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Deuteronomy 1:19 - Wilderness tests faith's journey?

Deuteronomy 1:19 - דברים 1:19

Hebrew Text

וַנִּסַּע מֵחֹרֵב וַנֵּלֶךְ אֵת כָּל־הַמִּדְבָּר הַגָּדוֹל וְהַנּוֹרָא הַהוּא אֲשֶׁר רְאִיתֶם דֶּרֶךְ הַר הָאֱמֹרִי כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ אֹתָנוּ וַנָּבֹא עַד קָדֵשׁ בַּרְנֵעַ׃

English Translation

And when we departed from Ḥorev, we went through all that great and terrible wilderness, which you saw; by the way of the mountain of the Emori, as the Lord our God commanded us; and we came to Qadesh-barnea.

Transliteration

Va'nisa me'Chorev va'nelekh et kol-ha'midbar ha'gadol ve'ha'nora ha'hu asher re'item derekh har ha'Emori ka'asher tziva Adonai Eloheinu otanu va'navo ad Kadesh Barne'a.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַנִּסַּ֣ע מֵחֹרֵ֗ב וַנֵּ֡לֶךְ אֵ֣ת כׇּל־הַמִּדְבָּ֣ר הַגָּדוֹל֩ וְהַנּוֹרָ֨א הַה֜וּא אֲשֶׁ֣ר רְאִיתֶ֗ם דֶּ֚רֶךְ הַ֣ר הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוָּ֛ה יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ אֹתָ֑נוּ וַנָּבֹ֕א עַ֖ד קָדֵ֥שׁ בַּרְנֵֽעַ׃
וַנִּסַּ֣ע מֵחֹרֵ֗ב וַנֵּ֡לֶךְ אֵ֣ת כׇּל־הַמִּדְבָּ֣ר הַגָּדוֹל֩ וְהַנּוֹרָ֨א הַה֜וּא אֲשֶׁ֣ר רְאִיתֶ֗ם דֶּ֚רֶךְ הַ֣ר הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוָּ֛ה יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ אֹתָ֑נוּ וַנָּבֹ֕א עַ֖ד קָדֵ֥שׁ בַּרְנֵֽעַ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 1:19) recounts the journey of Bnei Yisrael after leaving Har Sinai (referred to here as "Chorev") and heading toward Eretz Yisrael. Moshe Rabbeinu reminds the people of their travels through the wilderness, emphasizing the fulfillment of Hashem's command.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 1:19) notes that the phrase "וַנִּסַּע מֵחֹרֵב" ("And we departed from Chorev") implies that Bnei Yisrael left Har Sinai hastily, like a child running away from school. This reflects their reluctance to accept further mitzvot after already receiving the Torah. Additionally, Rashi explains that the wilderness is called "גָּדוֹל וְהַנּוֹרָא" ("great and terrible") due to its vastness and the dangers it presented, such as snakes and scorpions (as mentioned in Devarim 8:15).

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:24) discusses the purpose of the wilderness journey as a means of refining Bnei Yisrael, preparing them spiritually and morally before entering Eretz Yisrael. The hardships they endured were intended to strengthen their faith in Hashem and teach them resilience.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 1:19) teaches that the phrase "דֶּרֶךְ הַר הָאֱמֹרִי" ("by the way of the mountain of the Emori") hints at the future conquest of Eretz Yisrael, as the Emorites were among the nations destined to be displaced.
  • Another Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 20) suggests that the mention of "קָדֵשׁ בַּרְנֵעַ" (Kadesh-barnea) alludes to the tragic episode of the Meraglim (spies), where the people's lack of faith led to their prolonged wandering.

Halachic Implications

The Sifri (Devarim 21) derives from "כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ אֹתָנוּ" ("as the Lord our God commanded us") that every step of the journey was directed by Divine instruction. This reinforces the principle that even seemingly mundane travels must align with ratzon Hashem (the will of God).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'the great and terrible wilderness' refer to in Deuteronomy 1:19?
A: Rashi explains that the wilderness was 'great' because of its vast size and 'terrible' due to its harsh conditions, including dangerous animals and lack of water. This emphasizes the challenges Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel) faced on their journey.
Q: Why did Hashem command Bnei Yisrael to travel through the wilderness?
A: According to the Midrash (Sifrei Devarim), traveling through the wilderness was a test of faith and a way to prepare Bnei Yisrael for entering Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel). It taught them to rely on Hashem's miracles, like the manna and the protective clouds of glory.
Q: What is the significance of mentioning 'the way of the mountain of the Emori'?
A: Ramban explains that this route was specifically chosen by Hashem to avoid conflict with other nations at that time. It also highlights that Bnei Yisrael followed Hashem's exact instructions, showing their obedience during the journey.
Q: Why is Kadesh-barnea mentioned in this verse?
A: Kadesh-barnea was a key location where Bnei Yisrael camped before sending the spies into Eretz Yisrael (Numbers 13:26). The Torah mentions it here to connect this journey to the later events that tested their faith in Hashem's promise.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: Just as Bnei Yisrael trusted Hashem through difficult journeys, we learn to rely on Him during challenges. The wilderness symbolizes life's hardships, and the verse reminds us that Hashem guides us with purpose, even when the path seems 'great and terrible.'