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Numbers 21:23 - Warrior king blocks Israel's path?

Numbers 21:23 - במדבר 21:23

Hebrew Text

וְלֹא־נָתַן סִיחֹן אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵל עֲבֹר בִּגְבֻלוֹ וַיֶּאֱסֹף סִיחֹן אֶת־כָּל־עַמּוֹ וַיֵּצֵא לִקְרַאת יִשְׂרָאֵל הַמִּדְבָּרָה וַיָּבֹא יָהְצָה וַיִּלָּחֶם בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל׃

English Translation

And Siĥon would not allow Yisra᾽el to pass through his border: but Siĥon gathered all his people together, and went out against Yisra᾽el into the wilderness: and he came to Yahaż, and fought against Yisra᾽el.

Transliteration

Velo-natan sikhon et-yisrael avor bigvulo vaye'esof sikhon et-kol-amo vayetze likrat yisrael hamidbara vayavo yahatsa vayilachem be'yisrael.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלֹא־נָתַ֨ן סִיחֹ֣ן אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵל֮ עֲבֹ֣ר בִּגְבֻלוֹ֒ וַיֶּאֱסֹ֨ף סִיחֹ֜ן אֶת־כׇּל־עַמּ֗וֹ וַיֵּצֵ֞א לִקְרַ֤את יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ הַמִּדְבָּ֔רָה וַיָּבֹ֖א יָ֑הְצָה וַיִּלָּ֖חֶם בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
וְלֹא־נָתַ֨ן סִיחֹ֣ן אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵל֮ עֲבֹ֣ר בִּגְבֻלוֹ֒ וַיֶּאֱסֹ֨ף סִיחֹ֜ן אֶת־כׇּל־עַמּ֗וֹ וַיֵּצֵ֞א לִקְרַ֤את יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ הַמִּדְבָּ֔רָה וַיָּבֹ֖א יָ֑הְצָה וַיִּלָּ֖חֶם בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bamidbar 21:23) describes the confrontation between the nation of Israel and Sichon, the king of the Emorites, as Bnei Yisrael sought to pass through his territory on their journey toward Eretz Yisrael. The refusal of Sichon to allow passage led to a military conflict, which ultimately resulted in Israel's victory and the conquest of his land.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 21:23) explains that Sichon's refusal was not merely a political decision but stemmed from divine intervention. Hashem had hardened Sichon's heart, much like He hardened Pharaoh's heart in Egypt, to bring about a confrontation that would lead to Israel inheriting the land. This aligns with the broader narrative of divine providence guiding Israel toward their promised inheritance.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:25) elaborates that Sichon was initially a vassal of Moav but rebelled and seized their land. This background explains his aggressive stance—having usurped power himself, he feared Israel might do the same to him. The Midrash also highlights that Sichon's name (סִיחוֹן) is related to the word si'ach (שיח), meaning "to speak" or "to boast," indicating his arrogance in confronting Israel despite knowing their divine protection.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 6:1) discusses the laws of war and notes that Israel first extended a peaceful offer to Sichon (as recorded in Devarim 2:26-29), in accordance with the Torah's requirement to seek peace before engaging in battle. Sichon's refusal and subsequent attack justified Israel's defensive war, which then transitioned into a conquest sanctioned by divine command.

Strategic and Symbolic Elements

  • Yahatz (יָהְצָה): The location where the battle occurred is identified by Rashi as a place where Sichon's forces were "crushed" (from the root hatzah, meaning to press or oppress), symbolizing his downfall.
  • The Wilderness: Sichon's decision to confront Israel in the wilderness, rather than fortified cities, reflects his overconfidence and tactical error, as noted by the Malbim.

Moral Lessons

The episode teaches the importance of heeding peaceful overtures and recognizing divine will. Sichon's stubbornness led to his downfall, while Israel's adherence to Hashem's commandments—first seeking peace, then fighting only when necessary—resulted in victory. The Or HaChaim emphasizes that this narrative reinforces the principle that success in battle depends on righteousness, not military strength alone.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why didn't Sihon let Israel pass through his land?
A: According to Rashi, Sihon refused because Hashem hardened his heart, similar to Pharaoh in Egypt, to bring about his downfall and allow Israel to inherit his land (Numbers 21:23 with Rashi). The Midrash adds that this was part of Divine providence to fulfill the promise of giving Israel the land of the Amorites.
Q: What is the significance of Sihon gathering his army against Israel?
A: The Ramban explains that Sihon's mobilization showed his aggressive intent, making his attack an act of war. This justified Israel's subsequent battle and conquest of his territory according to the laws of warfare in the Torah (Ramban on Numbers 21:23).
Q: Where was Yahtza and why did the battle happen there?
A: Yahtza (or Yahatz) was a border city of Sihon's territory. The Talmud (Berachot 54a) mentions it as one of the places where miracles happened for Israel, showing how Hashem helped them defeat Sihon even when ambushed in unfamiliar terrain.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Sihon's refusal?
A: The Midrash teaches that Sihon's stubbornness teaches us how arrogance leads to destruction (Midrash Tanchuma Chukat 22). When people refuse peaceful requests without reason, like Sihon refusing Israel's peaceful passage, it often brings about their downfall.
Q: How does this battle relate to Jewish history?
A: This was Israel's first military victory after leaving Egypt, establishing their right to territory east of the Jordan. The Talmud (Sotah 47a) sees it as proof that Hashem fights for Israel when they follow His commandments, setting a pattern for future battles in conquering the land.