Deuteronomy 4:48 - Boundaries of promised land

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Hebrew Text

מֵעֲרֹעֵר אֲשֶׁר עַל־שְׂפַת־נַחַל אַרְנֹן וְעַד־הַר שִׂיאֹן הוּא חֶרְמוֹן׃

English Translation

from ῾Aro῾er, which is by the bank of the wadi of Arnon, to mount Si’on, which is Ḥermon,

Transliteration

Me'aro'er asher al-sfat nachal Arnon ve'ad har Sion hu Chermon.

Hebrew Leining Text

מֵעֲרֹעֵ֞ר אֲשֶׁ֨ר עַל־שְׂפַת־נַ֧חַל אַרְנֹ֛ן וְעַד־הַ֥ר שִׂיאֹ֖ן ה֥וּא חֶרְמֽוֹן׃

Parasha Commentary

Geographical Context in the Torah

The verse describes the boundaries of the land conquered by the Israelites under Moshe's leadership, specifically the territory from עֲרֹעֵר (Aro'er) by the נַחַל אַרְנֹן (Wadi Arnon) to הַר שִׂיאֹן (Mount Sion), identified as חֶרְמוֹן (Hermon). Rashi (Devarim 3:9) explains that this delineation marks the southern and northern limits of the Emorite kingdom, which the Israelites defeated before entering Eretz Yisrael.

Significance of Aro'er and Nachal Arnon

According to the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:25), Aro'er was a strategic city on the border of Moav and the Emorites. The Nachal Arnon (Arnon River) served as a natural boundary and is mentioned multiple times in Tanach as a landmark. Ramban (Devarim 2:24) notes that conquering this region fulfilled Hashem's promise to Avraham that his descendants would inherit these lands.

Mount Sion (Hermon) in Jewish Tradition

The Talmud (Chullin 60a) identifies הר שיאון (Mount Sion) with חרמון (Hermon), the tallest mountain in the region. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 1:6) associates Hermon with the covenant between the tribes, as it was a place where they gathered in unity. Additionally, Rashi (Devarim 4:48) explains that Hermon was named for its role in the conquest, symbolizing the complete defeat of the Emorites.

Spiritual Lessons from the Boundaries

Divine Promise Fulfilled: The delineation of these borders reinforces the idea that Hashem's promises to the Avot were fulfilled through the conquest (Sforno, Devarim 2:31).
Unity in Conquest: The inclusion of both southern (Aro'er) and northern (Hermon) points teaches that all of Eretz Yisrael is sacred, and its conquest required collective effort (Malbim, Yehoshua 12:1).
Historical Continuity: These landmarks serve as eternal reminders of the Jewish people's connection to the land, as emphasized in Nevi'im and Ketuvim (e.g., Tehillim 42:7).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the locations mentioned in Deuteronomy 4:48?
A: The verse mentions the boundaries of the land conquered by the Israelites under Moshe's leadership. 'Aro'er' and the Arnon River mark the southern border, while Mount Si'on (Hermon) marks the northern extent. Rashi explains that these boundaries highlight the extent of the territory captured from the Emorite kings, showing Hashem's fulfillment of His promise to give the land to Bnei Yisrael.

Q: Why does the Torah specify these geographical details?
A: The Torah specifies these details to provide clarity about the lands conquered by the Israelites, as recorded in Bamidbar (Numbers) 21. Ramban explains that these boundaries serve as historical testimony to Hashem's miracles in granting victory over powerful kings, reinforcing the Jewish people's connection to Eretz Yisrael.

Q: What is Mount Hermon (חֶרְמוֹן), and why is it important?
A: Mount Hermon (called 'Si'on' in this verse) is the tallest mountain in the region and serves as a northern landmark for Eretz Yisrael. The Talmud (Chullin 60b) mentions its importance in relation to rainfall and water sources for the land. Its height also symbolizes spiritual elevation, as it was a place where Hashem's presence was strongly felt.

Q: How does this verse connect to the broader context of Sefer Devarim?
A: Devarim (Deuteronomy) recounts Moshe's speeches before Bnei Yisrael enter the land. This verse summarizes past victories to remind the people of Hashem's protection and the importance of remaining faithful to the Torah when settling the land. The Sforno explains that recalling these boundaries reinforces gratitude for Divine assistance in conquest.

Q: Are the places in Deuteronomy 4:48 still identifiable today?
A: Yes, traditional Jewish sources and historical-geographical works identify 'Aro'er' near the Arnon River (modern Wadi Mujib in Jordan) and Mount Hermon in the north. The Rambam (Hilchot Terumot 1:6) references these locations in halachic discussions about the boundaries of Eretz Yisrael for agricultural laws.