Numbers 21:12 - Journey through Zered's wadi

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Hebrew Text

מִשָּׁם נָסָעוּ וַיַּחֲנוּ בְּנַחַל זָרֶד׃

English Translation

From thence they removed, and pitched in the wadi of Zered.

Transliteration

Misham nasa'u vayachanu b'nakhal Zared.

Hebrew Leining Text

מִשָּׁ֖ם נָסָ֑עוּ וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ בְּנַ֥חַל זָֽרֶד׃

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 21:12) describes the journey of Bnei Yisrael as they traveled through the wilderness after leaving Kadesh. The "wadi of Zered" (נַחַל זָרֶד) marks one of their encampments before entering Eretz Yisrael. Rashi explains that this location is significant because it was the boundary between the lands of Edom and Moav, indicating a transition in their travels.

Geographical and Historical Significance

According to Ramban, the wadi of Zered was a natural border mentioned earlier in Devarim 2:13–14, where Hashem commanded Bnei Yisrael to cross it as part of their journey. The Talmud (Chullin 60b) notes that this wadi was known for its deep valleys, symbolizing the challenges Bnei Yisrael had to overcome before entering the Promised Land.

Spiritual Lessons

Divine Guidance: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:16) teaches that each encampment was directed by Hashem’s cloud, emphasizing that their travels were not random but followed a divine plan.
Overcoming Obstacles: The Zered Valley represents a spiritual hurdle. The Kli Yakar suggests that crossing it symbolized leaving behind the "dor hamidbar" (generation of the wilderness) and preparing for a new phase under Yehoshua’s leadership.
Boundaries in Avodas Hashem: The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) highlights that geographical transitions in the Torah often parallel spiritual growth, teaching that progress in avodas Hashem requires moving beyond previous limitations.

Etymology of "Zered"

Ibn Ezra connects "Zered" (זָרֶד) to the root ז-ר-ד, meaning "to flow" or "to scatter," possibly referring to the wadi’s seasonal streams. This aligns with the Malbim’s view that physical landmarks in the Torah often carry deeper metaphorical meanings—here, the transient nature of Bnei Yisrael’s wilderness experience before reaching permanence in Eretz Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the verse 'From thence they removed, and pitched in the wadi of Zered' mean?
A: This verse describes the journey of the Israelites in the wilderness after leaving Egypt. They traveled from one location and camped in the wadi (dry riverbed) of Zered. According to Rashi, this was part of their divinely guided journey toward the Land of Israel.

Q: Why is the wadi of Zered mentioned in the Torah?
A: The wadi of Zered is significant because it marks a boundary between lands. The Talmud (Chullin 60b) explains that this location was a turning point in the Israelites' journey, symbolizing progress toward their ultimate destination. It also served as a reminder of G-d's guidance throughout their travels.

Q: What lesson can we learn from the Israelites camping in the wadi of Zered?
A: The verse teaches us about trust in divine providence. Just as the Israelites followed G-d's direction in their travels (as explained by Rambam in Hilchot De'ot), we should also recognize that life's journeys—both physical and spiritual—are guided by a higher plan.

Q: How does this verse apply to our lives today?
A: Like the Israelites, we go through transitions in life. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) teaches that every stop in their journey had purpose. Similarly, we should view our own 'stops' and 'movements' as part of a greater journey toward growth and fulfillment of our mission.