Numbers 32:6 - Brothers abandon battle?

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 32:6) records Moshe's rebuke to the tribes of Reuven and Gad after they requested to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River, outside the borders of Eretz Yisrael. Moshe challenges them, questioning whether they would allow their brethren to fight alone while they remained behind.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 32:6) explains that Moshe suspected the tribes of Reuven and Gad of lacking faith in Hashem's promise to help Bnei Yisrael conquer the land. He compares their reluctance to join the battle to the sin of the meraglim (spies), who discouraged the nation from entering Eretz Yisrael. Rashi emphasizes that Moshe's words were a sharp rebuke, warning them against repeating the mistakes of the previous generation.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 5:1) discusses the communal obligation of all tribes to participate in the conquest of Eretz Yisrael. He derives from this verse that no segment of Klal Yisrael may exempt itself from the collective responsibility of settling the land and defending it. This principle applies not only to the initial conquest but also to future generations in maintaining Jewish sovereignty over the land.

Midrashic Insights

• The Midrash Tanchuma (Matot 5) states that Moshe's rebuke was particularly harsh because the tribes of Reuven and Gad were wealthy (as they had large flocks) and were prioritizing their material possessions over their spiritual obligations to the nation.
• Midrash Rabbah (Bamidbar 22:9) explains that Moshe feared their request would cause discord among the tribes, as others might also seek to avoid their responsibilities.

Halachic Implications

The Gemara (Sotah 44a) derives from this verse that all Jews are responsible for one another (kol Yisrael areivim zeh lazeh). Even after the tribes of Reuven and Gad eventually agreed to fight alongside their brethren, the initial hesitation created a lasting lesson about communal responsibility. The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 163:1) applies this principle to financial obligations as well.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Sefat Emet (Parshat Matot) explains that Moshe's concern was not merely about military strategy but about maintaining unity of purpose. True service of Hashem requires all of Klal Yisrael to be united in their mission, and separating oneself from the community's spiritual goals is akin to abandoning them in battle.