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Numbers 21:14 - Lost book of divine battles?

Numbers 21:14 - במדבר 21:14

Hebrew Text

עַל־כֵּן יֵאָמַר בְּסֵפֶר מִלְחֲמֹת יְהוָה אֶת־וָהֵב בְּסוּפָה וְאֶת־הַנְּחָלִים אַרְנוֹן׃

English Translation

Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the Lord, Vahev in Sufa and the wadis of Arnon.

Transliteration

Al-ken ye'amar b'sefer milchamot Adonai et-vahev b'sufah v'et-han'chalim Arnon.

Hebrew Leining Text

עַל־כֵּן֙ יֵֽאָמַ֔ר בְּסֵ֖פֶר מִלְחֲמֹ֣ת יְהֹוָ֑ה אֶת־וָהֵ֣ב בְּסוּפָ֔ה וְאֶת־הַנְּחָלִ֖ים אַרְנֽוֹן׃
עַל־כֵּן֙ יֵֽאָמַ֔ר בְּסֵ֖פֶר מִלְחֲמֹ֣ת יְהֹוָ֑ה אֶת־וָהֵ֣ב בְּסוּפָ֔ה וְאֶת־הַנְּחָלִ֖ים אַרְנֽוֹן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 21:14, referencing a mysterious text called "Sefer Milchamot Hashem" ("The Book of the Wars of the Lord"). This verse describes events related to the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, specifically mentioning locations such as Vahev in Sufa and the wadis of Arnon.

Interpretation of "Sefer Milchamot Hashem"

Rashi explains that "Sefer Milchamot Hashem" was a separate book recording the miraculous battles fought by the Jewish people under divine intervention. It was not part of the Torah but was a sacred text documenting Hashem's victories on behalf of Israel. Ramban (Nachmanides) suggests that this book may have contained prophetic accounts of future wars as well.

The Meaning of "Vahev in Sufa"

Rashi interprets "Vahev in Sufa" as referring to the miraculous events at the Red Sea (Yam Suf), where Hashem fought for Israel against Pharaoh's army. The word "Vahev" may be connected to the root אהב (love), symbolizing Hashem's loving-kindness in delivering Israel. Alternatively, the Talmud (Nedarim 55a) associates it with the giving of the Torah, where Hashem "held" (וָהַב) the mountain over Israel to compel their acceptance.

The Significance of "The Wadis of Arnon"

The wadis of Arnon refer to another miraculous event during Israel's travels. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:25) recounts that the Amorites hid in caves along the Arnon River to ambush Israel, but Hashem caused the mountains to crush them before they could attack. This demonstrated divine protection even when Israel was unaware of the danger.

Lessons from the Verse

  • Divine Providence: The verse emphasizes that Hashem fights Israel's battles, whether openly (as at the Red Sea) or in hidden ways (as at Arnon).
  • Historical Record: The mention of a lost sacred text teaches that divine miracles were more numerous than those recorded in the Torah.
  • Gratitude: The Jewish people were commanded to remember these events to strengthen their faith in Hashem's constant protection.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'the book of the wars of the Lord' refer to in Numbers 21:14?
A: Rashi explains that 'the book of the wars of the Lord' was a separate ancient text recording the miraculous battles fought by the Israelites with divine assistance. It is mentioned here to highlight God's intervention in their victories, particularly the conquests near the Red Sea (Sufa) and the Arnon Valley.
Q: Why is the verse mentioning Vahev and the wadis of Arnon important?
A: The verse references specific locations where God performed miracles for the Israelites. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) teaches that these places were sites of great battles where divine help was evident. The wadis of Arnon, for example, were where God concealed the Israelites from their enemies, showing His constant protection.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 21:14 today?
A: This verse reminds us of God's active role in Jewish history, fighting battles on behalf of the Jewish people. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah) teaches that recognizing past miracles strengthens our faith in divine providence, encouraging trust in God during challenges today.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader narrative in Numbers 21?
A: Numbers 21 describes the Israelites' journey and battles in the wilderness. This verse, according to the Talmud (Berachot 54b), serves as a testimony to God's continuous miracles—even beyond the well-known events like the Exodus—reinforcing that every step of their journey was divinely guided.