Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does it mean when Hashem tells Moshe to 'go up to the top of the Pisga'?
A: Hashem instructs Moshe to ascend Mount Pisga (or Pisgah) to see the Land of Israel from a distance. According to Rashi, this was a special vantage point where Moshe could view the entire land, even though he would not be allowed to enter it due to the incident with hitting the rock (Numbers 20:12).
Q: Why was Moshe not allowed to cross the Jordan River into Israel?
A: Moshe was not permitted to enter the Land of Israel because of the incident at Mei Merivah (the Waters of Strife), where he struck the rock instead of speaking to it as Hashem commanded (Numbers 20:7-13). The Rambam explains that leaders are held to a higher standard, and even a small deviation from Hashem's command had consequences.
Q: What is the significance of Moshe seeing the land from all four directions (west, north, south, east)?
A: Moshe was shown the entire Land of Israel from all directions to emphasize that although he would not enter it physically, he could still spiritually connect with it. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 2:12) teaches that this vision was a comfort to Moshe, allowing him to see the future of the Jewish people in their land.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse teaches us about accepting Hashem's decrees with humility, as Moshe did. Even when facing disappointment, we must trust in Hashem's wisdom. Additionally, it reminds us of the importance of Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel) and our eternal connection to it, even if we cannot be there physically.
Q: Where is Mount Pisga (Pisgah) located?
A: Mount Pisga is part of the Abarim mountain range in what is today modern-day Jordan, east of the Jordan River. Rashi identifies it as a high place overlooking the Land of Israel. According to tradition, it is the same mountain as Mount Nebo (Deuteronomy 34:1), where Moshe later passed away.
Context of the Verse
This verse (Devarim 3:27) is part of Hashem's response to Moshe Rabbeinu's plea to enter Eretz Yisrael. After the incident of Mei Merivah (Bamidbar 20:1-13), Hashem decreed that Moshe would not lead Bnei Yisrael into the Land. Here, Hashem instructs Moshe to ascend Har HaPisga (Mount Pisgah) to see the Land from afar.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Devarim 3:27) explains that Hashem showed Moshe the entire Land of Israel from this vantage point as a consolation. Though Moshe could not enter, he was granted a vision of its beauty and boundaries. Rashi notes that the four directions correspond to the future tribal inheritances:
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 9:2) derives from this episode that even great tzaddikim like Moshe are subject to divine decrees. Though Moshe's sin at Mei Merivah was minor (Ramban, Bamidbar 20:8), it demonstrated that no one is above accountability. The denial of entry was a lesson in the precision of divine justice.
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 2:5) elaborates that Hashem showed Moshe not only the physical Land but also its spiritual destiny—future events like the conquest by Yehoshua, the building of the Beit HaMikdash, and even the eventual exiles. This was both a comfort and a reminder of the nation's long-term mission.
Symbolism of Har HaPisga
The Kli Yakar (Devarim 3:27) suggests that "Pisga" (from the root "pasag," meaning to divide) alludes to Moshe's elevated spiritual state—he stood at the threshold between the wilderness generation and the new era in Eretz Yisrael. Though he could not cross, his vision ensured his teachings would guide Bnei Yisrael in the Land.
Halachic Implications
The Sifri (Devarim 26) links this verse to the mitzvah of "Re'iyah" (appearing at the Beit HaMikdash during festivals). Just as Moshe "beheld" the Land from afar, Jews are commanded to "see" and connect with the Land through pilgrimage, reinforcing its centrality in Avodat Hashem.