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Deuteronomy 3:21 - Future victories through faith

Deuteronomy 3:21 - דברים 3:21

Hebrew Text

וְאֶת־יְהוֹשׁוּעַ צִוֵּיתִי בָּעֵת הַהִוא לֵאמֹר עֵינֶיךָ הָרֹאֹת אֵת כָּל־אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם לִשְׁנֵי הַמְּלָכִים הָאֵלֶּה כֵּן־יַעֲשֶׂה יְהוָה לְכָל־הַמַּמְלָכוֹת אֲשֶׁר אַתָּה עֹבֵר שָׁמָּה׃

English Translation

And I commanded Yehoshua at that time, saying, Thy eyes have seen all that the Lord your God has done to these two kings; so shall the Lord do to all the kingdoms into which thou dost pass.

Transliteration

Ve'et-Yehoshua tziveiti ba'et hahi lemor einecha har'ot et kol-asher asah Adonai Eloheichem lishnei hamelachim ha'ele ken-ya'aseh Adonai lechol-hamamalchot asher atah over shamah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶת־יְהוֹשׁ֣וּעַ צִוֵּ֔יתִי בָּעֵ֥ת הַהִ֖וא לֵאמֹ֑ר עֵינֶ֣יךָ הָרֹאֹ֗ת אֵת֩ כׇּל־אֲשֶׁ֨ר עָשָׂ֜ה יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם֙ לִשְׁנֵי֙ הַמְּלָכִ֣ים הָאֵ֔לֶּה כֵּֽן־יַעֲשֶׂ֤ה יְהֹוָה֙ לְכׇל־הַמַּמְלָכ֔וֹת אֲשֶׁ֥ר אַתָּ֖ה עֹבֵ֥ר שָֽׁמָּה׃
וְאֶת־יְהוֹשׁ֣וּעַ צִוֵּ֔יתִי בָּעֵ֥ת הַהִ֖וא לֵאמֹ֑ר עֵינֶ֣יךָ הָרֹאֹ֗ת אֵת֩ כׇּל־אֲשֶׁ֨ר עָשָׂ֜ה יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם֙ לִשְׁנֵי֙ הַמְּלָכִ֣ים הָאֵ֔לֶּה כֵּֽן־יַעֲשֶׂ֤ה יְהֹוָה֙ לְכׇל־הַמַּמְלָכ֔וֹת אֲשֶׁ֥ר אַתָּ֖ה עֹבֵ֥ר שָֽׁמָּה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 3:21, where Moshe recounts his words to Yehoshua (Joshua) before the Israelites entered Eretz Yisrael. Moshe reminds Yehoshua of Hashem's miracles in defeating Sichon and Og, the two Amorite kings, as a reassurance that Hashem will similarly assist in conquering the remaining kingdoms in the Land of Israel.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 3:21) emphasizes that Moshe's words were meant to strengthen Yehoshua's faith. By stating "עֵינֶיךָ הָרֹאֹת" ("your eyes have seen"), Moshe highlighted that Yehoshua personally witnessed Hashem's power, reinforcing that the same Divine assistance would accompany him in future battles. Rashi also notes that this was a tziyuni (a sign or lesson) for all future generations—trust in Hashem is built upon witnessing His past miracles.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Melachim (Laws of Kings 7:15), Rambam discusses the concept of milchemet mitzvah (obligatory war) and the role of faith in battle. This verse underscores that military success in conquering Eretz Yisrael was not dependent on human strength but on Divine intervention, as demonstrated by the defeat of Sichon and Og. Yehoshua was to lead with this awareness, ensuring the people's trust in Hashem.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Sifrei (Devarim 26) interprets this verse as a promise that just as Hashem fought for Israel against Sichon and Og, He would do so against all future enemies, provided the people remained faithful to the Torah.
  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Chukat 24) connects this verse to the idea that Hashem's miracles are not random but purposeful—Yehoshua's firsthand experience was meant to instill unwavering confidence in Divine providence.

Practical Lesson for Leadership

The Kli Yakar (Devarim 3:21) explains that Moshe's directive to Yehoshua was not merely about military strategy but about spiritual leadership. A Jewish leader must internalize past miracles to inspire the people, ensuring they recognize Hashem's hand in both past and future events. This principle remains relevant for leaders in every generation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 3:21 mean?
A: In Deuteronomy 3:21, Moshe (Moses) reminds Yehoshua (Joshua) that he witnessed how Hashem defeated the two kings, Sichon and Og. This was meant to strengthen Yehoshua's faith that Hashem would similarly help Bnei Yisrael conquer the other kingdoms in Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel). Rashi explains that this was a reassurance to Yehoshua as he prepared to lead the people into the Promised Land.
Q: Why is this verse important?
A: This verse is important because it teaches the principle of bitachon (trust in Hashem). Just as Hashem helped Bnei Yisrael defeat powerful enemies in the past, He would continue to do so in the future. The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim) emphasizes that Jewish leaders must internalize this lesson—military success comes from divine assistance, not just human strength.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 3:21 today?
A: We learn that remembering past miracles strengthens our emunah (faith) for future challenges. The Sforno explains that just as Yehoshua was encouraged by seeing Hashem's past deeds, we too should reflect on how Hashem has helped us individually and as a nation to build confidence in His ongoing protection.
Q: Who were the 'two kings' mentioned in this verse?
A: The two kings were Sichon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan (Devarim 1:4). The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:32) describes Og as a giant who survived the Flood, and his defeat was a particularly great miracle. Their downfall demonstrated Hashem's power over even the mightiest rulers.
Q: How does this verse apply to leadership?
A: This verse teaches that a Jewish leader must recognize that success comes from Hashem. The Talmud (Sotah 42a) states that Yehoshua merited leadership because of his humility and faith. A true leader, like Yehoshua, relies on divine help rather than personal strength, setting an example for the people.