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Deuteronomy 2:36 - Divine victory over strongholds

Deuteronomy 2:36 - דברים 2:36

Hebrew Text

מֵעֲרֹעֵר אֲשֶׁר עַל־שְׂפַת־נַחַל אַרְנֹן וְהָעִיר אֲשֶׁר בַּנַּחַל וְעַד־הַגִּלְעָד לֹא הָיְתָה קִרְיָה אֲשֶׁר שָׂגְבָה מִמֶּנּוּ אֶת־הַכֹּל נָתַן יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ לְפָנֵינוּ׃

English Translation

From ῾Aro῾er, which is by the edge of the wadi of Arnon, and from the city that is by the wadi, as far as Gil῾ad, there was not one city too strong for us: the Lord our God delivered all to us:

Transliteration

Me'aro'er asher al-sfat nachal Arnon veha'ir asher banachal ve'ad hagilad lo hayta kirya asher sagva mimeno et hakol natan Adonai Eloheinu lefaneinu.

Hebrew Leining Text

מֵֽעֲרֹעֵ֡ר אֲשֶׁר֩ עַל־שְׂפַת־נַ֨חַל אַרְנֹ֜ן וְהָעִ֨יר אֲשֶׁ֤ר בַּנַּ֙חַל֙ וְעַד־הַגִּלְעָ֔ד לֹ֤א הָֽיְתָה֙ קִרְיָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר שָׂגְבָ֖ה מִמֶּ֑נּוּ אֶת־הַכֹּ֕ל נָתַ֛ן יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ לְפָנֵֽינוּ׃
מֵֽעֲרֹעֵ֡ר אֲשֶׁר֩ עַל־שְׂפַת־נַ֨חַל אַרְנֹ֜ן וְהָעִ֨יר אֲשֶׁ֤ר בַּנַּ֙חַל֙ וְעַד־הַגִּלְעָ֔ד לֹ֤א הָֽיְתָה֙ קִרְיָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר שָׂגְבָ֖ה מִמֶּ֑נּוּ אֶת־הַכֹּ֕ל נָתַ֛ן יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ לְפָנֵֽינוּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Geographical Context

The verse describes the extent of the Israelite conquest under Moshe's leadership, spanning from עֲרֹעֵר (Aroer) near the Arnon River to הַגִּלְעָד (Gilad). Rashi (Devarim 2:36) explains that Aroer marked the southern boundary of the territory of Sichon, the Amorite king, while Gilad represented the northern limit. The phrase "וְהָעִיר אֲשֶׁר בַּנַּחַל" ("the city that is by the wadi") refers to the main city in the valley, likely the capital of Sichon's kingdom.

Divine Assistance in Conquest

The verse emphasizes that "לֹא הָיְתָה קִרְיָה אֲשֶׁר שָׂגְבָה מִמֶּנּוּ" ("there was not one city too strong for us"). The Ramban (Devarim 2:31) notes that this demonstrates the miraculous nature of the victories—despite the formidable defenses of the Amorite cities, none could withstand Bnei Yisrael because Hashem fought for them. The Sforno adds that this was a fulfillment of Hashem's promise to Avraham (Bereishit 15:16) that his descendants would inherit the land.

Theological Significance

  • Recognition of Divine Providence: The concluding phrase "אֶת־הַכֹּל נָתַן יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ לְפָנֵינוּ" ("the Lord our God delivered all to us") underscores that the conquest was not due to Israel's military prowess but to Hashem's intervention (Ibn Ezra).
  • Contrast with Later Generations: The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 1:21) contrasts this era—when Bnei Yisrael trusted in Hashem and succeeded—with later periods when their faith wavered, leading to setbacks.

Historical Lessons

The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) highlights that this verse serves as a reminder for future generations: just as Hashem enabled the conquest of seemingly impregnable cities, He would continue to assist Israel when they adhered to the Torah. The mention of specific locations also reinforces the historical authenticity of the narrative, countering claims that the conquest was merely allegorical.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 2:36 mean?
A: This verse describes the Israelites' successful conquest of the land east of the Jordan River, emphasizing that no city was too strong for them because Hashem gave them victory. It highlights divine assistance in their battles as they approached the Promised Land.
Q: Why is the mention of Aroer and Arnon important in this verse?
A: Aroer and the Arnon River were strategic landmarks marking the southern border of the Amorite territory (Rashi on Deuteronomy 2:36). Their mention shows the extent of the Israelites' victories under Hashem's guidance as they began taking possession of the land.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 2:36?
A: The verse teaches that with faith in Hashem, even seemingly insurmountable obstacles can be overcome. The Talmud (Sotah 44a) derives from such verses that Israel's victories came through merit and divine help, not merely military strength.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader narrative in Deuteronomy?
A: This verse is part of Moses' historical review (Devarim 1-3) reminding the new generation of Hashem's faithfulness during their parents' journeys. Ramban explains these recounts were meant to strengthen the people's trust in Hashem as they prepared to enter Canaan.
Q: What does 'the Lord our God delivered all to us' teach us about Jewish faith?
A: This phrase emphasizes the Jewish belief in hashgacha pratit (divine providence) - that Hashem actively guides Jewish history. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 1:16) notes that such victories came when Israel followed Torah, showing the connection between observance and divine protection.