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Deuteronomy 3:12 - Tribal inheritance eastward

Deuteronomy 3:12 - דברים 3:12

Hebrew Text

וְאֶת־הָאָרֶץ הַזֹּאת יָרַשְׁנוּ בָּעֵת הַהִוא מֵעֲרֹעֵר אֲשֶׁר־עַל־נַחַל אַרְנֹן וַחֲצִי הַר־הַגִּלְעָד וְעָרָיו נָתַתִּי לָרֻאוּבֵנִי וְלַגָּדִי׃

English Translation

And this land, which we possessed at that time, from ῾Aro῾er, which is by the wadi Arnon, and half mount Gil῾ad, and its cities, I gave to the Re᾽uveni and to the Gadi.

Transliteration

Ve'et-ha'aretz hazot yarashnu ba'et hahi me'aroeir asher-al-nachal arnon vachetzi har-hagil'ad ve'arav natati lar'uveini velagadi.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶת־הָאָ֧רֶץ הַזֹּ֛את יָרַ֖שְׁנוּ בָּעֵ֣ת הַהִ֑וא מֵעֲרֹעֵ֞ר אֲשֶׁר־עַל־נַ֣חַל אַרְנֹ֗ן וַחֲצִ֤י הַֽר־הַגִּלְעָד֙ וְעָרָ֔יו נָתַ֕תִּי לָרֽאוּבֵנִ֖י וְלַגָּדִֽי׃
וְאֶת־הָאָ֧רֶץ הַזֹּ֛את יָרַ֖שְׁנוּ בָּעֵ֣ת הַהִ֑וא מֵעֲרֹעֵ֞ר אֲשֶׁר־עַל־נַ֣חַל אַרְנֹ֗ן וַחֲצִ֤י הַֽר־הַגִּלְעָד֙ וְעָרָ֔יו נָתַ֕תִּי לָרֽאוּבֵנִ֖י וְלַגָּדִֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Devarim

This verse appears in Sefer Devarim (Deuteronomy 3:12), where Moshe recounts the division of conquered lands east of the Jordan River to the tribes of Reuven and Gad (and half of Menashe, as mentioned later in the passage). The allocation of these territories was conditional upon their commitment to assist the other tribes in conquering Eretz Yisrael proper (Bamidbar 32:20-22).

Geographical Significance

Rashi explains that "Aroer which is by the wadi Arnon" marks the southern boundary of the territory, while "half of Mount Gilad" refers to the northern portion. The Arnon River served as a natural border between Moav and the Emorite kingdom (Rashi on Devarim 2:24). The Ibn Ezra adds that these lands were fertile and suitable for grazing—key reasons why Reuven and Gad requested them (Bamidbar 32:1-5).

Halachic Implications of Land Allocation

The Ramban (Devarim 3:12) discusses why Moshe emphasized "I gave"—highlighting his role as Hashem’s appointed leader in distributing the land. The Meshech Chochmah notes that this phrasing underscores Moshe’s authority even for territories outside Eretz Yisrael proper, as they were conquered under divine mandate.

Lessons from Tribal Unity

  • Conditional Agreement: The tribes' receipt of land was contingent on their participation in conquering Canaan (Sifrei Devarim 31). This teaches the principle of collective responsibility (areivut) among Bnei Yisrael.
  • Strategic Allocation: The Da’at Zekeinim observes that Reuven and Gad’s territory served as a buffer zone, protecting the eastern flank of Eretz Yisrael.

Midrashic Insights

The Yalkut Shimoni (Devarim 806) connects this verse to the broader theme of divine promise fulfillment, noting that even lands not originally included in the covenant with Avraham (Bereshit 15:18-21) were granted due to Bnei Yisrael’s merit during conquest. The Kli Yakar adds that Moshe’s detailed recounting reinforced gratitude for Hashem’s providence in securing these territories.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 3:12 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 3:12 describes how Moshe (Moses) allocated the conquered lands east of the Jordan River to the tribes of Reuven and Gad. This refers to the territory taken from the Amorite kings, Sihon and Og, as mentioned earlier in the Torah (Numbers 21). Rashi explains that this was a fulfillment of the promise made to these tribes when they requested this land for their large flocks (Numbers 32).
Q: Why did Moshe give land to Reuven and Gad before entering Israel?
A: The tribes of Reuven and Gad requested this land because it was good for their livestock (Numbers 32:1-5). Moshe agreed on condition that they first help the other tribes conquer the land west of the Jordan (Numbers 32:20-22). The Ramban notes that this showed unity among the tribes, as Reuven and Gad kept their promise to fight alongside their brethren before settling their own portion.
Q: What is the significance of the locations mentioned in Deuteronomy 3:12?
A: The verse mentions specific borders: Aroer by the Arnon River and half of Mount Gilad. These were strategic points marking the southern and northern limits of the Amorite territory conquered by Israel. The Talmud (Sotah 36b) discusses how these areas were part of the original lands promised to Avraham, showing that even lands east of the Jordan were part of Hashem's promise to our forefathers.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This teaches us about keeping promises (like Reuven and Gad did) and communal responsibility. Just as these tribes had to help others before tending to their own needs, we learn from the Mishnah (Avot 1:14) the importance of not separating oneself from the community. It also reminds us that all of Eretz Yisrael is sacred, including the eastern side of the Jordan.
Q: Why does Moshe mention this land distribution in his speech?
A: Moshe recounts this event to remind the new generation of Israelites how their inheritance was divided fairly. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 1:22) explains that Moshe wanted to emphasize that every tribe received its rightful portion according to Hashem's will. This reinforced the idea of divine providence in settling the land and set a precedent for the upcoming division of Canaan west of the Jordan.