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Numbers 21:35 - Divine justice against Og.

Numbers 21:35 - במדבר 21:35

Hebrew Text

וַיַּכּוּ אֹתוֹ וְאֶת־בָּנָיו וְאֶת־כָּל־עַמּוֹ עַד־בִּלְתִּי הִשְׁאִיר־לוֹ שָׂרִיד וַיִּירְשׁוּ אֶת־אַרְצוֹ׃

English Translation

So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land.

Transliteration

Vayaku oto ve'et-banav ve'et-kol-amo ad-bilti hishir-lo sarid vayirshu et-artzo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּכּ֨וּ אֹת֤וֹ וְאֶת־בָּנָיו֙ וְאֶת־כׇּל־עַמּ֔וֹ עַד־בִּלְתִּ֥י הִשְׁאִֽיר־ל֖וֹ שָׂרִ֑יד וַיִּֽירְשׁ֖וּ אֶת־אַרְצֽוֹ׃
וַיַּכּ֨וּ אֹת֤וֹ וְאֶת־בָּנָיו֙ וְאֶת־כׇּל־עַמּ֔וֹ עַד־בִּלְתִּ֥י הִשְׁאִֽיר־ל֖וֹ שָׂרִ֑יד וַיִּֽירְשׁ֖וּ אֶת־אַרְצֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Numbers 21:35) describes the Israelites' victory over Og, king of Bashan, during their journey in the wilderness. The conquest of Og's land was part of Hashem's promise to give the land to Bnei Yisrael, fulfilling the covenant with Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) explains that the phrase "עַד־בִּלְתִּי הִשְׁאִיר־לוֹ שָׂרִיד" ("until there was none left him alive") emphasizes the completeness of the victory. He notes that this was a miraculous event, as Og was a giant (alluding to his survival from the time of the Flood) and his army was formidable. Rashi cites the Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 1:25) that Moshe needed divine intervention to defeat Og, as his size and strength were beyond human capability.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides) in Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Melachim 5:1) discusses the laws of warfare and highlights that the conquest of Canaan and its surrounding lands, including Bashan, was a milchemet mitzvah (obligatory war). The eradication of Og and his people was necessary to remove idolatrous influences and secure the land for the Jewish people, as commanded by Hashem.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:32) states that Og had previously mocked Avraham and Sarah, claiming they would never have children. His downfall was thus seen as divine retribution for his arrogance and mockery of the Avot.
  • Another Midrash (Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 16) suggests Og sought to harm Bnei Yisrael by dropping a mountain on them, but Moshe, with divine assistance, neutralized the threat, leading to Og's defeat.

Halachic Implications

The verse underscores the principle of yerushah (inheritance of the land) as a divine gift. The Talmud (Gittin 38a) derives from this verse that the land of Bashan became part of Eretz Yisrael, subject to the same halachot (laws) as the rest of the land conquered by Yehoshua. This includes laws of terumah, maaser, and shemitah.

Moral Lessons

Chazal (our Sages) teach that Og's fate serves as a reminder of the consequences of opposing Hashem's will and His chosen people. The Netziv (Rabbi Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin) in Ha'amek Davar notes that the phrase "וַיִּירְשׁוּ אֶת־אַרְצוֹ" ("and they possessed his land") highlights the fulfillment of divine promise, reinforcing emunah (faith) in Hashem's covenant.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the context of Numbers 21:35?
A: Numbers 21:35 describes the Israelites' victory over King Og of Bashan. According to Rashi and the Talmud (Berachot 54b), Og was a giant who had survived since the time of the Flood. The verse emphasizes Hashem's miraculous intervention, as the Israelites—despite being outmatched—defeated Og and his army completely, fulfilling the promise of inheriting the land.
Q: Why did the Israelites completely destroy Og and his people?
A: The Torah (Devarim 3:2) states that Hashem commanded the Israelites not to fear Og, as He would deliver him into their hands. The complete destruction was a divine decree, as Og posed a threat to Bnei Yisrael's mission of entering Eretz Yisrael. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:32) also notes that Og had evil intentions against the Jewish people, justifying this outcome.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the defeat of Og?
A: The defeat of Og teaches us about bitachon (trust in Hashem). Despite Og's immense strength and reputation (Talmud, Niddah 61a describes his size), the Israelites triumphed through divine assistance. Ramban (on Bamidbar 21:34) explains that this event reinforced that victory comes from Hashem, not human power—a timeless lesson for facing challenges with faith.
Q: How does this verse connect to the Jewish people's right to the land of Israel?
A: This verse demonstrates that the conquest of Eretz Yisrael was divinely ordained. Rashi (on Devarim 3:2) highlights that Og's territory was part of the lands promised to Avraham (Bereishit 15:18-21). The victory and inheritance of the land affirmed the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people, establishing a permanent claim rooted in Torah.