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Numbers 21:13 - Border dispute: Moav or Emori?

Numbers 21:13 - במדבר 21:13

Hebrew Text

מִשָּׁם נָסָעוּ וַיַּחֲנוּ מֵעֵבֶר אַרְנוֹן אֲשֶׁר בַּמִּדְבָּר הַיֹּצֵא מִגְּבוּל הָאֱמֹרִי כִּי אַרְנוֹן גְּבוּל מוֹאָב בֵּין מוֹאָב וּבֵין הָאֱמֹרִי׃

English Translation

From thence they removed, and pitched on the side of Arnon which is in the wilderness that comes out of the border of the Emori: for Arnon is the border of Mo᾽av, between Mo᾽av and the Emori.

Transliteration

Misham nasa'u vayachanu me'ever Arnon asher bamidbar hayotze migvul ha'Emori ki Arnon gvul Moav bein Moav uvein ha'Emori.

Hebrew Leining Text

מִשָּׁם֮ נָסָ֒עוּ֒ וַֽיַּחֲנ֗וּ מֵעֵ֤בֶר אַרְנוֹן֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר הַיֹּצֵ֖א מִגְּבֻ֣ל הָֽאֱמֹרִ֑י כִּ֤י אַרְנוֹן֙ גְּב֣וּל מוֹאָ֔ב בֵּ֥ין מוֹאָ֖ב וּבֵ֥ין הָאֱמֹרִֽי׃
מִשָּׁם֮ נָסָ֒עוּ֒ וַֽיַּחֲנ֗וּ מֵעֵ֤בֶר אַרְנוֹן֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר הַיֹּצֵ֖א מִגְּבֻ֣ל הָֽאֱמֹרִ֑י כִּ֤י אַרְנוֹן֙ גְּב֣וּל מוֹאָ֔ב בֵּ֥ין מוֹאָ֖ב וּבֵ֥ין הָאֱמֹרִֽי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Geographical and Historical Context

The verse describes the Israelites' journey and encampment near the Arnon River, which served as a boundary between Moav and the Emori. Rashi (Bamidbar 21:13) explains that the Arnon was a significant natural border, marking the separation between these two nations. The mention of the wilderness ("מִדְבָּר") emphasizes the desolate nature of the region, highlighting the Israelites' reliance on divine providence during their travels.

Boundary Dispute Between Moav and Emori

The Talmud (Chullin 60b) discusses the historical conflict between Moav and Emori over this territory. The Arnon River was a contested border, and the verse underscores its strategic importance. Ramban (Bamidbar 21:13) adds that this location was significant because it was the site of a miraculous event—Hashem caused the mountains to collapse, allowing the Israelites to pass safely (as alluded to in later verses).

Spiritual Significance of the Encampment

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:16) teaches that the Israelites' encampment here was not merely a physical stop but a spiritual preparation for future battles. The Arnon symbolized a transition point, where the Israelites moved closer to Eretz Yisrael, leaving behind the wilderness and approaching the land of their destiny.

  • Rashi: Emphasizes the Arnon as a clear border between Moav and Emori, reflecting the precision of Hashem's guidance.
  • Ramban: Highlights the hidden miracles associated with this location, reinforcing the theme of divine intervention.
  • Midrash: Connects the physical journey to spiritual growth, framing the encampment as a step toward redemption.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the Arnon River in Numbers 21:13?
A: The Arnon River served as a natural border between the lands of Moav and the Emori (Amorites). According to Rashi, this verse highlights the Israelites' journey as they moved through the wilderness, approaching the borders of these nations. The Arnon marked a transition point in their travels.
Q: Why does the Torah mention the borders of Moav and the Emori in this verse?
A: The Torah specifies these borders to provide geographical context for the Israelites' journey. The Ramban explains that these details emphasize the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to guide the Jewish people through the wilderness and into the Land of Israel, while also respecting the territories of other nations at that time.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the Israelites camping near the Arnon River?
A: The Midrash teaches that the Israelites' encampment near the Arnon River demonstrates their trust in Hashem's guidance. Even when traveling through unfamiliar territories, they followed Divine direction. This teaches us the importance of faith and obedience to Hashem's will in our own journeys.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader narrative in the Book of Numbers?
A: This verse is part of the Israelites' travel itinerary (masa'ot) in the wilderness. The Talmud (Sotah 46b) explains that listing these journeys reminds us of Hashem's kindness in protecting and guiding the Jewish people through difficult terrain and hostile territories on their way to Eretz Yisrael.
Q: What does 'the wilderness that comes out of the border of the Emori' mean in this verse?
A: Rashi explains this phrase refers to the wilderness region adjacent to the Emori territory. The Torah uses precise language to describe the landscape, showing that the Israelites were moving through defined areas, not wandering aimlessly. This reflects the Divinely-guided nature of their journey.