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Numbers 21:20 - Moab's valley to Pisgah's view

Numbers 21:20 - במדבר 21:20

Hebrew Text

וּמִבָּמוֹת הַגַּיְא אֲשֶׁר בִּשְׂדֵה מוֹאָב רֹאשׁ הַפִּסְגָּה וְנִשְׁקָפָה עַל־פְּנֵי הַיְשִׁימֹן׃

English Translation

and from Bamot to the valley, that is in the country of Mo᾽av, to the top of Pisga, which looks out towards the desert.

Transliteration

U-mivamot hagay asher bisdei Moav rosh hapiska v-nishkafa al-pnei hayeshimon.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּמִבָּמ֗וֹת הַגַּיְא֙ אֲשֶׁר֙ בִּשְׂדֵ֣ה מוֹאָ֔ב רֹ֖אשׁ הַפִּסְגָּ֑ה וְנִשְׁקָ֖פָה עַל־פְּנֵ֥י הַיְשִׁימֹֽן׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וּמִבָּמ֗וֹת הַגַּיְא֙ אֲשֶׁר֙ בִּשְׂדֵ֣ה מוֹאָ֔ב רֹ֖אשׁ הַפִּסְגָּ֑ה וְנִשְׁקָ֖פָה עַל־פְּנֵ֥י הַיְשִׁימֹֽן׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Geographical Context in the Torah

The verse describes the geographical boundaries of the land of Moav, specifically referencing Bamot (the high places), the valley, and Pisga, which overlooks the desert (Yeshimon). Rashi (on Bamidbar 21:20) explains that Bamot refers to elevated places where idolatrous worship was conducted, while Pisga is identified as the mountain from which Moshe viewed Eretz Yisrael before his passing (Devarim 34:1). The Yeshimon (desert) is understood as a barren, desolate region.

Spiritual Significance of the Locations

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:16) teaches that these places symbolize spiritual challenges. Bamot represents the dangers of foreign worship, while Pisga (meaning "summit") alludes to clarity and divine vision—as Moshe saw the Promised Land from its peak. The Yeshimon reflects the trials of the wilderness, where Bnei Yisrael were tested before entering Eretz Yisrael.

Moav’s Role in Jewish Tradition

Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 5:7) discusses Moav’s status in halacha, noting that while certain prohibitions applied to them, the Torah still delineates their land with precision. The mention of these locations emphasizes that even lands outside Eretz Yisrael are under Hashem’s providence, as they were part of the journey of Bnei Yisrael.

Lessons from the Verse

  • Elevation vs. Desolation: The contrast between Bamot (idolatrous heights) and Pisga (a place of divine vision) teaches the choice between spiritual falsehood and truth.
  • Divine Perspective: Just as Moshe saw Eretz Yisrael from Pisga, we are reminded to seek higher understanding in our service of Hashem.
  • Historical Awareness: The detailed geography reinforces the authenticity of the Torah’s narrative, as these places were known landmarks in ancient times.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the locations mentioned in Numbers 21:20?
A: The verse mentions Bamot, the valley in Moav, and the top of Pisga overlooking the desert. These locations are significant because they mark stages in the Israelites' journey toward the Promised Land. Rashi explains that these places were elevated areas (Bamot means 'high places'), and Pisga was a mountain peak from which one could see the desert. This highlights how the Israelites were being guided through strategic points in their travels.
Q: Why does the Torah describe the view from Pisga in Numbers 21:20?
A: The Torah emphasizes that Pisga 'looks out towards the desert' to show the transition from wilderness to the border of the Promised Land. According to the Midrash, this was a moment of reflection for the Israelites, as they could see both where they had come from (the desert) and where they were heading (Eretz Yisrael). It symbolizes spiritual and physical progress.
Q: How does Numbers 21:20 connect to Moshe's later ascent to Mount Nebo?
A: Pisga, mentioned here, is part of the same mountain range as Mount Nebo (Devarim 34:1), where Moshe later sees the Land of Israel before passing away. Ramban notes that this verse foreshadows Moshe's final view of the land, showing that the journey in the wilderness was leading toward that pivotal moment.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the Israelites' journey through these places?
A: The progression from Bamot to Pisga teaches that growth often happens step by step. The Talmud (Sotah 34a) connects this to the idea that reaching spiritual heights requires gradual effort—just as the Israelites moved through elevated places (Bamot) before reaching Pisga's peak. This reminds us to appreciate each stage of our personal journeys.