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Deuteronomy 2:29 - Edom's kindness, a lesson?

Deuteronomy 2:29 - דברים 2:29

Hebrew Text

כַּאֲשֶׁר עָשׂוּ־לִי בְּנֵי עֵשָׂו הַיֹּשְׁבִים בְּשֵׂעִיר וְהַמּוֹאָבִים הַיֹּשְׁבִים בְּעָר עַד אֲשֶׁר־אֶעֱבֹר אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּן אֶל־הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ נֹתֵן לָנוּ׃

English Translation

(as the children of ῾Esav who dwell in Se῾ir, and the Mo᾽avim who dwell in ῾Ar, did to me;) until I shall pass over the Yarden into the land which the Lord our God gives us.

Transliteration

Ka'asher asu-li bnei Esav hayoshvim b'Seir vehaMoavim hayoshvim b'Ar ad asher-e'evor et-haYarden el-ha'aretz asher-Adonai Eloheinu notein lanu.

Hebrew Leining Text

כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר עָֽשׂוּ־לִ֜י בְּנֵ֣י עֵשָׂ֗ו הַיֹּֽשְׁבִים֙ בְּשֵׂעִ֔יר וְהַמּ֣וֹאָבִ֔ים הַיֹּשְׁבִ֖ים בְּעָ֑ר עַ֤ד אֲשֶֽׁר־אֶֽעֱבֹר֙ אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן אֶל־הָאָ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ נֹתֵ֥ן לָֽנוּ׃
כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר עָֽשׂוּ־לִ֜י בְּנֵ֣י עֵשָׂ֗ו הַיֹּֽשְׁבִים֙ בְּשֵׂעִ֔יר וְהַמּ֣וֹאָבִ֔ים הַיֹּשְׁבִ֖ים בְּעָ֑ר עַ֤ד אֲשֶֽׁר־אֶֽעֱבֹר֙ אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן אֶל־הָאָ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ נֹתֵ֥ן לָֽנוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy)

This verse appears in Devarim 2:29, where Moshe recounts the Jewish people's interactions with neighboring nations during their travels toward Eretz Yisrael. The verse references the behavior of Bnei Esav (descendants of Esau) and Moav, emphasizing Hashem's instruction not to provoke conflict with these nations.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi clarifies that Bnei Esav and Moav provided minimal assistance—selling food and water for payment—but did not extend true hospitality. This contrasts with the mitzvah of welcoming travelers, which Avraham Avinu exemplified. Rashi notes that despite their lack of kindness, Hashem forbade attacking them due to their ancestral ties (Esav as Yaakov's brother and Moav descending from Lot, Avraham's nephew).

Rambam's Perspective on Warfare

In Hilchot Melachim (Laws of Kings 5:1), Rambam derives from this verse that certain nations were granted protected status due to historical covenants or familial connections. The Torah's distinction here teaches the ethical limits of warfare, even when entering Eretz Yisrael.

Midrashic Insights

  • Devarim Rabbah highlights the phrase "as they did to me"—the Jewish people were to respond measure-for-measure, neither seeking unnecessary conflict nor ignoring hostility.
  • The Sifri notes that "until I shall pass over the Yarden" underscores temporary restraint; once in Eretz Yisrael, different rules would apply to the Canaanite nations.

Halachic Implications

The Chizkuni explains that this verse establishes a precedent for darchei shalom (ways of peace) with neighboring nations, even when not bound by formal treaties. The Kli Yakar adds that the phrase "which Hashem our God gives us" reminds us that conquest is valid only when aligned with Divine will, not mere territorial ambition.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 2:29 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 2:29 refers to the Israelites' request for peaceful passage through the lands of Esav (Esau's descendants) and Moav (Moabites) on their way to the Promised Land. The verse highlights that these nations did not hinder them, allowing them to continue their journey until crossing the Jordan River into Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel). Rashi explains that this emphasizes Hashem's protection and the fulfillment of His promise to give the land to Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel).
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 2:29 important?
A: This verse is important because it shows Hashem's guidance and the fulfillment of His covenant with the Jewish people. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that recognizing Hashem's hand in historical events strengthens our emunah (faith). Additionally, the Talmud (Sotah 36b) discusses how the nations mentioned did not interfere with Israel's journey, demonstrating that when Hashem wills something, even potential enemies may not oppose it.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 2:29 today?
A: We learn that Hashem orchestrates events to fulfill His promises, even through seemingly ordinary interactions with other nations. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah) teaches that this verse reminds us to trust in Hashem's plan, especially during challenging journeys. Today, this applies to recognizing divine providence in our lives and the historical return of the Jewish people to Eretz Yisrael.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 2:29 apply to Jewish history?
A: This verse reflects the miraculous nature of the Jewish people's journey to Eretz Yisrael, despite being surrounded by hostile nations. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 2b) notes that Hashem ensured safe passage for Israel, setting a precedent for His ongoing protection throughout Jewish history. It also foreshadows future exiles and returns, reinforcing the eternal bond between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel.