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Deuteronomy 2:13 - Crossing into destiny's threshold

Deuteronomy 2:13 - דברים 2:13

Hebrew Text

עַתָּה קֻמוּ וְעִבְרוּ לָכֶם אֶת־נַחַל זָרֶד וַנַּעֲבֹר אֶת־נַחַל זָרֶד׃

English Translation

Now rise up, and get you over the wadi Zered. And we went over the wadi Zered.

Transliteration

Ata kumu ve'ivru lachem et-nachal Zared vana'avor et-nachal Zared.

Hebrew Leining Text

עַתָּ֗ה קֻ֛מוּ וְעִבְר֥וּ לָכֶ֖ם אֶת־נַ֣חַל זָ֑רֶד וַֽנַּעֲבֹ֖ר אֶת־נַ֥חַל זָֽרֶד׃
עַתָּ֗ה קֻ֛מוּ וְעִבְר֥וּ לָכֶ֖ם אֶת־נַ֣חַל זָ֑רֶד וַֽנַּעֲבֹ֖ר אֶת־נַ֥חַל זָֽרֶד׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Deuteronomy

The verse (Devarim 2:13) appears in Moshe's recounting of Bnei Yisrael's journey through the wilderness. The crossing of Nachal Zered marked a significant transition—leaving behind the generation that died in the wilderness and entering the era of conquest under a new generation. Rashi explains that this was a pivotal moment, as the last of the men condemned to die in the wilderness had now perished, fulfilling the divine decree (Bamidbar 14:29-35).

Nachal Zered as a Boundary

The Sifrei (Devarim 12) notes that Nachal Zered served as both a geographical and spiritual boundary. Crossing it symbolized leaving behind the failures of the past and stepping into a renewed commitment to enter Eretz Yisrael. Ramban elaborates that this moment emphasized divine mercy—after 38 years of wandering, Hashem allowed the nation to progress toward their destiny.

The Command to "Rise Up"

The phrasing "עַתָּה קֻמוּ" ("Now rise up") carries deeper meaning. The Kli Yakar highlights the urgency: this was not merely physical movement but a call to spiritual awakening. The generation that had been passive in the wilderness now needed active readiness for mitzvot tied to the Land. Malbim adds that "קֻמוּ" implies overcoming stagnation, echoing Yehoshua's later charge (Yehoshua 1:2) to cross the Yarden.

Lessons from the Narrative

  • Divine Precision: The timing of the crossing (38 years after the sin of the spies) reflects Hashem's exact fulfillment of His word (Talmud, Ta'anit 29a).
  • Collective Responsibility: The plural "וַנַּעֲבֹר" ("we crossed") underscores unity—even those not condemned shared in the journey's trials (Ibn Ezra).
  • Transition Moments: The Ohr HaChaim teaches that Nachal Zered represents life's thresholds, where one must consciously leave behind past limitations to embrace new spiritual challenges.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of crossing the wadi Zered in Deuteronomy 2:13?
A: Crossing the wadi Zered marked the end of the 38-year period of wandering in the wilderness (Devarim 2:14). According to Rashi, this was a significant milestone because it symbolized the transition from the generation that left Egypt (who were punished for the sin of the spies) to the new generation that would enter Eretz Yisrael.
Q: Why does the verse say 'we went over' if Moshe was speaking to Bnei Yisrael?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 7a) explains that Moshe included himself in the phrase 'we went over' to show unity with the people, even though he knew he would not enter the Land. Ramban adds that this teaches leaders to identify with their community in both challenges and triumphs.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the command 'Now rise up' in this verse?
A: The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 1:17) teaches that 'Now rise up' reminds us that spiritual growth requires active effort. Just as Bnei Yisrael had to physically cross the wadi, we must take initiative in our Divine service. The Seforno notes this shows we mustn't delay when given opportunities for growth.
Q: Why is the wadi called 'Zered' and what does the name mean?
A: Rashi explains that 'Zered' comes from the word 'zarad' meaning 'to flow abundantly,' referring to the wadi's seasonal floods. The Kli Yakar suggests the name hints that this crossing 'sifted out' (like a sieve - 'zrir') the old generation, allowing the new generation to proceed toward Eretz Yisrael.
Q: How does this verse connect to the Jewish concept of moving forward spiritually?
A: The Ohr HaChaim teaches that crossing physical boundaries (like the wadi) represents overcoming spiritual obstacles. Just as Bnei Yisrael had to actively cross into new territory, we must continually progress in our avodat Hashem (service of G-d), leaving behind past failures and moving toward greater holiness.