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Deuteronomy 1:46 - Punishment for rebellion's delay?

Deuteronomy 1:46 - דברים 1:46

Hebrew Text

וַתֵּשְׁבוּ בְקָדֵשׁ יָמִים רַבִּים כַּיָּמִים אֲשֶׁר יְשַׁבְתֶּם׃

English Translation

So you abode in Qadesh many days, according to the days that you abode there.

Transliteration

Vatyeshvu v'kadesh yamim rabim kayamim asher yeshavtem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתֵּשְׁב֥וּ בְקָדֵ֖שׁ יָמִ֣ים רַבִּ֑ים כַּיָּמִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר יְשַׁבְתֶּֽם׃
וַתֵּשְׁב֥וּ בְקָדֵ֖שׁ יָמִ֣ים רַבִּ֑ים כַּיָּמִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר יְשַׁבְתֶּֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Devarim 1:46) describes the Israelites' prolonged stay in Kadesh (קָדֵשׁ) after the incident of the spies (Meraglim) and the subsequent decree that the generation of the Exodus would not enter Eretz Yisrael. This verse appears in Moshe's retrospective speech in Sefer Devarim, recounting the nation's journey.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 1:46) explains that "the days that you abode there" refers to the 19 years the Israelites spent in Kadesh. He derives this from the parallel account in Bamidbar (20:1), where the arrival in Kadesh marks the beginning of the 40th year after the Exodus. Since the spies were sent in the second year, the remaining 38 years of wandering included 19 years spent in Kadesh.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra suggests that the phrase "כַּיָּמִים אֲשֶׁר יְשַׁבְתֶּם" ("according to the days that you abode there") implies that the extended stay in Kadesh was a period of stagnation, mirroring their earlier aimless wandering in the wilderness. This reflects the spiritual consequence of the sin of the spies.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash Tanchuma (Chukat 6) connects this verse to the concept of divine justice: just as the Israelites spent years in Kadesh due to their lack of faith, so too were they granted years of respite there. This teaches that even in punishment, Hashem's mercy is present—they were not constantly wandering but had periods of stability.

Halachic Implications

  • Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 7:4): The prolonged stay in Kadesh serves as a lesson in the consequences of collective sin and the importance of national repentance.
  • Chatam Sofer (Torat Moshe, Devarim): The repetition of "וַתֵּשְׁבוּ" ("you abode") emphasizes that their dwelling was passive—they did not progress spiritually during this time, reinforcing the need for active avodat Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 1:46 mean when it says 'you abode in Qadesh many days'?
A: This verse refers to the Israelites staying in Kadesh for an extended period after the incident of the spies (Numbers 13-14). Rashi explains that this was a punishment for their lack of faith in entering the Land of Israel when commanded. The 'many days' refers to the 38 years they wandered in the desert before being allowed to enter the land.
Q: Why is Kadesh mentioned specifically in Deuteronomy 1:46?
A: Kadesh was a significant location where major events occurred. According to the Talmud (Taanit 29a), it was where Miriam passed away and the well of water temporarily disappeared (Numbers 20:1-2). The verse highlights Kadesh as the place where their extended wandering period began as a consequence of their actions.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 1:46 about consequences?
A: The verse teaches us about the consequences of lacking faith in Hashem's promises. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 7:3) explains that this episode demonstrates how one sin can lead to prolonged difficulties. It reminds us to trust in Hashem's plan and follow His commandments faithfully.
Q: How does the concept of 'many days' in Deuteronomy 1:46 apply to our lives today?
A: The 'many days' of waiting teaches patience and the importance of using time productively. The Midrash (Tanchuma Chukat 1) explains that during these years, the Israelites grew spiritually. Similarly, we should use periods of waiting or difficulty for spiritual growth and self-improvement.
Q: What is the significance of mentioning the days 'you abode there' in Deuteronomy 1:46?
A: The repetition emphasizes that their stay in Kadesh was unnecessarily prolonged due to their own actions. Ibn Ezra explains that this serves as a reminder that had they trusted Hashem initially, they could have entered Israel much sooner. It underscores how our choices affect our life's journey.