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Deuteronomy 29:6 - Divine victory over mighty kings

Deuteronomy 29:6 - דברים 29:6

Hebrew Text

וַתָּבֹאוּ אֶל־הַמָּקוֹם הַזֶּה וַיֵּצֵא סִיחֹן מֶלֶךְ־חֶשְׁבּוֹן וְעוֹג מֶלֶךְ־הַבָּשָׁן לִקְרָאתֵנוּ לַמִּלְחָמָה וַנַּכֵּם׃

English Translation

And when you came to this place, Siĥon the king of Ḥeshbon, and ῾Og the king of Bashan, came out against us to battle, and we smote them:

Transliteration

Vatavo'u el-hamakom haze vayetze Sikhon melekh-Cheshbon ve'Og melekh-haBashan likrateinu lamilkhamah vanakem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתָּבֹ֖אוּ אֶל־הַמָּק֣וֹם הַזֶּ֑ה וַיֵּצֵ֣א סִיחֹ֣ן מֶֽלֶךְ־חֶ֠שְׁבּ֠וֹן וְע֨וֹג מֶלֶךְ־הַבָּשָׁ֧ן לִקְרָאתֵ֛נוּ לַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה וַנַּכֵּֽם׃
וַתָּבֹ֖אוּ אֶל־הַמָּק֣וֹם הַזֶּ֑ה וַיֵּצֵ֣א סִיחֹ֣ן מֶֽלֶךְ־חֶ֠שְׁבּ֠וֹן וְע֨וֹג מֶלֶךְ־הַבָּשָׁ֧ן לִקְרָאתֵ֛נוּ לַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה וַנַּכֵּֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Devarim 2:32) recounts the military confrontation between Bnei Yisrael and the Emorite kings, Sichon and Og, as they approached Eretz Yisrael. The Torah emphasizes that these kings initiated the battle, and Hashem granted Bnei Yisrael victory over them.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 2:32) notes that the phrase "וַיֵּצֵא סִיחֹן" ("Sichon came out") implies that Sichon took the initiative to attack Bnei Yisrael, despite the fact that Moshe had initially sought peaceful passage through their land (as described in Devarim 2:26-29). This aggression justified Bnei Yisrael's subsequent conquest of their territory.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 1:19) explains that Sichon and Og were previously advisors to Pharaoh during the enslavement of Bnei Yisrael in Mitzrayim. Their attack was a continuation of their hostility toward the Jewish people.
  • Another Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:32) highlights Og's arrogance, as he believed he could defeat Bnei Yisrael single-handedly due to his immense size (traditionally described as a giant). His downfall demonstrated that no power can stand against Hashem's will.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Melachim (6:1-5), the Rambam discusses the laws of war, including the requirement to first offer terms of peace before engaging in battle. Here, Sichon and Og rejected peaceful overtures, making war inevitable. Their defeat was thus a fulfillment of divine justice.

Significance of the Victory

The conquest of Sichon and Og served as a critical step in Bnei Yisrael's entry into Eretz Yisrael. The Gemara (Berachot 54b) includes these victories among the miracles for which one must recite Birkat HaGomel, emphasizing their importance in Jewish history.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 54b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the miracles performed for the Israelites, particularly the victories over Sihon and Og, which are considered among the great miracles that warrant special blessings.
📖 Megillah 3a
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the historical battles of the Israelites and the significance of these victories in Jewish history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were Sihon and Og mentioned in Deuteronomy 29:6?
A: Sihon and Og were powerful Amorite kings who ruled territories east of the Jordan River. Sihon was king of Heshbon, and Og was king of Bashan. According to Rashi and the Midrash, they were giants and formidable enemies, but Hashem gave the Israelites victory over them as part of the conquest of the land.
Q: Why is the defeat of Sihon and Og important in the Torah?
A: The defeat of Sihon and Og is significant because it demonstrated Hashem's promise to help the Israelites conquer the land (Numbers 21:34). The Ramban explains that these victories strengthened the Israelites' faith as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, showing that no enemy could stand against them with Hashem's help.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 29:6 today?
A: This verse teaches us that even when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges ('giants' like Sihon and Og), we must trust in Hashem's help. The Talmud (Berachot 54b) states that we recite blessings for miracles, reminding us to recognize Hashem's hand in our victories, both big and small.
Q: Where was 'this place' referring to in Deuteronomy 29:6?
A: Rashi explains that 'this place' refers to the eastern side of the Jordan River, where the Israelites camped before entering the Land of Israel. These lands (formerly ruled by Sihon and Og) were later given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Menashe (Numbers 32:33).
Q: How did the Israelites defeat Sihon and Og?
A: The Torah (Deuteronomy 3:2-3) states that Hashem delivered them into Israel's hands. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 1:25) describes miraculous elements, such as Og being a giant who tried to crush the Israelites with a mountain, but Moshe, with Divine help, defeated him through prayer and battle.