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Numbers 27:13 - Moses' imminent passing foretold

Numbers 27:13 - במדבר 27:13

Hebrew Text

וְרָאִיתָה אֹתָהּ וְנֶאֱסַפְתָּ אֶל־עַמֶּיךָ גַּם־אָתָּה כַּאֲשֶׁר נֶאֱסַף אַהֲרֹן אָחִיךָ׃

English Translation

And when thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered to thy people, as Aharon thy brother was gathered.

Transliteration

V'ra'ita otah v'ne'esafta el-amecha gam-ata ka'asher ne'esaf Aharon achicha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְרָאִ֣יתָה אֹתָ֔הּ וְנֶאֱסַפְתָּ֥ אֶל־עַמֶּ֖יךָ גַּם־אָ֑תָּה כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר נֶאֱסַ֖ף אַהֲרֹ֥ן אָחִֽיךָ׃
וְרָאִ֣יתָה אֹתָ֔הּ וְנֶאֱסַפְתָּ֥ אֶל־עַמֶּ֖יךָ גַּם־אָ֑תָּה כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר נֶאֱסַ֖ף אַהֲרֹ֥ן אָחִֽיךָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 27:13) is part of Hashem's communication to Moshe Rabbeinu, informing him that he will not enter Eretz Yisrael but will instead be gathered to his ancestors, just as his brother Aharon had been. This follows Moshe's earlier plea to enter the land (Bamidbar 27:12).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments on the phrase "וְרָאִיתָה אֹתָהּ" ("and you shall see it") that Moshe was granted a vision of the land from Mount Nebo (Devarim 32:49), even though he would not physically enter it. Rashi also notes that the phrase "נֶאֱסַף אֶל־עַמֶּיךָ" ("gathered to your people") is a euphemism for death, similar to the expression used regarding Aharon's passing (Bamidbar 20:24).

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:51), Rambam explains that Moshe's being gathered to his people signifies his soul's return to its divine source, joining the righteous who came before him. This reflects the eternal bond between the souls of tzaddikim and Hashem.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:14) teaches that Moshe's death was similar to Aharon's in that both were "kissed by the Divine Presence" (מיתת נשיקה), a peaceful and exalted passing reserved for the most righteous.
  • Another Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 11:10) emphasizes that Moshe was comforted by knowing he would join his ancestors, particularly Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov, in the World to Come.

Halachic Implications

The Gemara (Moed Katan 28a) derives from this verse that one should be buried near righteous ancestors, as being "gathered to one's people" implies proximity in burial. This is why Jewish tradition places great importance on burial in ancestral plots or in Eretz Yisrael.

Spiritual Lessons

The Sforno explains that Moshe's being gathered to his people after seeing the land teaches that even when we do not merit to complete our missions, we are still rewarded for our efforts. Moshe's vision of Eretz Yisrael was a partial fulfillment of his desire, showing that Hashem acknowledges sincere aspirations even if they are not fully realized.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 13b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the deaths of Moses and Aaron, comparing how both were gathered to their people.
📖 Yoma 87a
Mentioned in the context of atonement and the role of the high priest, drawing a parallel between Aaron's death and Moses' impending death.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 27:13 mean when it says Moshe will be 'gathered to his people'?
A: The phrase 'gathered to his people' is a biblical expression meaning death. Rashi explains that this refers to Moshe's soul joining his ancestors in the afterlife. It parallels the earlier passing of Aharon (Aaron), showing that even great leaders like Moshe have their time to depart from this world.
Q: Why does G-d compare Moshe's death to Aharon's in Numbers 27:13?
A: The comparison teaches that both brothers - though righteous leaders - were mortal. The Midrash notes this emphasizes that no one is exempt from death, even the greatest prophets. It also comforts Moshe by showing his passing will be peaceful like Aharon's, not sudden or traumatic.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 27:13 about how to view death?
A: The Rambam teaches that this verse shows death is a natural transition for the soul. Just as Aharon was gathered peacefully after completing his mission, we learn to focus on living righteously rather than fearing death. The Talmud (Berachos 8a) notes this phrasing implies the righteous are 'gathered' to their reward.
Q: Why does the verse say Moshe will see the land before being gathered?
A: Rashi explains that seeing the land was a partial fulfillment of G-d's promise, allowing Moshe visual connection to Eretz Yisrael before his passing. The Talmud (Sotah 14a) derives from this that we should yearn for the Holy Land even if we cannot enter it physically.
Q: How does Numbers 27:13 relate to leadership transitions?
A: The verse appears just before Yehoshua (Joshua) is appointed as successor. The Midrash teaches this timing shows that leaders must prepare successors, as Moshe did. Just as Aharon's passing led to Elazar taking over, Moshe's passing would allow Yehoshua to lead the people into Israel.