Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why were the Ammonites and Moabites punished for not offering bread and water to the Israelites?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Sotah 36b), the Ammonites and Moabites showed a lack of basic hospitality (hakhnasat orchim) when they refused to offer bread and water to the Israelites who were traveling through the wilderness. This was especially egregious since the Israelites were not coming to wage war against them, but were simply passing by. The Torah teaches that kindness to travelers is a fundamental ethical obligation.
Q: Who was Bil'am (Balaam) and why did Moab hire him?
A: Bil'am (Balaam) was a non-Jewish prophet with unique spiritual powers, as discussed in the Talmud (Sanhedrin 105b). The Moabites, led by King Balak, hired Bil'am to curse the Israelites because they feared them after seeing their miraculous Exodus from Egypt. However, as the Torah later describes, Hashem turned Bil'am's intended curses into blessings, showing Divine protection over the Jewish people.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:6) derives from this verse the importance of showing kindness to others, especially to those in need. Just as the Ammonites and Moabites were criticized for withholding basic hospitality, we must be generous and welcoming. Additionally, the story teaches that no enemy can truly harm the Jewish people when we maintain our connection to Hashem, as shown by Bil'am's failed attempts to curse Israel.
Q: Why does the Torah mention both the lack of hospitality and the hiring of Bil'am as reasons for excluding Ammon and Moab?
A: The Midrash (Tanchuma Balak 1) explains that these two sins represent different categories of wrongdoing. The lack of hospitality shows cruelty in interpersonal relationships (bein adam l'chavero), while hiring Bil'am to curse Israel demonstrates hostility toward the Jewish people and opposition to Hashem's plan (bein adam laMakom). Together, they reveal the complete moral failure of these nations.
Q: How does this verse connect to the mitzvah of not marrying Ammonites or Moabites?
A: As Rashi explains on Deuteronomy 23:4, this verse provides the reason for the prohibition against marrying Ammonites or Moabites (even if they convert). Their actions demonstrated fundamental character flaws that could negatively influence the Jewish people. The Talmud (Yevamot 76b) discusses this prohibition in detail, noting it applies specifically to the males of these nations because they were the ones who initiated the hostile actions.
Understanding the Verse in Context
This verse (Devarim 23:5) explains why the Ammonites and Moabites were excluded from joining the congregation of Hashem. The Torah provides two primary reasons:
Lack of Hospitality: A Fundamental Moral Failure
Rashi (Devarim 23:5) emphasizes that the Ammonites and Moabites demonstrated a profound lack of chesed (kindness) by not providing basic sustenance to the Israelites. Even though they were not obligated to actively assist, basic hospitality was expected, especially since Bnei Yisrael were passing through the wilderness and posed no threat. The Midrash Tanchuma (Chukat 1) notes that Avraham Avinu's descendants were known for their hospitality, making this failure particularly egregious.
The Hiring of Bil'am: A Sin Against Divine Providence
The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 6:5) explains that hiring Bil'am to curse Israel was an attack on Hashem's chosen nation, demonstrating hostility toward the divine plan. The Sifrei (Devarim 258) elaborates that Moab and Ammon sought to undermine Bnei Yisrael spiritually, not just militarily. The fact that Bil'am ultimately blessed Israel (Bamidbar 23-24) does not absolve them of their malicious intent.
Halachic Implications
The Talmud (Yevamot 76b) discusses the prohibition against Ammonite and Moabite converts joining the Jewish people, derived from this verse. However, the Gemara clarifies that this applies only to males, as the verse specifies "they did not greet you (masculine plural)." The Ramban (Devarim 23:5) adds that this exclusion was a divine decree reflecting their spiritual unworthiness.
Moral Lessons
The Kli Yakar (Devarim 23:5) teaches that this verse underscores the importance of gratitude and kindness. The Ammonites and Moabites descended from Lot, who was saved by Avraham, yet they failed to reciprocate that kindness to Avraham's descendants. The Or HaChaim further notes that their actions revealed a deep-seated moral corruption, justifying their exclusion from Klal Yisrael.