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Numbers 21:15 - Boundaries of Moav's inheritance?

Numbers 21:15 - במדבר 21:15

Hebrew Text

וְאֶשֶׁד הַנְּחָלִים אֲשֶׁר נָטָה לְשֶׁבֶת עָר וְנִשְׁעַן לִגְבוּל מוֹאָב׃

English Translation

And the stream of the wadis that goes down to the dwelling of ῾Ar, and lies upon the border of Mo᾽av.

Transliteration

Ve'eshed han'chalim asher natah leshevet ar venish'an ligvul mo'av.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶ֙שֶׁד֙ הַנְּחָלִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר נָטָ֖ה לְשֶׁ֣בֶת עָ֑ר וְנִשְׁעַ֖ן לִגְב֥וּל מוֹאָֽב׃
וְאֶ֙שֶׁד֙ הַנְּחָלִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר נָטָ֖ה לְשֶׁ֣בֶת עָ֑ר וְנִשְׁעַ֖ן לִגְב֥וּל מוֹאָֽב׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 21:15, as part of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. It describes a geographical feature—a stream or wadi—that marked the boundary of Moav. The verse is part of a poetic passage (21:14-15) referencing the "Book of the Wars of Hashem," an ancient text no longer extant.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) interprets this verse in connection with the miraculous events during Bnei Yisrael's travels. He explains that the "stream of the wadis" (v'eshed hanchalim) refers to the boundaries of Ar, a city of Moav, and emphasizes how Hashem dried up these wadis to allow the Israelites to pass through (similar to the splitting of the Yam Suf). Rashi cites the Midrash (Tanchuma Chukat 24) to support this, noting that the verse highlights divine intervention in securing Israel's path.

Ramban's Perspective

Ramban (Nachmanides) offers a more literal geographical interpretation, stating that this verse describes the natural terrain near Moav. He notes that the wadi (eshed) was a significant landmark, serving as a border marker for Moav. Ramban connects this to the broader narrative of Bnei Yisrael's avoidance of conflict with Moav (as commanded in Devarim 2:9), reinforcing the sanctity of divinely ordained boundaries.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Rabbah (Bamidbar 19:16) links this verse to the theme of divine justice, suggesting that the wadi's drying up was a punishment for Moav's hostility toward Israel (as later seen with Balak and Bilaam).
  • Another interpretation in Midrash Tanchuma posits that the "stream" symbolizes the flow of Torah, which "lies upon the border" of nations like Moav—indicating that while they are adjacent to Israel, they reject its spiritual influence.

Halachic Significance

The Rambam (Hilchot Terumot 1:5) references borders like these in discussing the halachic boundaries of Eretz Yisrael. The precise delineation of Moav's border in this verse informs later rulings about which lands are subject to mitzvot hateluyot ba'aretz (agricultural commandments).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of Numbers 21:15 in the Torah?
A: Numbers 21:15 describes the geographical boundaries of the land near Moav during the Israelites' journey in the wilderness. It mentions a stream (wadi) that flows toward the dwelling of Ar and marks the border of Moav. Rashi explains that this verse is part of a historical account documenting the Israelites' travels and the lands they encountered, showing how Hashem guided them through specific routes.
Q: Why is the border of Moav mentioned in this verse?
A: The border of Moav is mentioned because the Torah details the precise locations where the Israelites traveled. Moav was a neighboring nation, and the Torah often records borders to clarify historical and halachic (legal) distinctions between lands. Rambam (Hilchot Terumot 1:2) notes that knowing these boundaries helps determine which lands have special agricultural laws (mitzvot hateluyot ba'aretz) that apply in Eretz Yisrael but not in Moav.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 21:15?
A: This verse teaches the importance of recognizing Hashem's guidance in both physical and spiritual journeys. Just as the Israelites were directed along specific paths, we must trust in Divine Providence in our lives. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:16) highlights that every step of their journey was purposeful, reinforcing the idea that nothing in life is coincidental.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: While we no longer travel through the wilderness, the principle of acknowledging Hashem's hand in our 'journeys'—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—remains relevant. The Talmud (Chullin 60b) derives from such verses that even natural phenomena (like streams and borders) are under Hashem's control, reminding us to see His presence in all aspects of life.