share torah logo

Deuteronomy 4:49 - Eastern border's sacred boundary?

Deuteronomy 4:49 - דברים 4:49

Hebrew Text

וְכָל־הָעֲרָבָה עֵבֶר הַיַּרְדֵּן מִזְרָחָה וְעַד יָם הָעֲרָבָה תַּחַת אַשְׁדֹּת הַפִּסְגָּה׃

English Translation

and all the ῾Arava beyond the Yarden eastward, even to the Sea of the ῾Arava, under the slopes of the Pisga.

Transliteration

Vechol-ha'arava ever hayarden mizracha ve'ad yam ha'arava tachat ashdot hapisga.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכׇל־הָ֨עֲרָבָ֜ה עֵ֤בֶר הַיַּרְדֵּן֙ מִזְרָ֔חָה וְעַ֖ד יָ֣ם הָעֲרָבָ֑ה תַּ֖חַת אַשְׁדֹּ֥ת הַפִּסְגָּֽה׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וְכׇל־הָ֨עֲרָבָ֜ה עֵ֤בֶר הַיַּרְדֵּן֙ מִזְרָ֔חָה וְעַ֖ד יָ֣ם הָעֲרָבָ֑ה תַּ֖חַת אַשְׁדֹּ֥ת הַפִּסְגָּֽה׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Geographical Context in the Torah

The verse describes the boundaries of the Arava (עֲרָבָה), a term referring to the arid valley region east of the Jordan River. Rashi (Devarim 3:17) explains that the Arava extends from the eastern side of the Jordan (עֵבֶר הַיַּרְדֵּן מִזְרָחָה) all the way to the "Sea of the Arava," which is identified as the Dead Sea (יָם הַמֶּלַח in other verses). The phrase תַּחַת אַשְׁדֹּת הַפִּסְגָּה ("under the slopes of the Pisga") refers to the mountainous area near Mount Nebo, where Moshe later viewed Eretz Yisrael before his passing (Devarim 34:1).

Interpretation in Midrashic Sources

The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 28) connects this description to the broader narrative of Bnei Yisrael's journey, emphasizing that these lands were part of the territories conquered under Moshe's leadership before entering Eretz Yisrael. The Arava is also mentioned in connection with the travels of the Avot (Bereshit 36:24), highlighting its historical significance in Jewish tradition.

Halachic and Historical Significance

  • Boundaries of Eretz Yisrael: Rambam (Hilchot Terumot 1:2-3) discusses the halachic status of lands east of the Jordan, noting that while they were part of the territories promised to Avraham, certain mitzvot (like terumot and ma'aserot) apply differently there compared to lands west of the Jordan.
  • Conquest by Moshe: The Talmud (Sotah 34b) cites this verse in discussing the lands captured by Moshe, contrasting them with those later conquered by Yehoshua. This distinction is important for understanding the division of tribal inheritances.

Symbolic Meaning

The Arava is often associated with desolation and hardship, yet it also represents a transitional space—a place where Bnei Yisrael prepared to enter the Promised Land. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) suggests that the mention of the Pisga slopes alludes to spiritual elevation, as Moshe's view from Pisga symbolized the culmination of the Exodus journey.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'Arava' mentioned in Deuteronomy 4:49?
A: The 'Arava' refers to the arid valley region near the Jordan River, extending from the Dead Sea (called the 'Sea of the Arava' in the verse) to the Gulf of Eilat. Rashi explains that this area was part of the territory conquered by the Israelites under Moshe's leadership before entering the Land of Israel.
Q: Why does the Torah specify the geographical boundaries in Deuteronomy 4:49?
A: The Torah details these boundaries to clearly define the extent of the lands conquered east of the Jordan River (Transjordan) before the Israelites entered Canaan. Ramban explains that this emphasizes how Hashem fulfilled His promise to give these lands to Israel, showing the completeness of their victories under Moshe's leadership.
Q: What is the significance of 'under the slopes of the Pisga' in this verse?
A: Pisga (or Pisgah) refers to Mount Nebo's slopes, where Moshe would later view the Land of Israel before his passing (Devarim 34:1). The Talmud (Sotah 13b) notes that this location had spiritual significance, as it was where Moshe prayed to enter Israel. The verse marks it as a boundary of the conquered lands.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader narrative in Deuteronomy?
A: This verse concludes a section summarizing Israel's victories east of the Jordan (Devarim 2:26-3:22). The Sforno explains that listing these boundaries reminds the Israelites of Hashem's miracles in battle and prepares them for the conquest of Canaan, reinforcing that the same Divine assistance will accompany them westward.
Q: Does the 'Sea of the Arava' still exist today?
A: Yes, the 'Sea of the Arava' (Yam Ha'Arava) is the Torah's term for what we now call the Dead Sea (Yam HaMelach). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 32:10) notes its extreme salinity, linking it to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Its inclusion here highlights a recognizable landmark defining Israel's borders.