite it demonstrated Bnei Yisrael's readiness for battle under Yehoshua's leadership.

Spiritual Transition

The Midrash Tanchuma (Mas'ei 7) teaches that this encampment marked a shift from reliance on miracles (e.g., the manna and the Clouds of Glory) to a phase where Bnei Yisrael would begin to engage in natural warfare—though still with divine assistance. This reflects the principle of "hishtadlut" (human effort within the framework of emunah).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 33:48 mean?
A: Numbers 33:48 describes the Israelites' journey as they left the mountains of Avarim and camped in the plains of Moav near the Jordan River, close to Jericho. This was one of their final stops before entering the Land of Israel. Rashi explains that this location was chosen strategically as a preparation point before crossing the Jordan.

Q: Why is the location in Numbers 33:48 important?
A: The plains of Moav (Arvot Moav) were significant because this was where Moshe (Moses) delivered his final speeches to the Israelites (recorded in Deuteronomy) before they entered Eretz Yisrael. The Talmud (Sotah 34a) notes that this location was also where the spies had passed through decades earlier, connecting it to the nation's history.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 33:48?
A: This verse teaches us about the importance of preparation before major life transitions. Just as the Israelites paused in the plains of Moav to prepare spiritually and physically before entering the Land, we too should approach significant milestones with thoughtful preparation. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) highlights how they used this time for repentance and renewal.

Q: How does the journey in Numbers 33:48 connect to the rest of the Torah?
A: This verse is part of the detailed list of the Israelites' 42 encampments in the wilderness (Numbers 33). Rambam teaches that recording these stops reminds us of Hashem's kindness in sustaining the nation through their travels. It also sets the stage for the transition to the Book of Deuteronomy, which begins in this same location.