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Numbers 21:34 - Divine assurance before battle.

Numbers 21:34 - במדבר 21:34

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה אַל־תִּירָא אֹתוֹ כִּי בְיָדְךָ נָתַתִּי אֹתוֹ וְאֶת־כָּל־עַמּוֹ וְאֶת־אַרְצוֹ וְעָשִׂיתָ לּוֹ כַּאֲשֶׁר עָשִׂיתָ לְסִיחֹן מֶלֶךְ הָאֱמֹרִי אֲשֶׁר יוֹשֵׁב בְּחֶשְׁבּוֹן׃

English Translation

And the Lord said to Moshe, Fear him not: for I have delivered him into thy hand, and all his people, and his land; and thou shalt do to him as thou didst to Siĥon king of the Emori, who dwelt at Ḥeshbon.

Transliteration

Vayomer Adonai el Moshe al tira oto ki v'yadecha natati oto v'et kol amo v'et artzo v'asita lo ka'asher asita l'Sichon melech ha'Emori asher yoshev b'Cheshbon.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהֹוָ֤ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה֙ אַל־תִּירָ֣א אֹת֔וֹ כִּ֣י בְיָדְךָ֞ נָתַ֧תִּי אֹת֛וֹ וְאֶת־כׇּל־עַמּ֖וֹ וְאֶת־אַרְצ֑וֹ וְעָשִׂ֣יתָ לּ֔וֹ כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשִׂ֗יתָ לְסִיחֹן֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י אֲשֶׁ֥ר יוֹשֵׁ֖ב בְּחֶשְׁבּֽוֹן׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bamidbar 21:34) appears during the Israelites' journey in the wilderness, when they faced Og, king of Bashan. Hashem reassures Moshe not to fear Og, promising victory just as He granted against Sichon, king of the Emori. The encounter with Og occurs after the defeat of Sichon, demonstrating Hashem's continued protection and fulfillment of His promise to bring Bnei Yisrael into Eretz Yisrael.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 21:34) explains that Moshe feared Og because of a tradition (Midrash) that Og was the last survivor of the Refaim (giants) and had once helped Avraham by informing him of Lot's capture (Bereishit 14:13). Moshe worried that Og's past merit might protect him. However, Hashem assures Moshe that Og’s merits were insufficient, and he would be delivered into Bnei Yisrael’s hands.

The Rambam's Perspective

The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 5:1) discusses the laws of war and highlights that Moshe’s hesitation was rooted in the principle of avoiding unnecessary conflict. However, once Hashem commanded the battle, Moshe acted with full confidence in divine assistance. This teaches that even a leader as great as Moshe must rely on Hashem’s guidance in matters of war.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:32) elaborates that Og intended to harm Bnei Yisrael by uprooting a mountain to crush them, but Hashem sent ants to weaken it, causing it to fall on his own head. This demonstrates that no enemy can succeed against Hashem’s will.
  • Another Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 1:25) states that Og’s size and strength made him appear invincible, but Hashem diminished his power to show that human might is insignificant before divine decree.

Spiritual Lessons

The verse teaches that fear of enemies—no matter how formidable—must be overcome through trust in Hashem. Just as Hashem delivered Sichon and Og into Moshe’s hands, He continues to protect Klal Yisrael when they rely on Him. Additionally, it emphasizes that past merits (like Og’s assistance to Avraham) do not grant indefinite protection if one later opposes Hashem’s will.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 43a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the conquests of the Land of Israel and the divine assurance given to Moses regarding the defeat of kings.
📖 Berakhot 54b
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the miracles performed for Israel and the gratitude owed to God for His deliverance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 21:34 mean when Hashem tells Moshe not to fear Og?
A: In Numbers 21:34, Hashem reassures Moshe not to fear Og, the king of Bashan, because Hashem has already guaranteed victory. Rashi explains that Moshe was afraid due to Og's legendary size and strength (some Midrashim describe him as a giant), but Hashem reminded him that divine assistance would ensure success, just as they had defeated Sihon earlier.
Q: Why did Moshe need reassurance about fighting Og?
A: According to the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah), Og was a survivor of the Flood and had lived for centuries, making him a formidable opponent. The Talmud (Niddah 61a) also suggests Moshe feared that Og's merit—for allegedly informing Avraham about Lot's capture (Genesis 14)—might protect him. Hashem assured Moshe that this merit no longer applied.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Hashem telling Moshe 'Do not fear'?
A: This verse teaches us to trust in Hashem's promises, even when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot) emphasizes that true bitachon (trust in G-d) means relying on divine help while still making practical efforts. Moshe's moment of fear and Hashem's response remind us that faith overcomes human limitations.
Q: How does the defeat of Og connect to the earlier battle with Sihon?
A: Hashem compares Og's impending defeat to Sihon's (Numbers 21:24), showing a pattern of divine assistance in conquering the land. Rashi notes that both kings were Amorite rulers, and their defeats were steps toward inheriting Eretz Yisrael. This repetition reinforced Bnei Yisrael's confidence in Hashem's plan.
Q: Why does the Torah mention Og's dwelling in Cheshbon if Sihon ruled there?
A: The verse references Cheshbon to clarify that Sihon had conquered it from Moav (as explained in Numbers 21:26–30). Og, though king of Bashan, was allied with Sihon's territory. The Talmud (Bava Batra 56a) discusses this geographic detail to highlight the interconnectedness of these victories in securing the land for Bnei Yisrael.

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