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Deuteronomy 2:23 - Who displaced the Avvim?

Deuteronomy 2:23 - דברים 2:23

Hebrew Text

וְהָעַוִּים הַיֹּשְׁבִים בַּחֲצֵרִים עַד־עַזָּה כַּפְתֹּרִים הַיֹּצְאִים מִכַּפְתּוֹר הִשְׁמִידֻם וַיֵּשְׁבוּ תַחְתָּם׃

English Translation

and the ῾Avvim who dwelt in Ḥażerim, as far as ῾Azza; Kaftorim who came from Kaftor, destroyed them and dwelt in their stead.)

Transliteration

Veha'avim hayoshvim bachatzerim ad-Azza kaftorim hayotzim mi-Kaftor hishmidum vayeshevu tachtam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָֽעַוִּ֛ים הַיֹּשְׁבִ֥ים בַּחֲצֵרִ֖ים עַד־עַזָּ֑ה כַּפְתֹּרִים֙ הַיֹּצְאִ֣ים מִכַּפְתֹּ֔ר הִשְׁמִידֻ֖ם וַיֵּשְׁב֥וּ תַחְתָּֽם׃
וְהָֽעַוִּ֛ים הַיֹּשְׁבִ֥ים בַּחֲצֵרִ֖ים עַד־עַזָּ֑ה כַּפְתֹּרִים֙ הַיֹּצְאִ֣ים מִכַּפְתֹּ֔ר הִשְׁמִידֻ֖ם וַיֵּשְׁב֥וּ תַחְתָּֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Devarim

The verse (Devarim 2:23) describes the displacement of the Avvim by the Kaftorim (Philistines) in the region near Gaza. This historical account is part of Moshe's recounting of Israel's journey and the lands they encountered before entering Eretz Yisrael.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 2:23) identifies the Kaftorim as the Philistines, who originated from Kaftor (often associated with Crete or another Mediterranean island). He explains that they conquered the Avvim, a pre-existing nation, and settled in their place. This aligns with the Torah's broader narrative of territorial changes before Bnei Yisrael's arrival.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra adds that the Avvim were likely a Canaanite tribe, as their name is linguistically similar to other Canaanite groups. He emphasizes that this conquest occurred long before Bnei Yisrael's Exodus, showing Hashem's orchestration of history to prepare the land for His people.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 1:25) connects this verse to the broader theme of divine justice: just as the Kaftorim displaced the Avvim due to their sins, so too would nations be judged for their actions. This reinforces the Torah's principle that residency in Eretz Yisrael is contingent on moral conduct.

Rambam's Historical Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:50), Rambam cites this verse as evidence of ancient population shifts, underscoring that such changes are part of Hashem's plan. He notes that these events demonstrate the temporary nature of human conquests compared to the eternal covenant with Bnei Yisrael.

Halachic Implication

  • The displacement of the Avvim highlights the Torah's distinction between the seven Canaanite nations (subject to eradication) and later conquerors like the Philistines (subject to different laws).
  • This historical precedent informs discussions about land ownership and warfare in Hilkhot Melachim.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were the Avvim mentioned in Deuteronomy 2:23?
A: The Avvim were an ancient people who lived in the region of Hazerim near Gaza. According to Rashi and other traditional Jewish sources, they were among the early inhabitants of the land before being displaced by the Kaftorim (often identified with the Philistines).
Q: What is the significance of the Kaftorim in this verse?
A: The Kaftorim, who came from Kaftor (possibly Crete or another Mediterranean island), are significant because they conquered the Avvim and settled in their land. This shows the historical shifts of nations in the region, as described in the Torah and later Jewish commentaries like the Ramban (Nachmanides).
Q: Why does the Torah mention the displacement of the Avvim?
A: The Torah mentions this to provide historical context for the Israelites' journey and the lands they would encounter. It also teaches that Hashem orchestrates the rise and fall of nations, as explained in Jewish tradition (see Rambam's 'Guide for the Perplexed' on divine providence).
Q: How does this verse relate to the broader narrative in Deuteronomy?
A: This verse is part of Moses' recounting of the Israelites' travels and the lands they passed through. It emphasizes that just as other nations took possession of lands, so too would Israel inherit the land promised to them by Hashem, as discussed in the Talmud (Sotah 36a) and Midrash (Devarim Rabbah).
Q: What lesson can we learn from the fate of the Avvim?
A: The displacement of the Avvim teaches that no nation's hold on land is permanent unless it aligns with Hashem's will. Jewish tradition (as seen in the Midrash Tanchuma) often uses such historical accounts to remind us of divine justice and the importance of living righteously in the land we inhabit.