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Deuteronomy 2:3 - Time to move forward?

Deuteronomy 2:3 - דברים 2:3

Hebrew Text

רַב־לָכֶם סֹב אֶת־הָהָר הַזֶּה פְּנוּ לָכֶם צָפֹנָה׃

English Translation

You have compassed this mountain long enough: turn northwards.

Transliteration

Rav-lakhem sov et-hahar hazeh p'nu lakhem tzafonah.

Hebrew Leining Text

רַב־לָכֶ֕ם סֹ֖ב אֶת־הָהָ֣ר הַזֶּ֑ה פְּנ֥וּ לָכֶ֖ם צָפֹֽנָה׃
רַב־לָכֶ֕ם סֹ֖ב אֶת־הָהָ֣ר הַזֶּ֑ה פְּנ֥וּ לָכֶ֖ם צָפֹֽנָה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Devarim 2:3) appears in Moshe's recounting of Bnei Yisrael's journey through the wilderness. After years of wandering, Hashem instructs them to change direction and head north toward Eretz Yisrael.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that "רַב־לָכֶם" ("You have compassed long enough") refers to the 38 years Bnei Yisrael spent circling Mount Seir after the sin of the spies. The phrase "פְּנוּ לָכֶם צָפֹנָה" ("turn northwards") marks the end of their punishment and the beginning of their journey toward the Promised Land.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 7:5) sees this as a lesson in divine mercy. Even after prolonged punishment, Hashem gives Bnei Yisrael a clear path to redemption by directing them toward their destination.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Devarim 2) compares this moment to a father guiding his child—after necessary discipline, the father shows the way forward.
  • Sifrei Devarim notes that "north" symbolizes spiritual ascent, as the Beis HaMikdash was later built in Jerusalem's northern region.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Sefat Emet teaches that "turning north" represents shifting from aimless wandering to purposeful movement toward kedushah (holiness). The physical direction mirrors the soul's journey toward divine service.

Halachic Connection

The Kli Yakar connects this to the mitzvah of tefillin, worn on the arm facing northward (relative to one's heart), symbolizing the redirection of one's actions toward avodat Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'You have compassed this mountain long enough' mean in Deuteronomy 2:3?
A: This verse marks the end of the Israelites' 40-year journey in the wilderness. Rashi explains that Hashem was telling them they had spent enough time circling Mount Seir (the territory of Esau's descendants) and it was time to move forward toward the Land of Israel.
Q: Why was it significant that the Israelites were told to turn northwards?
A: The direction 'northwards' was significant because it pointed them toward the Land of Israel. The Talmud (Bava Batra 25b) discusses the spiritual significance of directions, and north represents moving toward fulfillment of Hashem's promise to bring them to their inheritance.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 2:3 about life's journeys?
A: The verse teaches that there are times when we must recognize when one phase of life has ended and a new direction is needed. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:7) emphasizes the importance of moving forward with purpose rather than remaining stagnant in our spiritual growth.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader narrative in Deuteronomy?
A: This verse begins the transition from the wilderness generation to preparing to enter the Land of Israel. As the Sifrei explains, it represents a turning point where Moshe begins recounting their journeys and preparing the new generation for their mission.
Q: What does 'rav lachem' ('enough for you') teach us about Hashem's guidance?
A: The phrase 'rav lachem' shows Hashem's compassion in not allowing unnecessary suffering or delay. The Midrash Tanchuma (Masei 3) explains that just as Hashem directed the Israelites when to move on, He guides each person through life's transitions at the proper time.