Deuteronomy 2:16 - Warriors gone, journey continues?

Context in the Torah

The verse (Devarim 2:16) appears in the context of the Israelites' 40-year journey in the wilderness, where Hashem decreed that the generation of the Exodus would perish before their children entered Eretz Yisrael. This was due to the sin of the spies (Meraglim), as recounted in Bamidbar 13-14.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "when all the men of war were consumed" refers specifically to those who were 20 years or older at the time of the sin of the spies. These individuals were destined to die in the wilderness as a consequence of their lack of faith in Hashem's promise to bring them into the Land. Rashi emphasizes that this was a divine decree, not merely a natural occurrence.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra notes that the term "men of war" (אנשי המלחמה) refers not only to soldiers but to the entire generation that was capable of bearing arms. This includes all adult males who were of age to fight, highlighting that the punishment affected the entire generation that had sinned.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash Tanchuma (Devarim 2) elaborates that the phrase "from among the people" teaches that the deaths occurred gradually over the 40 years, rather than all at once. This was an act of divine mercy, allowing the nation to continue functioning while the older generation passed away naturally.

Halachic Perspective from Rambam

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Teshuvah 6:5), Rambam cites this episode as an example of a divine decree that cannot be overturned through teshuva (repentance). While teshuva is generally effective for most sins, certain severe transgressions - like the sin of the spies - carry irrevocable consequences.

Lessons from the Verse

• The gravity of lacking faith in Hashem's promises
• The principle of collective responsibility in the Jewish nation
• Divine justice is sometimes delayed but ultimately exact
• The importance of properly evaluating Eretz Yisrael's holiness