Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of the cities mentioned in Deuteronomy 3:10?
A: The cities mentioned—Salkha, Edre῾i, and others in Bashan—were part of the kingdom of ῾Og, a powerful Amorite king. Their conquest by the Israelites under Moshe (Moses) demonstrated Hashem's promise to give the land to Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel). Rashi explains that these victories were miraculous, showing Divine assistance in battle.
Q: Why does the Torah specify the regions of Gil῾ad and Bashan in this verse?
A: Gil῾ad and Bashan were fertile, strategically important regions east of the Jordan River. The Torah highlights them to emphasize the extent of the Israelite conquests before entering Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel). The Ramban notes that these lands were later settled by the tribes of Reuven, Gad, and half of Menashe (Numbers 32).
Q: Who was ῾Og, and why is his kingdom mentioned here?
A: ῾Og was a giant king of Bashan (Devarim 3:11) whom Bnei Yisrael defeated in battle. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah) describes him as surviving from the time of the Flood, making his defeat a demonstration of Hashem's power. His kingdom's mention reinforces that no enemy, no matter how strong, could stand in the way of Hashem's plan for Israel.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader narrative in Sefer Devarim (Deuteronomy)?
A: This verse is part of Moshe's historical review of the Israelites' journey. By recounting the victories over Sihon and ῾Og, Moshe reminds the people of Hashem's faithfulness and their ability to conquer the land with Divine help, preparing them for the challenges ahead in Eretz Yisrael.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from the conquest of �Og's kingdom?
A: Just as Bnei Yisrael faced seemingly insurmountable enemies like ῾Og but triumphed with Hashem's help, we learn to trust in Divine assistance during challenges. The Talmud (Berachot 54b) teaches that remembering these miracles fosters gratitude and strengthens emunah (faith) in Hashem's ongoing protection.
Geographical Context
The verse describes the territories conquered by the Israelites under Moshe's leadership, specifically focusing on the lands of the Emorite kings Sihon and Og. The regions mentioned—the plain (מישור), Gilad (גלעד), and Bashan (בשן)—were fertile and strategically important areas east of the Jordan River. Rashi (Devarim 3:10) explains that these lands were known for their agricultural richness, particularly Bashan, which was famed for its cattle and oak trees (see also Yechezkel 39:18).
Historical Significance of Og's Kingdom
Og, the king of Bashan, was a remnant of the Rephaim, a race of giants (Devarim 3:11). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 26:7) identifies Og as the survivor who informed Avraham of Lot's capture (Bereishit 14:13), suggesting his longevity and notoriety. His defeat symbolized the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to give the land to Bnei Yisrael, despite the formidable enemies they faced.
Spiritual Implications of the Conquest
Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 5:1) emphasizes that these conquests were not merely territorial but also spiritual victories, as they cleared the land of idolatrous influences. The cities of Salkha and Edrei, mentioned here, were strongholds of Og's kingdom. The Talmud (Berachot 54b) notes that Edrei was where Moshe ultimately defeated Og, fulfilling the divine promise and demonstrating that no enemy could stand in the way of Hashem's plan for His people.
Symbolism of the Land's Fertility