Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 2:37 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 2:37 refers to the boundaries set by Hashem for the Israelites during their travels. It specifies that they were commanded not to enter or conquer the land of Ammon, the areas near the Jabbok River, or certain mountainous cities. This teaches us that even in conquest, the Israelites had divine limitations (Rashi on Deuteronomy 2:37).
Q: Why were the Israelites forbidden from entering Ammon's land?
A: The land of Ammon was given to the descendants of Lot (Ammon's ancestor) as their inheritance, as mentioned in Genesis 19:38. Hashem designated certain lands for other nations, and the Israelites were commanded to respect those boundaries (Ramban on Deuteronomy 2:19). This teaches the importance of respecting divine allocations and not taking what isn't ours.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 2:37 today?
A: This verse teaches us about boundaries—both physical and spiritual. Just as the Israelites respected the territorial limits set by Hashem, we must also recognize and respect the boundaries in our lives, whether in relationships, business, or mitzvot. The Talmud (Chullin 7a) emphasizes that recognizing boundaries is a sign of wisdom and fear of Heaven.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader narrative in Deuteronomy?
A: Deuteronomy recounts Moshe's speeches reminding the Israelites of their journey and Hashem's commandments. This verse highlights their obedience in not conquering forbidden lands, reinforcing the theme of following divine instruction—a key lesson before entering Eretz Yisrael (Sifrei Devarim 26).
Q: What is the significance of the Jabbok River mentioned in this verse?
A: The Jabbok River (נַחַל יַבֹּק) was a natural boundary marking the edge of Ammonite territory. It is also where Yaakov wrestled with the angel (Genesis 32:23). Here, it symbolizes a limit the Israelites were not to cross, teaching that some boundaries are both physical and spiritual (Midrash Tanchuma, Vayishlach 8).
Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy)
The verse appears in Devarim 2:37, where Moshe recounts Bnei Yisrael's journey and the lands they were commanded not to conquer. This reflects Hashem's specific boundaries for their conquest, emphasizing that they were to take only what was divinely allotted to them.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Devarim 2:37) clarifies that the prohibition against conquering Ammonite territory stems from Hashem's earlier promise to Avraham (Bereishit 19:37-38), as Ammon was descended from Lot. Since Lot was Avraham's nephew, his descendants' land was protected by this ancestral merit. Rashi further notes that the "torrent of Yabboq" (נחל יבק) marked the border, reinforcing the geographical limits set by Hashem.
Rambam's Perspective
In Hilchot Melachim (Laws of Kings 5:1), Rambam discusses the halachic principle that Bnei Yisrael were forbidden to wage war against Ammon and Moav unless provoked. This prohibition, rooted in this verse, teaches the importance of adhering to divine commandments even in military conquests—showing restraint where Hashem dictates.
Midrashic Insights
Halachic Implications
The verse underscores the eternal prohibition (later codified in Choshen Mishpat) against seizing land unlawfully. The Chatam Sofer (Responsa 6:29) derives from here that territorial disputes must align with Torah law, not mere human desire.