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Deuteronomy 2:1 - Divinely redirected wilderness journey

Deuteronomy 2:1 - דברים 2:1

Hebrew Text

וַנֵּפֶן וַנִּסַּע הַמִּדְבָּרָה דֶּרֶךְ יַם־סוּף כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יְהוָה אֵלָי וַנָּסָב אֶת־הַר־שֵׂעִיר יָמִים רַבִּים׃

English Translation

Then we turned, and took our journey into the wilderness by the way of the Sea of Suf, as the Lord spoke to me: and we went about mount Se῾ir many days.

Transliteration

Vanefen vanisa hamidbara derekh yam suf ka'asher diber Adonai elai vanasav et har Se'ir yamim rabim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַנֵּ֜פֶן וַנִּסַּ֤ע הַמִּדְבָּ֙רָה֙ דֶּ֣רֶךְ יַם־ס֔וּף כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה אֵלָ֑י וַנָּ֥סׇב אֶת־הַר־שֵׂעִ֖יר יָמִ֥ים רַבִּֽים׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וַנֵּ֜פֶן וַנִּסַּ֤ע הַמִּדְבָּ֙רָה֙ דֶּ֣רֶךְ יַם־ס֔וּף כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה אֵלָ֑י וַנָּ֥סׇב אֶת־הַר־שֵׂעִ֖יר יָמִ֥ים רַבִּֽים׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim

The verse (Devarim 2:1) appears in Moshe's recounting of Bnei Yisrael's journey through the wilderness after leaving Har Sinai. It marks a transition from their earlier failures (such as the sin of the spies) to a renewed phase of travel toward Eretz Yisrael under Hashem's guidance.

Turning Toward the Wilderness

Rashi explains that "וַנֵּפֶן" ("then we turned") refers to Bnei Yisrael changing direction after being denied entry to Eretz Yisrael due to the sin of the spies. This turning signifies a shift from their original path toward the Land, now redirecting them toward the wilderness as a consequence of their actions.

The Route by the Sea of Suf

Ramban notes that traveling "דֶּרֶךְ יַם־סוּף" ("by the way of the Sea of Suf") was a deliberate detour to avoid confrontation with Edom (descendants of Esav), as commanded in Bamidbar 20:14-21. This reflects the principle of avoiding unnecessary conflict, even when traveling through permissible territories.

Circumnavigating Har Se'ir

The phrase "וַנָּסָב אֶת־הַר־שֵׂעִיר יָמִים רַבִּים" ("we went about Mount Se'ir many days") is interpreted by Sforno as a period of waiting and preparation. The extended time spent circling Har Se'ir (the territory of Edom) allowed Bnei Yisrael to mature spiritually and militarily before entering the Land.

Divine Instruction and Compliance

The clause "כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יְהוָה אֵלָי" ("as the Lord spoke to me") emphasizes Moshe's adherence to Hashem's exact instructions. Ibn Ezra highlights that this phrase reinforces the idea that every step of their journey—even detours—was directed by Divine will.

Lessons from the Detour

  • Accepting Divine Decree: The Midrash Tanchuma (Devarim 2) teaches that this passage illustrates the importance of accepting Hashem's judgments, even when they involve hardship or delay.
  • Respecting Boundaries: The detour around Edom reflects the sanctity of familial ties (with Esav's descendants) and the avoidance of war when not mandated.
  • Preparation for Redemption: The "many days" spent circling Har Se'ir symbolize the necessity of patience and growth before achieving ultimate goals.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'we turned and took our journey into the wilderness by the way of the Sea of Suf' mean in Deuteronomy 2:1?
A: This verse describes the Israelites' journey after leaving Kadesh Barnea, where they had previously failed to enter the Land of Israel due to lack of faith. Rashi explains that they turned away from their original path toward Canaan and instead traveled toward the Sea of Suf (Red Sea), as commanded by Hashem. This was a detour to avoid conflict with Edom (descendants of Esau) and to prepare them spiritually before entering the Land.
Q: Why did the Israelites go around Mount Seir for many days?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash, the Israelites circled Mount Seir (the territory of Edom) for an extended period because Hashem wanted them to wait until the generation that sinned by the Spies had passed away. Additionally, the Ramban explains that this was a test of patience and trust in Hashem's guidance, as they could not enter the Land immediately due to their earlier lack of faith.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 2:1 about following Hashem's commands?
A: This verse teaches the importance of obedience to Hashem's instructions, even when they seem difficult or unclear. The Israelites had to take a long detour, but it was part of Hashem's plan to refine them. The Talmud (Berachot 5a) teaches that challenges and delays in life can be opportunities for spiritual growth, just as the Israelites' journey prepared them for entering the Land of Israel.
Q: Why is the 'way of the Sea of Suf' mentioned in this verse?
A: The 'way of the Sea of Suf' (Red Sea) is significant because it recalls the earlier miracle of the splitting of the sea during the Exodus. Rashi notes that this route was chosen to remind the Israelites of Hashem's past salvation and to strengthen their faith as they faced new challenges. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 21:10) also connects this path to the idea of repentance (teshuvah), as they were being given another chance after their earlier failures.