Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the comparison to bees mean in Deuteronomy 1:44?
A: Rashi explains that the comparison to bees teaches us that the Emorites attacked the Israelites with relentless persistence, just as bees swarm and pursue their target fiercely. Additionally, bees typically die after stinging, implying that the Emorites were willing to sacrifice themselves to harm the Israelites.
Q: Why did the Emorites attack the Israelites in this verse?
A: According to the Talmud (Sotah 44b), this attack occurred after the Israelites, against Hashem's command, tried to enter the Land of Israel prematurely following the sin of the spies. The Emorites were defending their territory, and their aggression was a consequence of Israel's lack of faith and disobedience.
Q: What is the significance of the locations Seir and Hormah mentioned in this verse?
A: Seir was the territory of Edom, and Hormah (from the root 'cherem,' meaning destruction) became a place associated with defeat. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah) explains that this event was a punishment for the Israelites' earlier failures, teaching that straying from Hashem's guidance leads to hardship.
Q: How does this verse relate to the broader story in Deuteronomy?
A: This verse is part of Moshe's recounting of Israel's journey and mistakes in the wilderness. It serves as a warning about the consequences of not trusting in Hashem and acting impulsively without divine instruction, a key theme in Sefer Devarim.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the Emorites' attack today?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva) teaches that setbacks often come as a result of straying from Torah values. This verse reminds us to trust in Hashem's plan, follow mitzvot faithfully, and avoid acting out of fear or impatience, as the Israelites did when they tried to conquer the land prematurely.
Context in the Torah
This verse (Devarim 1:44) appears in Moshe's recounting of the Israelites' journey in the wilderness, specifically referencing their failed attempt to enter Eretz Yisrael after the sin of the spies. The Emorim attacked them as they retreated from the land, inflicting a devastating defeat.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Devarim 1:44) explains the comparison to bees in two ways:
Midrashic Interpretation
The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 1:22) elaborates on the severity of the attack, stating that the Emorim pursued them "until Chorma," which alludes to the concept of cherem (destruction). This emphasizes the totality of their defeat—they were driven back as far as Chorma, a place associated with devastation.
Rambam on Divine Punishment
Rambam (Hilchot Ta'anit 1:1-3) discusses how military defeats like this one serve as a wake-up call for teshuvah. The attack by the Emorim was a consequence of the Israelites' lack of faith after the episode of the spies, demonstrating how abandoning trust in Hashem leads to vulnerability before enemies.
Symbolism of the Emorim
The Kli Yakar (Devarim 1:44) notes that the Emorim dwelling "in that mountain" (ההר ההוא) suggests they were spiritually connected to the mountain's harshness, representing the obstacles that arise when the Jewish people stray from their mission. Their attack was not merely physical but a manifestation of divine retribution for the sin of the spies.
Lessons in Jewish Thought