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Deuteronomy 1:4 - Victory over mighty kings?

Deuteronomy 1:4 - דברים 1:4

Hebrew Text

אַחֲרֵי הַכֹּתוֹ אֵת סִיחֹן מֶלֶךְ הָאֱמֹרִי אֲשֶׁר יוֹשֵׁב בְּחֶשְׁבּוֹן וְאֵת עוֹג מֶלֶךְ הַבָּשָׁן אֲשֶׁר־יוֹשֵׁב בְּעַשְׁתָּרֹת בְּאֶדְרֶעִי׃

English Translation

after he had slain Siĥon the king of the Emori, who dwelt in Ḥeshbon, and ῾Og the king of Bashan, who dwelt at ῾Ashtarot in Edre῾i:

Transliteration

Acharei hakoto et Sichon melech ha'emori asher yoshev beCheshbon ve'et Og melech habashan asher-yoshev be'Ashtarot be'Edrei.

Hebrew Leining Text

אַחֲרֵ֣י הַכֹּת֗וֹ אֵ֚ת סִיחֹן֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י אֲשֶׁ֥ר יוֹשֵׁ֖ב בְּחֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן וְאֵ֗ת ע֚וֹג מֶ֣לֶךְ הַבָּשָׁ֔ן אֲשֶׁר־יוֹשֵׁ֥ב בְּעַשְׁתָּרֹ֖ת בְּאֶדְרֶֽעִי׃
אַחֲרֵ֣י הַכֹּת֗וֹ אֵ֚ת סִיחֹן֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י אֲשֶׁ֥ר יוֹשֵׁ֖ב בְּחֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן וְאֵ֗ת ע֚וֹג מֶ֣לֶךְ הַבָּשָׁ֔ן אֲשֶׁר־יוֹשֵׁ֥ב בְּעַשְׁתָּרֹ֖ת בְּאֶדְרֶֽעִי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Devarim 1:4) describes the victories of Bnei Yisrael over the Emorite kings Sichon and Og before entering Eretz Yisrael. These battles were pivotal in securing the eastern side of the Jordan River and demonstrated Hashem's intervention on behalf of His people.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 1:4) notes that the mention of these victories serves as a reminder of Hashem's might and the fulfillment of His promise to give the land to Bnei Yisrael. He emphasizes that Sichon and Og were formidable kings, yet they were defeated because Hashem "hardened their spirits" (as mentioned in Devarim 2:30) to bring about their downfall.

The Significance of Sichon and Og

  • Sichon: The king of the Emori, who ruled from Cheshbon. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:30) describes him as a mighty warrior who had previously conquered land from Moav.
  • Og: The king of Bashan, who resided in Ashtarot and Edrei. The Talmud (Niddah 61a) recounts that Og was a giant who survived from the time of the Mabul (Flood) and was of extraordinary size and strength.

Hashem's Intervention

The Ramban (Devarim 1:4) explains that these victories were miraculous, particularly the defeat of Og, whose sheer size made him seem invincible. The fact that Bnei Yisrael triumphed over such powerful enemies underscored that their success was not due to military prowess alone but was a direct result of divine assistance.

Spiritual Lessons

  • Bitachon (Trust in Hashem): These battles teach that even when facing seemingly insurmountable enemies, trust in Hashem leads to victory.
  • Divine Justice: The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 1:22) notes that Og had harbored ill intentions against Avraham (by informing him of Lot's capture), and his downfall was a measure-for-measure punishment.

Historical and Geographical Details

The locations mentioned—Cheshbon, Ashtarot, and Edrei—were significant regional centers. The Talmud (Gittin 57a) identifies Edrei as a place where Og sought refuge, but he was ultimately defeated there, demonstrating that no place could protect him from divine judgment.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 54b
The verse is referenced in the context of the blessings to be recited upon seeing the places where miracles occurred for the Israelites, including the defeat of Sihon and Og.
📖 Megillah 3a
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the historical events and the lands conquered by the Israelites, emphasizing the significance of these victories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were Sihon and Og mentioned in Deuteronomy 1:4?
A: Sihon and Og were powerful Amorite kings who ruled territories east of the Jordan River. Sihon ruled from Heshbon, and Og ruled from Bashan. According to the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:32), Og was a giant who survived from the time of the Flood. The Israelites defeated them with G-d's help before entering the Land of Israel.
Q: Why is the defeat of Sihon and Og important in the Torah?
A: The defeat of Sihon and Og was significant because it demonstrated G-d's power in helping the Israelites conquer strong enemies (Rashi on Deuteronomy 1:4). These victories also granted the tribes of Reuven, Gad, and half of Menasheh the lands east of the Jordan, as described later in the Torah (Numbers 32).
Q: What lesson can we learn from the battles against Sihon and Og?
A: The battles teach us that with faith in G-d, even seemingly impossible challenges can be overcome. The Talmud (Berachot 54b) states that we recite blessings for miracles, and these victories were considered great miracles. It reminds us to recognize G-d's hand in our successes.
Q: Where were the kingdoms of Sihon and Og located?
A: Sihon's kingdom was centered in Heshbon, in the region of the Amorites, while Og ruled Bashan, a fertile area known for its strong cities (Deuteronomy 3:4). These lands were later settled by the Israelite tribes before crossing into Canaan.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader narrative in Deuteronomy?
A: This verse introduces Moses' historical review of the Israelites' journey. By recalling these victories, Moses emphasizes G-d's faithfulness and prepares the people to trust in Him as they enter the Promised Land (Ramban on Deuteronomy 1:4). It sets the stage for the lessons in the rest of the book.