Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'turn, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way of the Sea of Suf' mean in Deuteronomy 1:40?
A: This verse refers to Hashem's command to the Israelites to turn away from their failed attempt to enter the Land of Israel after the sin of the spies (Meraglim) and instead journey back toward the wilderness near the Sea of Suf (Red Sea). Rashi explains that this was a punishment for their lack of faith and refusal to trust in Hashem's promise to give them the land.
Q: Why did the Israelites have to go back toward the wilderness in Deuteronomy 1:40?
A: The Israelites had to return to the wilderness because they sinned by believing the negative report of the spies (Bamidbar 14) and rejecting Hashem's promise. As a consequence, that generation was not allowed to enter the Land of Israel and had to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. This verse marks the beginning of that decree.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 1:40 today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of trusting in Hashem and not letting fear or doubt prevent us from fulfilling our mission. The Midrash (Tanchuma Shelach 9) emphasizes that faith in Hashem is essential, and when we lack it, we may face setbacks. Today, we must strengthen our bitachon (trust) in Hashem's guidance.
Q: Where is the 'Sea of Suf' mentioned in Deuteronomy 1:40?
A: The 'Sea of Suf' (Yam Suf) is traditionally identified as the Red Sea, where the Israelites experienced the miracle of the splitting of the sea during the Exodus. In this verse, Hashem directs them to return toward that region as part of their punishment for the sin of the spies.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 1:40 connect to the broader story of the Israelites in the Torah?
A: This verse is a turning point in the Israelites' journey. After leaving Egypt and receiving the Torah at Sinai, they were supposed to enter the Land of Israel. However, due to the sin of the spies, they were condemned to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. This verse begins that period of wandering, as explained in the Talmud (Sotah 34b).
Context in the Torah
The verse (Devarim 1:40) appears in Moshe's recounting of the events following the sin of the spies, when Bnei Yisrael were commanded to turn away from their intended path to Eretz Yisrael and instead journey into the wilderness toward the Yam Suf (Red Sea). This was a punishment for their lack of faith after accepting the negative report of the spies.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi explains that the phrase "פְּנוּ לָכֶם" ("turn for yourselves") implies a reversal of direction. Initially, Bnei Yisrael were heading toward Eretz Yisrael, but now they were commanded to turn back toward the wilderness. Rashi also notes that the mention of "דֶּרֶךְ יַם־סוּף" ("the way of the Sea of Suf") indicates a roundabout path, symbolizing that their entry into the Land would now be delayed for 40 years.
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Maimonides), in Moreh Nevuchim, discusses how this command reflects divine justice. Since Bnei Yisrael feared the inhabitants of the Land, they were made to wander in the wilderness—a place of insecurity and dependence on Hashem—until the generation that lacked faith passed away.
Midrashic Insights
Symbolism of Yam Suf
The mention of Yam Suf is significant because it recalls the earlier miracle of Kriyas Yam Suf (the splitting of the sea). This serves as a reminder that even in punishment, Hashem's kindness is present—just as He saved them at the sea, He would ultimately bring them back to Eretz Yisrael.