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Deuteronomy 3:19 - Families stay; warriors conquer land

Deuteronomy 3:19 - דברים 3:19

Hebrew Text

רַק נְשֵׁיכֶם וְטַפְּכֶם וּמִקְנֵכֶם יָדַעְתִּי כִּי־מִקְנֶה רַב לָכֶם יֵשְׁבוּ בְּעָרֵיכֶם אֲשֶׁר נָתַתִּי לָכֶם׃

English Translation

But your wives, and your little ones, and your cattle, (for I know that you have much cattle,) shall abide in your cities which I have given you;

Transliteration

Rak nesheikhem vetapkhem umiknekhem yadati ki-mikneh rav lakhem yeshvu be'areikhem asher natati lakhem.

Hebrew Leining Text

רַ֠ק נְשֵׁיכֶ֣ם וְטַפְּכֶם֮ וּמִקְנֵכֶם֒ יָדַ֕עְתִּי כִּֽי־מִקְנֶ֥ה רַ֖ב לָכֶ֑ם יֵֽשְׁבוּ֙ בְּעָ֣רֵיכֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר נָתַ֖תִּי לָכֶֽם׃
רַ֠ק נְשֵׁיכֶ֣ם וְטַפְּכֶם֮ וּמִקְנֵכֶם֒ יָדַ֕עְתִּי כִּֽי־מִקְנֶ֥ה רַ֖ב לָכֶ֑ם יֵֽשְׁבוּ֙ בְּעָ֣רֵיכֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר נָתַ֖תִּי לָכֶֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Devarim 3:19) is part of Moshe Rabbeinu's speech to Bnei Yisrael before they enter Eretz Yisrael. Moshe recounts how he instructed the tribes of Reuven, Gad, and half of Menashe to leave their families and livestock in the cities east of the Jordan while the men would join the rest of Bnei Yisrael in conquering the land.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 3:19) explains that Moshe assured these tribes that their families and livestock would remain secure in the fortified cities they had already captured. The phrase "כִּי־מִקְנֶה רַב לָכֶם" ("for I know that you have much cattle") emphasizes that their abundant livestock was a valid reason for them to settle in the Transjordan region, which was suitable for grazing.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 7:11) discusses the halachic implications of this arrangement, noting that the obligation to participate in milchemet mitzvah (obligatory wars) takes precedence over personal concerns. However, in this case, Hashem permitted the tribes to temporarily leave their families behind due to the necessity of settling the land properly.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Matot 6) highlights that the phrase "יָדַעְתִּי" ("I know") indicates Divine approval of their request, showing that Hashem acknowledged their legitimate need to provide for their large flocks.
  • Sifrei Devarim (28) teaches that this arrangement demonstrated unity among the tribes, as the eastern tribes committed to fighting alongside their brethren despite having already received their inheritance.

Halachic Considerations

The Kli Yakar (Devarim 3:19) notes that the mention of cattle before the cities ("מִקְנֵכֶם... בְּעָרֵיכֶם") teaches that their primary concern was their livestock, which required proper grazing land. This reflects the Torah's recognition of practical economic needs while ensuring the fulfillment of national obligations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 3:19 mean?
A: This verse is part of Moshe's (Moses') speech to the tribes of Reuven and Gad, who requested to settle on the east side of the Jordan River. Hashem allowed their families and livestock to remain in the cities while the men went to fight with the other tribes to conquer the land of Israel. Rashi explains that this shows Hashem's compassion, allowing families to stay safely in their homes.
Q: Why is this verse important?
A: This verse teaches us about the importance of family and community responsibility in Jewish tradition. Even though the men had to go to war, Hashem ensured the safety of their wives, children, and livestock. The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim) derives from here that protecting non-combatants is an important principle in Jewish warfare.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 3:19 today?
A: We learn that Hashem cares about family unity and providing for one's household. The Sages teach that just as the tribes were concerned for their families' welfare, we must always prioritize the wellbeing of our families while fulfilling our communal obligations. The verse also shows that material possessions (represented by the livestock) have value when used properly.
Q: Why does the verse mention 'I know that you have much cattle'?
A: Rashi explains that this shows Hashem's intimate knowledge of His people's circumstances. The abundance of livestock was the reason these tribes wanted the grazing lands east of the Jordan (Numbers 32:1). The Midrash teaches that this phrase demonstrates how Hashem acknowledges and provides for each person's unique needs and livelihood.
Q: How does this apply to modern Jewish life?
A: This teaches us that while we have communal responsibilities (like the men going to war), we must also properly provide for and protect our families. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 30b) derives from such verses that compassion and consideration for others' circumstances are fundamental Jewish values that apply in all generations.