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Deuteronomy 3:8 - Conquering lands for Israel's inheritance

Deuteronomy 3:8 - דברים 3:8

Hebrew Text

וַנִּקַּח בָּעֵת הַהִוא אֶת־הָאָרֶץ מִיַּד שְׁנֵי מַלְכֵי הָאֱמֹרִי אֲשֶׁר בְּעֵבֶר הַיַּרְדֵּן מִנַּחַל אַרְנֹן עַד־הַר חֶרְמוֹן׃

English Translation

And we took at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Emori the land that was on this side of the Yarden, from the wadi of Arnon to mount Ḥermon;

Transliteration

Vanikach ba'et hahi et ha'aretz miyad shnei malchei ha'emori asher be'eiver hayarden minachal arnon ad har chermon.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַנִּקַּ֞ח בָּעֵ֤ת הַהִוא֙ אֶת־הָאָ֔רֶץ מִיַּ֗ד שְׁנֵי֙ מַלְכֵ֣י הָאֱמֹרִ֔י אֲשֶׁ֖ר בְּעֵ֣בֶר הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן מִנַּ֥חַל אַרְנֹ֖ן עַד־הַ֥ר חֶרְמֽוֹן׃
וַנִּקַּ֞ח בָּעֵ֤ת הַהִוא֙ אֶת־הָאָ֔רֶץ מִיַּ֗ד שְׁנֵי֙ מַלְכֵ֣י הָאֱמֹרִ֔י אֲשֶׁ֖ר בְּעֵ֣בֶר הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן מִנַּ֥חַל אַרְנֹ֖ן עַד־הַ֥ר חֶרְמֽוֹן׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context and Overview

This verse (Devarim 3:8) appears in Moshe's recounting of Bnei Yisrael's conquest of the lands east of the Yarden (Jordan River) before entering Eretz Yisrael. The two Amorite kings mentioned are Sichon and Og, whose defeat is described earlier in Bamidbar 21 and Devarim 2-3. The verse emphasizes Hashem's fulfillment of His promise to give the land to Avraham's descendants.

Geographical Significance

Rashi explains that the boundaries mentioned—from the Nachal Arnon (Wadi Arnon) to Har Chermon (Mount Hermon)—represent the full extent of the conquered territory. Nachal Arnon marked the southern border of the Amorite kingdom, while Har Chermon was the northernmost point. The Talmud (Berachos 54b) notes that Har Chermon was so named because it served as a cherem (ban) against the sins of the generation of the Flood, highlighting its spiritual significance.

The Two Kings: Sichon and Og

  • Sichon: Rashi (Bamidbar 21:21) identifies Sichon as a former officer of the Moabite king who usurped power. His defeat demonstrated Hashem's intervention, as Bnei Yisrael were initially forbidden to wage war against Moav (Devarim 2:9).
  • Og: The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 42:8) describes Og as a survivor of the Flood and a giant, alluding to his supernatural stature. His defeat was particularly miraculous, as Moshe needed divine assurance to overcome him (Devarim 3:2).

Spiritual Lessons

The Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 5:1) derives from this conquest that wars for Eretz Yisrael are milchemes mitzvah (obligatory wars), sanctioned by divine command. Additionally, the Sforno notes that mentioning these victories here reinforces the theme of divine providence—Hashem delivered powerful kings into Bnei Yisrael's hands despite their military might.

Historical Continuity

The verse underscores the legitimacy of Bnei Yisrael's claim to the land, as later emphasized in Yehoshua's time. The Daas Zekeinim points out that these victories east of the Yarden foreshadowed the conquest of Canaan, proving that no enemy could withstand Hashem's will.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 3:8 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 3:8 describes how the Israelites, led by Moshe (Moses), conquered the land from two Amorite kings—Sichon and Og—on the eastern side of the Jordan River. The verse specifies the territory they captured, stretching from the Arnon River to Mount Hermon. According to Rashi, this was a significant victory that demonstrated Hashem's power in helping Israel overcome mighty enemies.
Q: Why is the conquest of the Amorite kings important?
A: The conquest of Sichon and Og (the two Amorite kings) was important because it fulfilled Hashem's promise to give the Israelites the land (Bamidbar 21:34). The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah) teaches that these victories strengthened the people's faith before entering Eretz Yisrael. Additionally, the land they captured (east of the Jordan) later became part of the inheritance for the tribes of Reuven, Gad, and half of Menashe.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: This verse teaches us about bitachon (trust in Hashem) and His ability to help us overcome challenges. Just as the Israelites defeated powerful kings with divine assistance, we too can face difficulties with faith. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot) emphasizes that recognizing Hashem's past miracles strengthens our trust in His ongoing guidance.
Q: Why does the verse specify the boundaries 'from Arnon to Hermon'?
A: The Torah specifies these boundaries to clarify the exact extent of the land conquered (Rashi on Devarim 3:8). The Arnon River was the southern border, while Mount Hermon marked the northern limit. This precision shows that Israel's victories were not random but part of a divinely ordained plan to settle the land promised to Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov.