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Numbers 14:8 - Divine favor brings promised bounty.

Numbers 14:8 - במדבר 14:8

Hebrew Text

אִם־חָפֵץ בָּנוּ יְהוָה וְהֵבִיא אֹתָנוּ אֶל־הָאָרֶץ הַזֹּאת וּנְתָנָהּ לָנוּ אֶרֶץ אֲשֶׁר־הִוא זָבַת חָלָב וּדְבָשׁ׃

English Translation

If the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which flows with milk and honey.

Transliteration

Im-chafetz banu Adonai vehevi otanu el-ha'aretz hazot unetanah lanu eretz asher-hi zavat chalav udvash.

Hebrew Leining Text

אִם־חָפֵ֥ץ בָּ֙נוּ֙ יְהֹוָ֔ה וְהֵבִ֤יא אֹתָ֙נוּ֙ אֶל־הָאָ֣רֶץ הַזֹּ֔את וּנְתָנָ֖הּ לָ֑נוּ אֶ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־הִ֛וא זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּדְבָֽשׁ׃
אִם־חָפֵ֥ץ בָּ֙נוּ֙ יְהֹוָ֔ה וְהֵבִ֤יא אֹתָ֙נוּ֙ אֶל־הָאָ֣רֶץ הַזֹּ֔את וּנְתָנָ֖הּ לָ֑נוּ אֶ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־הִ֛וא זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּדְבָֽשׁ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Numbers 14:8) is part of the speech delivered by Yehoshua (Joshua) and Kalev (Caleb) to Bnei Yisrael after the spies returned with a negative report about Eretz Yisrael. Yehoshua and Kalev sought to reassure the people of Hashem's promise to bring them into a land flowing with milk and honey.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains the phrase "אִם־חָפֵץ בָּנוּ יְהוָה" ("If the Lord delights in us") as a conditional statement emphasizing that Hashem's favor is contingent upon the people's merit. He notes that Yehoshua and Kalev were subtly reminding Bnei Yisrael that their entry into the land depended on their faithfulness to Hashem's commandments.

Land of Milk and Honey

The description of Eretz Yisrael as "זָבַת חָלָב וּדְבָשׁ" ("flowing with milk and honey") is interpreted in multiple ways:

  • Rambam (Guide for the Perplexed 3:43): Explains that "milk" symbolizes the abundance of livestock and pasturelands, while "honey" refers to the sweetness of dates and figs, which were plentiful in the land.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Eikev 3): Teaches that "milk" alludes to the mitzvot (commandments) that sustain the soul like milk sustains the body, and "honey" represents the sweetness of Torah study.

Trust in Divine Promise

The Sforno emphasizes that Yehoshua and Kalev were reinforcing the idea that Hashem's promise was reliable. The land's fertility and bounty were not dependent on human effort alone but on Divine providence—highlighting the importance of bitachon (trust in Hashem).

Spiritual vs. Physical Blessing

The Kli Yakar notes that the phrase "if the Lord delights in us" precedes the description of the land's physical abundance, teaching that material blessings are secondary to spiritual closeness to Hashem. Only when the people merit Divine favor do they receive the land's bounty.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 35b
The verse is cited in the discussion about the spies' report and the Israelites' lack of faith in God's promise to bring them into the land flowing with milk and honey.
📖 Ketubot 111b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the virtues of the Land of Israel and God's promise to the Israelites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'a land flowing with milk and honey' mean in Numbers 14:8?
A: The phrase 'a land flowing with milk and honey' describes the fertility and abundance of the Land of Israel. According to Rashi, 'milk' refers to the richness of livestock, and 'honey' refers to the sweetness of fruits (like dates and figs). This symbolizes the land's natural blessings and suitability for sustaining the Jewish people.
Q: Why is the phrase 'If the Lord delight in us' important in this verse?
A: The phrase emphasizes that entering and inheriting the Land of Israel depends on G-d's favor and the Jewish people's faithfulness. The Rambam teaches that Divine assistance is tied to our commitment to Torah and mitzvot. This verse reminds us that success is not just through human effort but through a partnership with G-d.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish life today?
A: This verse teaches trust in G-d's promises and gratitude for the Land of Israel. The Talmud (Berachot 5a) connects blessings to recognizing G-d's kindness. Today, Jews worldwide cherish Israel as their ancestral homeland, fulfilling this biblical vision while striving to live righteously to merit continued Divine favor.
Q: Who spoke the words in Numbers 14:8, and what was the context?
A: These words were spoken by Joshua and Caleb, the two faithful spies who urged the Israelites to trust in G-d and enter the Land of Israel despite the other spies' fearful report (Numbers 13-14). Rashi explains that they affirmed G-d's ability to fulfill His promise, contrasting with the people's lack of faith.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 14:8 about facing challenges?
A: The verse teaches that challenges should be met with faith in G-d rather than fear. The Midrash (Sifrei) highlights that Joshua and Caleb focused on G-d's power, not obstacles. This reminds us to approach difficulties with trust in Divine providence and confidence in our mission as Jews.