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Hebrew Text
וָאֶשְׁלַח מַלְאָכִים מִמִּדְבַּר קְדֵמוֹת אֶל־סִיחוֹן מֶלֶךְ חֶשְׁבּוֹן דִּבְרֵי שָׁלוֹם לֵאמֹר׃
English Translation
And I sent messengers out of the wilderness of Qedemot to Siĥon king of Ḥeshbon with words of peace, saying,
Transliteration
Va'eshlach mal'achim mimidbar kedemot el-sichon melech cheshbon divrei shalom lemor.
Hebrew Leining Text
וָאֶשְׁלַ֤ח מַלְאָכִים֙ מִמִּדְבַּ֣ר קְדֵמ֔וֹת אֶל־סִיח֖וֹן מֶ֣לֶךְ חֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן דִּבְרֵ֥י שָׁל֖וֹם לֵאמֹֽר׃
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Parasha Commentary
📚 Talmud Citations
This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Devarim 2:26) recounts Moshe's actions as Bnei Yisrael approached the land of Sichon, king of Cheshbon, during their journey toward Eretz Yisrael. Moshe sent messengers with "divrei shalom" (words of peace) before engaging in battle, demonstrating the Torah's emphasis on pursuing peace even in times of conflict.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Devarim 2:26) explains that Moshe first sought peace with Sichon, following the halachic principle derived from this verse that one must always offer terms of peace before waging war (as codified in Rambam's Hilchot Melachim 6:1). Rashi emphasizes that this was done "miderech eretz" (in a respectful manner), showing that diplomacy must precede military action.
The Midrashic Perspective
The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 2:26) notes that Moshe sent messengers from the "wilderness of Kedemot," a place whose name means "ancient times," alluding to the ancient promise Hashem made to Avraham that his descendants would inherit these lands. This teaches that Bnei Yisrael's claim to the land was rooted in divine covenant, not mere conquest.
Rambam's Halachic Insight
Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 6:1) derives from this verse that even in a milchemet reshut (optional war), Jewish leaders must first extend an offer of peace. The terms included:
The Significance of "Divrei Shalom"
The Kli Yakar (Devarim 2:26) highlights that Moshe used "divrei shalom" rather than ultimatums, teaching that even when conflict is inevitable, one must approach with language of peace. This reflects the principle of "deracheha darchei noam" (its ways are ways of pleasantness) in Torah conduct.
Geographical Significance
Ibn Ezra notes that sending messengers from the wilderness of Kedemot (east of the Jordan) was strategic, showing Bnei Yisrael were not encroaching on Sichon's territory but approaching respectfully from unclaimed land before requesting passage (see Bamidbar 21:21-22).