share torah logo

Numbers 32:17 - Warriors protect, children dwell securely

Numbers 32:17 - במדבר 32:17

Hebrew Text

וַאֲנַחְנוּ נֵחָלֵץ חֻשִׁים לִפְנֵי בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל עַד אֲשֶׁר אִם־הֲבִיאֹנֻם אֶל־מְקוֹמָם וְיָשַׁב טַפֵּנוּ בְּעָרֵי הַמִּבְצָר מִפְּנֵי יֹשְׁבֵי הָאָרֶץ׃

English Translation

but we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Yisra᾽el, until we have brought them to their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

Transliteration

Va'anachnu nechaleitz chushim lifnei bnei Yisrael ad asher im-havi'onum el-mekomam ve'yashav tappenu be'arei hamivtzar mipnei yoshvei ha'aretz.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַאֲנַ֜חְנוּ נֵחָלֵ֣ץ חֻשִׁ֗ים לִפְנֵי֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל עַ֛ד אֲשֶׁ֥ר אִם־הֲבִֽיאֹנֻ֖ם אֶל־מְקוֹמָ֑ם וְיָשַׁ֤ב טַפֵּ֙נוּ֙ בְּעָרֵ֣י הַמִּבְצָ֔ר מִפְּנֵ֖י יֹשְׁבֵ֥י הָאָֽרֶץ׃
וַאֲנַ֜חְנוּ נֵחָלֵ֣ץ חֻשִׁ֗ים לִפְנֵי֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל עַ֛ד אֲשֶׁ֥ר אִם־הֲבִֽיאֹנֻ֖ם אֶל־מְקוֹמָ֑ם וְיָשַׁ֤ב טַפֵּ֙נוּ֙ בְּעָרֵ֣י הַמִּבְצָ֔ר מִפְּנֵ֖י יֹשְׁבֵ֥י הָאָֽרֶץ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Numbers 32:17) is part of the dialogue between Moshe (Moses) and the tribes of Reuven and Gad, who requested to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River. They assured Moshe that they would join the other tribes in conquering Eretz Yisrael before returning to their allotted land.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "נֵחָלֵץ חֻשִׁים" ("go ready armed") means they would arm themselves and go at the forefront of battle. He emphasizes that they committed to fighting alongside their brethren until the land was fully conquered and settled. Rashi also notes that their children would remain in fortified cities for protection from potential attacks by the remaining inhabitants of the land.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides), in Hilchot Melachim (Laws of Kings), discusses the obligation of all tribes to participate in the conquest of Eretz Yisrael. This verse demonstrates the principle of collective responsibility—Reuven and Gad upheld their duty to assist in securing the land, ensuring the safety and inheritance of all Bnei Yisrael.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Tanchuma highlights the sincerity of Reuven and Gad's pledge, noting that they did not seek to evade their responsibilities but instead took proactive steps to fulfill them.
  • Another Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) praises their commitment to protecting the vulnerable ("טַפֵּנוּ", "our little ones") by ensuring they remained in fortified cities, reflecting the Torah's emphasis on safeguarding women and children during times of war.

Halachic Implications

The Gemara (Sotah 44a) derives from this verse that even in voluntary wars (milchemet reshut), there is an obligation to protect non-combatants. The fortified cities served as a model for later halachic discussions about wartime safety measures.

Spiritual Lesson

This episode teaches the importance of unity and mutual responsibility among Klal Yisrael. Reuven and Gad's willingness to delay their own settlement for the sake of the nation exemplifies the ideal of "כל ישראל ערבים זה לזה" ("All Jews are responsible for one another").

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 32:17 mean?
A: Numbers 32:17 records the promise made by the tribes of Reuben and Gad to Moshe (Moses). They agreed to join the other tribes in conquering the land of Canaan before settling in the Transjordan region. They vowed to fight alongside Bnei Yisrael (the children of Israel) until the land was fully conquered, while their families would stay in fortified cities for protection.
Q: Why did Reuben and Gad want their families to stay in fortified cities?
A: According to Rashi and other commentators, Reuben and Gad wanted their families to stay in fortified cities because they were concerned about potential attacks from neighboring nations while the men were away fighting. The fortified cities provided safety for their children and livestock until the conquest was complete.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 32:17?
A: This verse teaches the importance of responsibility and unity. Reuben and Gad showed commitment to helping their brethren despite having already received their portion of land. The Talmud (Sotah 11a) highlights the value of mutual responsibility (ערבות) among the Jewish people—no one should rest while others are still struggling.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish life today?
A: The principle of collective responsibility (כל ישראל ערבים זה לזה) still applies today. Just as Reuben and Gad supported the rest of Israel, Jews are expected to help one another in times of need, whether in spiritual or physical matters. The Rambam (Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 10:1) emphasizes that supporting fellow Jews is a fundamental mitzvah.
Q: Why was Moshe initially hesitant about Reuben and Gad's request?
A: Moshe was concerned that their request to settle outside Canaan might discourage the other tribes, similar to how the spies' negative report caused fear (Numbers 13-14). The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 22:9) explains that Moshe wanted to ensure their commitment to the nation’s mission before agreeing.