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Numbers 21:29 - Mo'av's downfall: Divine justice prevails?

Numbers 21:29 - במדבר 21:29

Hebrew Text

אוֹי־לְךָ מוֹאָב אָבַדְתָּ עַם־כְּמוֹשׁ נָתַן בָּנָיו פְּלֵיטִם וּבְנֹתָיו בַּשְּׁבִית לְמֶלֶךְ אֱמֹרִי סִיחוֹן׃

English Translation

Woe to thee, Mo᾽av! thou art undone, O people of Kemosh: he has given his sons as fugitives, and his daughters, as captives to Siĥon king of the Emori.

Transliteration

Oy-lecha Moav avadta am-Kemosh natan banav pletim uvnotav bashviti lemelech Emori Sichon.

Hebrew Leining Text

אוֹי־לְךָ֣ מוֹאָ֔ב אָבַ֖דְתָּ עַם־כְּמ֑וֹשׁ נָתַ֨ן בָּנָ֤יו פְּלֵיטִם֙ וּבְנֹתָ֣יו בַּשְּׁבִ֔ית לְמֶ֥לֶךְ אֱמֹרִ֖י סִיחֽוֹן׃
אוֹי־לְךָ֣ מוֹאָ֔ב אָבַ֖דְתָּ עַם־כְּמ֑וֹשׁ נָתַ֨ן בָּנָ֤יו פְּלֵיטִם֙ וּבְנֹתָ֣יו בַּשְּׁבִ֔ית לְמֶ֥לֶךְ אֱמֹרִ֖י סִיחֽוֹן׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Numbers 21:29) is part of a poetic lamentation over the downfall of Moab, delivered by the Israelites after their victory over Sihon, king of the Amorites. The verse reflects the consequences of Moab's defeat and the capture of its people by Sihon.

Explanation of Key Phrases

  • "Woe to thee, Moab" (אוֹי־לְךָ מוֹאָב): The term "Woe" (אוֹי) is an expression of mourning and lamentation, indicating the tragic fate of Moab. Rashi explains that this lament was sung by the Israelites, recognizing the devastation that befell Moab even though they were not the ones who directly caused it.
  • "O people of Kemosh" (עַם־כְּמוֹשׁ): Kemosh was the chief deity of Moab (see Jeremiah 48:7). The verse highlights the irony that the god they worshipped could not save them from destruction. The Ramban notes that this underscores the futility of idol worship in contrast to the sovereignty of Hashem.
  • "Given his sons as fugitives, and his daughters as captives" (נָתַן בָּנָיו פְּלֵיטִם וּבְנֹתָיו בַּשְּׁבִית): This describes the complete subjugation of Moab—men fleeing in defeat and women taken captive. The Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 22) connects this to the broader theme of divine justice, as Moab had previously sought to harm Israel (through Balak and Balaam).
  • "To Sihon king of the Amorites" (לְמֶלֶךְ אֱמֹרִי סִיחוֹן): Sihon had previously conquered Moab (Numbers 21:26), and now his victory is lamented. The Talmud (Gittin 38a) discusses how Sihon's conquest was part of Hashem's plan to prepare the land for Israel.

Theological Implications

This verse serves as a reminder of the transient power of nations that oppose Hashem's will. The Malbim explains that Moab's reliance on Kemosh was futile, as only Hashem controls the fate of nations. The lament also foreshadows future judgments against Moab (e.g., in Isaiah 15-16 and Jeremiah 48).

Connection to Jewish History

According to the Sforno, this lament was preserved in Scripture to teach that even nations hostile to Israel are subject to divine justice. The downfall of Moab serves as a lesson in humility and the consequences of opposing the Jewish people, as later seen in the story of Ruth (a Moabite who embraced Judaism).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 21:29 mean when it says 'Woe to thee, Moav'?
A: This verse is a prophetic lament over the downfall of Moav. Rashi explains that Moav worshipped the idol Kemosh, and this verse foretells their destruction because they trusted in a false god rather than Hashem. The 'woe' expresses sorrow over their inevitable fate due to their misplaced faith.
Q: Who was Kemosh mentioned in Numbers 21:29?
A: Kemosh was the chief deity worshipped by the Moabites, as referenced in the verse. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 63b) discusses how idolatrous nations like Moav believed in false gods like Kemosh, contrasting with the Jewish belief in the one true G-d. The verse highlights the futility of their idol worship.
Q: Why does the verse mention Moav's sons and daughters being taken captive?
A: The verse describes the consequences of Moav's defeat—their children being taken as fugitives and captives by King Sichon of the Emori. Ramban explains that this was a punishment for Moav's hostility toward Israel (as seen earlier in the Torah) and their reliance on Kemosh instead of turning to righteousness.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 21:29 today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of placing trust in Hashem alone, not in false ideologies or powers. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:30) connects this to the broader theme that nations who oppose Israel ultimately face downfall. It reminds us that true security comes only from faithfulness to G-d.
Q: Who was King Sichon of the Emori mentioned in this verse?
A: Sichon was an Amorite king who conquered Moavite territory before Israel encountered him (as recorded in Numbers 21:26). Rashi notes that Sichon's victory over Moav was part of Hashem's plan to later give that land to Israel, showing how Divine providence shapes history.