Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the verse 'Rise up, take your journey, and pass over the wadi Arnon' mean?
A: This verse is part of Hashem's command to the Israelites to continue their journey toward the Promised Land. The wadi Arnon was a natural boundary marking the territory of the Emorites. Rashi explains that this was a significant moment because crossing the Arnon meant entering land that was divinely promised for conquest. The phrase 'Rise up' emphasizes the need for action and readiness to fulfill Hashem's will.
Q: Why did Hashem tell the Israelites to fight Sihon the Emorite?
A: According to the Talmud (Berachot 54b), Sihon and the Emorites were given a chance to make peace, but they refused and chose war. Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 6:1) explains that the Torah commands us to first offer peace before engaging in battle. Since Sihon rejected peace, Hashem assured Israel of victory ('I have given into thy hand') as part of the divine plan to settle the land.
Q: What lesson can we learn from 'begin to possess it, and contend with him in battle'?
A: The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 1:19) teaches that this verse highlights the principle of 'hishtadlut' (human effort). Even though Hashem promised victory, the Israelites still had to take action—marching, fighting, and claiming the land. This teaches us that while we trust in divine help, we must also put in our own effort to achieve our goals.
Q: How does the crossing of the Arnon apply to us today?
A: The Kli Yakar (Devarim 2:24) compares the Arnon to personal challenges. Just as the Israelites had to cross a physical boundary to progress spiritually, we too must overcome obstacles in our lives—whether in Torah study, mitzvot, or personal growth—with faith that Hashem will help us succeed when we take the first step.
Q: Why is Sihon specifically called 'king of Heshbon' in this verse?
A: Rashi notes that Heshbon ('calculation') symbolizes Sihon's arrogance—he 'calculated' that he could defeat Israel. The name serves as a reminder that no human power can thwart Hashem's plans. The Talmud (Gittin 38a) also connects Heshbon to the future: it would later become a Levitical city, showing how even enemies' strongholds can be transformed for holiness.
Context of the Verse
This verse (Devarim 2:24) marks a pivotal moment in Bnei Yisrael's journey toward Eretz Yisrael, as Hashem commands them to cross the Arnon River and engage in battle with Sichon, king of Cheshbon. Rashi explains that this was a divine test of faith—Bnei Yisrael were instructed to initiate conflict despite Sichon's formidable reputation, demonstrating their trust in Hashem's promise of victory.
The Command to "Rise Up" (קוּמוּ)
The term "קוּמוּ" (Rise up) carries deeper meaning. The Midrash Tanchuma (Devarim 2) teaches that this was not merely a physical call to action but a spiritual awakening. After years of wandering, Bnei Yisrael needed to elevate themselves morally and militarily to merit conquest of the land. Ramban adds that this command emphasized their transition from passive wanderers to active conquerors, fulfilling the covenant with Avraham.
Crossing the Arnon (נַחַל אַרְנֹן)
The Arnon River was a natural boundary between Moav and Emori territory. The Talmud (Chullin 60b) recounts a miracle: as Bnei Yisrael crossed, the mountains on either side crushed Sichon's hidden ambush forces—a hidden sign of divine intervention. This aligns with the phrase "רְאֵה נָתַתִּי בְיָדְךָ" (behold, I have given into your hand), underscoring that victory was assured by Hashem, not human strength alone.
Sichon and the Emorite Kingdom
"Begin to Possess" (הָחֵל רָשׁ)
The Kli Yakar interprets "הָחֵל רָשׁ" as a dual command: militarily, to conquer the land, and spiritually, to internalize that Eretz Yisrael is a divine gift requiring active partnership. The Sforno adds that this phrase taught Bnei Yisrael that their right to the land depended on fulfilling their mission as a holy nation, not mere conquest.