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Numbers 21:31 - Israel conquers Emorite land

Numbers 21:31 - במדבר 21:31

Hebrew Text

וַיֵּשֶׁב יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּאֶרֶץ הָאֱמֹרִי׃

English Translation

Thus Yisra᾽el dwelt in the land of the Emori.

Transliteration

Vayeshev Yisrael be'eretz ha'emori.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֵּ֙שֶׁב֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל בְּאֶ֖רֶץ הָאֱמֹרִֽי׃
וַיֵּ֙שֶׁב֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל בְּאֶ֖רֶץ הָאֱמֹרִֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse "וַיֵּשֶׁב יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּאֶרֶץ הָאֱמֹרִי" (Bamidbar 21:31) appears in the Torah during the narrative of Bnei Yisrael's journey toward Eretz Yisrael, after their victory over Sichon, king of the Emori. This conquest marked a pivotal moment as it was the first territory captured by Bnei Yisrael east of the Jordan River.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 21:31) notes that the phrase "וַיֵּשֶׁב יִשְׂרָאֵל" ("Thus Yisrael dwelt") indicates that Bnei Yisrael settled in the land of the Emori immediately after their victory. He emphasizes that this was a fulfillment of the promise made to Avraham Avinu in Bereishit 15:16, where Hashem foretold that his descendants would inherit the land of the Emori. Rashi also connects this to the broader theme of divine providence in securing the land for Bnei Yisrael.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Melachim (5:1), the Rambam discusses the laws of conquest and settlement in Eretz Yisrael. He explains that the war against Sichon and the subsequent dwelling in Emori territory were sanctioned by Hashem as part of the process of inheriting the land. This aligns with the Torah's broader framework of mitzvot tied to the land, such as yishuv ha'aretz (settling the land).

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:30) elaborates that the Emori were punished for their sins, particularly their idolatry and moral corruption, which justified Bnei Yisrael's conquest. The Midrash also highlights the miraculous nature of the victory, as Sichon was a formidable warrior, yet Bnei Yisrael prevailed with divine assistance.

Halachic Implications

  • The conquest of Emori territory established a precedent for future wars of conquest in Eretz Yisrael, demonstrating that such battles were divinely ordained.
  • This event also reinforced the mitzvah of settling the land, as Bnei Yisrael did not merely pass through but took possession and dwelled there.
  • The land's sanctity was recognized immediately, as it became subject to agricultural laws like terumot and ma'aserot once Bnei Yisrael settled there.

Symbolic Meaning

The Netziv (in Ha'amek Davar) suggests that the phrase "וַיֵּשֶׁב" ("dwelt") implies permanence and tranquility, indicating that Bnei Yisrael were no longer wanderers but had begun to establish roots in their promised land. This foreshadowed their eventual settlement in Eretz Yisrael proper.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Israel dwelt in the land of the Emori' mean in Numbers 21:31?
A: This verse describes the Israelites settling in the territory they conquered from the Amorites (Emori) after their victory in battle. According to Rashi, this marks a significant moment in their journey, showing G-d's fulfillment of His promise to give them the land.
Q: Why is the conquest of the Emori land important in the Torah?
A: The conquest of the Emori land is important because it represents one of the first territories the Israelites acquired in their journey to the Promised Land. The Ramban explains that this victory demonstrated G-d's support in their battles and was a step toward inheriting Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel).
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish life today?
A: This verse reminds us of G-d's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Just as He helped our ancestors conquer the land, we trust in His providence in our lives today. The Midrash teaches that this event also symbolizes overcoming spiritual challenges, just as the Israelites overcame physical enemies.
Q: Who were the Emori (Amorites) mentioned in this verse?
A: The Emori were one of the Canaanite nations living in the region before the Israelites arrived. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 105b) discusses their identity and notes that they were known for their strength and were among the nations destined to be displaced as part of G-d's plan for the Israelites.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Israel dwelling in the Emori land?
A: This teaches us about divine justice and gratitude. The Sforno explains that the Emori lost their land due to their wickedness, while the Israelites received it as a reward for their faithfulness. It reminds us to live righteously and appreciate G-d's blessings in our lives.