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Numbers 21:30 - Conquest of Amorite cities

Numbers 21:30 - במדבר 21:30

Hebrew Text

וַנִּירָם אָבַד חֶשְׁבּוֹן עַד־דִּיבוֹן וַנַּשִּׁים עַד־נֹפַח אֲשֶׁר עַד־מֵידְבָא׃

English Translation

We have shot at them; Ḥeshbon is perished even to Divon, and we have laid them waste to Nofaĥ, which reaches to Medeva.

Transliteration

Vanir'am avad Cheshbon ad-Divon vanashim ad-Nofach asher ad-Meidva.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַנִּירָ֛ם אָבַ֥ד חֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן עַד־דִּיבֹ֑ן וַנַּשִּׁ֣ים עַד־נֹ֔פַח אֲשֶׁ֖רׄ עַד־מֵֽידְבָֽא׃
וַנִּירָ֛ם אָבַ֥ד חֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן עַד־דִּיבֹ֑ן וַנַּשִּׁ֣ים עַד־נֹ֔פַח אֲשֶׁ֖רׄ עַד־מֵֽידְבָֽא׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 21:30, as part of the "Song of the Well" (Shirat HaBe'er), which recounts the victories of the Israelites over the Amorites. The verse describes the conquest of several cities in the region of Moav, including Cheshbon, Divon, Nofach, and Medeva.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) explains that this verse is part of a poetic taunt song sung by the Israelites after their victory over Sichon, king of the Amorites. The phrase "וַנִּירָם אָבַד חֶשְׁבּוֹן" ("We have shot at them; Cheshbon is perished") is interpreted metaphorically: the "shooting" refers to the Israelites' arrows of war, which led to the downfall of Cheshbon, the capital of Sichon's kingdom. Rashi notes that the conquest extended from Cheshbon to Divon and beyond, emphasizing the completeness of their victory.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:26) elaborates on the significance of these cities. Cheshbon (חֶשְׁבּוֹן) is connected to the root חָשַׁב ("to calculate"), suggesting that the Amorites had calculated their strength and defenses but were ultimately defeated by divine intervention. The progression from Cheshbon to Divon and Medeva symbolizes the unraveling of their plans, as their strategic strongholds fell one after another.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides), in his Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Melachim 5:1), discusses the laws of warfare and the ethical conduct of Israel in battle. This verse illustrates the principle that when Israel fights a justified war (milchemet mitzvah), their victories are a fulfillment of divine will. The mention of these cities serves as a historical record of G-d's deliverance and the righteousness of Israel's cause.

Symbolism of the Cities

  • Cheshbon: Represents human calculations and strategies, which are ultimately subject to divine decree.
  • Divon: Symbolizes the "wasting away" (דִּיבוֹן from דָּבָה, to languish) of enemy strength.
  • Nofach and Medeva: Indicate the far-reaching extent of the victory, as these were distant or fortified cities.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Gittin 38a) references this verse in discussions about the boundaries of Eretz Yisrael and the laws of conquest. The cities listed here were part of the territory east of the Jordan River, which was allocated to the tribes of Reuven and Gad. Their capture demonstrated the fulfillment of G-d's promise to give the land to Israel.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of Numbers 21:30?
A: Numbers 21:30 describes the victory of the Israelites over the Amorite kings Sihon and Og. The verse poetically recounts how the Israelites conquered the cities of Ḥeshbon, Divon, Nofaĥ, and Medeva. According to Rashi, this verse is part of a song celebrating the triumph, emphasizing G-d's help in battle.
Q: Why is the conquest of Ḥeshbon mentioned in this verse?
A: Ḥeshbon was the capital of King Sihon, a powerful Amorite ruler who refused to let the Israelites pass through his land (Numbers 21:23). Its conquest was significant because it marked the first major victory in the Israelites' journey toward the Land of Israel. The Talmud (Bava Batra 78b) discusses how this victory demonstrated G-d's protection over Israel.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 21:30?
A: This verse teaches us to recognize and acknowledge G-d's role in our successes. The conquest of these cities was not just a military achievement but a fulfillment of G-d's promise to give the Israelites the land. Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 9:1) explains that remembering such events strengthens our faith in Divine providence.
Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish history?
A: The conquest of these Amorite cities was a pivotal moment in the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:30) highlights that these victories were a precursor to settling the land of Israel, reinforcing the Jewish people's historical and spiritual connection to the land.