Deuteronomy 4:46 - Where did Moshe teach Torah?

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Hebrew Text

בְּעֵבֶר הַיַּרְדֵּן בַּגַּיְא מוּל בֵּית פְּעוֹר בְּאֶרֶץ סִיחֹן מֶלֶךְ הָאֱמֹרִי אֲשֶׁר יוֹשֵׁב בְּחֶשְׁבּוֹן אֲשֶׁר הִכָּה מֹשֶׁה וּבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּצֵאתָם מִמִּצְרָיִם׃

English Translation

Beyond the Yarden, in the valley over against Bet-pe῾or, in the land of Siĥon king of the Emori, who dwelt at Ḥeshbon, whom Moshe and the children of Yisra᾽el smote, after they were come forth out of Miżrayim:

Transliteration

Be'ever hayarden bagai mul Beit Pe'or be'eretz Sichon melech ha'emori asher yoshev beCheshbon asher hika Moshe uvnei Yisrael betzetam miMitzrayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

בְּעֵ֨בֶר הַיַּרְדֵּ֜ן בַּגַּ֗יְא מ֚וּל בֵּ֣ית פְּע֔וֹר בְּאֶ֗רֶץ סִיחֹן֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י אֲשֶׁ֥ר יוֹשֵׁ֖ב בְּחֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן אֲשֶׁ֨ר הִכָּ֤ה מֹשֶׁה֙ וּבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל בְּצֵאתָ֖ם מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃

Parasha Commentary

Geographical Context

The verse describes the location where Moshe and Bnei Yisrael defeated Sichon, king of the Emori. Rashi (Devarim 4:46) explains that this area, "beyond the Yarden," refers to the eastern side of the Jordan River, which was later settled by the tribes of Reuven, Gad, and half of Menashe. The valley opposite Beit Pe'or is significant because it was near the place where Bnei Yisrael were later tempted by the idolatry of Pe'or (Bamidbar 25:3).

Historical Significance of Sichon's Defeat

The Ramban (Devarim 2:24) notes that Sichon's conquest was a pivotal moment in Bnei Yisrael's journey. Initially, Hashem commanded Moshe not to provoke war with the descendants of Esav or Moav (Devarim 2:5,9), but Sichon, an Emori king, was not granted the same protection. His defeat demonstrated Hashem's fulfillment of the promise to give Eretz Yisrael to Avraham's descendants, as Sichon had unlawfully taken this land from Moav (see Rashi, Bamidbar 21:26).

The Spiritual Dimension of the Battle

Victory as Divine Will: The Sforno (Devarim 2:31) emphasizes that this battle was not merely a military campaign but a divinely ordained step toward conquering Eretz Yisrael. Hashem "hardened Sichon's heart" (Devarim 2:30) to ensure the confrontation, much like Pharaoh's hardening in Egypt.
Connection to Yetziat Mitzrayim: The verse explicitly ties the victory to Bnei Yisrael's exodus from Egypt. The Kli Yakar (Devarim 2:24) explains that this linkage shows that just as Yetziat Mitzrayim was miraculous, so too was the defeat of Sichon—a continuation of Hashem's intervention on behalf of His people.

Beit Pe'or as a Contrast

The mention of Beit Pe'or in this verse is ironic, as it later became a site of moral failure (Bamidbar 25). The Meshech Chochmah (Devarim 3:29) suggests that Moshe's mention of this location serves as a subtle reminder: though Bnei Yisrael achieved military victory here, they must remain vigilant against spiritual pitfalls, as exemplified by the incident with Pe'or.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the location mentioned in Deuteronomy 4:46?
A: The verse describes the location where Moshe (Moses) spoke to Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel) before entering Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel). It was near the Jordan River, opposite Beit Pe'or, in the territory of Sichon, king of the Emorites. Rashi explains that this was a significant place because it was where Bnei Yisrael had previously defeated Sichon, demonstrating Hashem's power in helping them conquer the land.

Q: Why does the verse mention that Moshe and Bnei Yisrael defeated Sichon?
A: The verse reminds us of the victory over Sichon to emphasize Hashem's miracles and protection during the journey from Mitzrayim (Egypt) to Eretz Yisrael. The Ramban explains that this event showed Bnei Yisrael that Hashem would help them conquer the land, strengthening their faith as they prepared to enter under Yehoshua's (Joshua's) leadership.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 4:46 today?
A: This verse teaches us to remember Hashem's miracles and kindness in our history. Just as Bnei Yisrael reflected on their victory over Sichon, we should recognize Hashem's hand in our lives and trust in His guidance. The Midrash Tanchuma connects this to the importance of gratitude and faith in daily life.

Q: Why is Beit Pe'or mentioned in this verse?
A: Beit Pe'or was a place associated with idol worship (as seen later in Bamidbar 25:3). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 106a) explains that mentioning it here contrasts the holiness of Moshe's teachings with the impurity of idolatry, reminding Bnei Yisrael to stay faithful to Hashem as they entered the land.

Q: How does this verse connect to Moshe's speeches in Sefer Devarim (Deuteronomy)?
A: This verse sets the location where Moshe began his final teachings to Bnei Yisrael. Rashi explains that Moshe reviewed the Torah and mitzvot (commandments) in this place to prepare the nation for life in Eretz Yisrael. It marks the beginning of his detailed guidance on following Hashem's laws.