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Numbers 32:3 - Tribes request Transjordan lands?

Numbers 32:3 - במדבר 32:3

Hebrew Text

עֲטָרוֹת וְדִיבֹן וְיַעְזֵר וְנִמְרָה וְחֶשְׁבּוֹן וְאֶלְעָלֵה וּשְׂבָם וּנְבוֹ וּבְעֹן׃

English Translation

῾Atarot, and Divon, and Ya῾zer, and Nimra, and Ḥeshbon, and El῾ale, and Sevam, and Nevo, and Be῾on,

Transliteration

Atarot v'Dibon v'Yaazer v'Nimrah v'Cheshbon v'Elaleh u'Svam u'Nevo u'Veon.

Hebrew Leining Text

עֲטָר֤וֹת וְדִיבֹן֙ וְיַעְזֵ֣ר וְנִמְרָ֔ה וְחֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן וְאֶלְעָלֵ֑ה וּשְׂבָ֥ם וּנְב֖וֹ וּבְעֹֽן׃
עֲטָר֤וֹת וְדִיבֹן֙ וְיַעְזֵ֣ר וְנִמְרָ֔ה וְחֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן וְאֶלְעָלֵ֑ה וּשְׂבָ֥ם וּנְב֖וֹ וּבְעֹֽן׃

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Parasha Commentary

Geographical Context of the Verse

The verse lists cities in the territory of the Emorites, which were later conquered by the Israelites under Moshe's leadership (Bamidbar 21:25-26). These cities were situated east of the Jordan River, in the region known as Ever HaYarden (Transjordan). Rashi (Bamidbar 32:3) explains that these cities were initially built by the Emorites and later rebuilt by the tribes of Reuven and Gad, who requested this land for their inheritance.

Significance of the Cities

Each city mentioned holds historical and spiritual significance in Jewish tradition:

  • Atarot - Associated with the tribe of Gad (Bamidbar 32:34). The name may derive from "atarot," meaning "crowns," symbolizing elevated spiritual status.
  • Divon - Later inhabited by the tribe of Gad (Bamidbar 32:34). The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 22:7) connects it to the word "dibah" (slander), hinting at the challenges faced by the Israelites in these regions.
  • Ya῾zer - A Levitical city (Yehoshua 21:39), noted for its strategic importance in battles against the Emorites (Bamidbar 21:32).
  • Nimra - Possibly named for its lush vegetation ("nimrim" meaning leopards or clear waters), reflecting the fertility of the land.
  • Ḥeshbon - The capital of Sichon, king of the Emorites (Bamidbar 21:26). The Talmud (Bava Batra 78b) discusses its conquest as a turning point in Israel's journey.

Spiritual Lessons

The Ramban (Bamidbar 21:21) teaches that the conquest of these cities symbolizes the Jewish people's ability to overcome physical and spiritual obstacles in their journey toward Eretz Yisrael. The cities' names often allude to deeper concepts, such as:

  • El῾ale - From "al" (above), hinting at divine elevation.
  • Nevo - Associated with Mount Nevo, where Moshe viewed the Promised Land (Devarim 34:1), representing the fulfillment of divine promise.

Historical Continuity

These cities remained significant in later Jewish history, as noted in the books of Yehoshua and Nevi'im. The Talmud (Megillah 6a) references some of these locations in discussions about the boundaries of Eretz Yisrael, emphasizing their enduring role in Jewish geography and identity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the cities listed in Numbers 32:3?
A: The cities listed in Numbers 32:3 were part of the territory east of the Jordan River that the tribes of Reuben and Gad requested as their inheritance (Bamidbar 32:1-5). Rashi explains that these were fertile lands ideal for their livestock, which is why they asked Moshe for permission to settle there instead of crossing into Eretz Yisrael proper.
Q: Why did the tribes of Reuben and Gad want these specific cities?
A: According to Rashi (Numbers 32:1), these areas were particularly suitable for grazing livestock, which these tribes possessed in abundance. The Talmud (Bava Batra 118a) also discusses how these lands were previously conquered from Sichon and Og, making them available for settlement by the Israelites.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader narrative in Numbers?
A: This verse is part of the story where two tribes request to settle outside the main boundaries of Eretz Yisrael. Ramban explains that this created a test of unity, as Moshe initially feared they were abandoning their brethren in the conquest of Canaan. Ultimately, they agreed to help conquer the land before settling (Numbers 32:16-32).
Q: Are any of these cities mentioned elsewhere in Tanach?
A: Yes, many appear in other contexts. For example, Heshbon is mentioned in the Song of the Sea (Numbers 21:27-30) as the capital of Sichon. Nevo later becomes significant as the mountain where Moshe views Eretz Yisrael (Devarim 34:1). The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 22:7) connects some locations to historical events.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this list of cities?
A: The Sforno teaches that this episode reminds us that while material considerations (like good grazing land) are important, we must never let them override our spiritual commitments to the community. The tribes had to first commit to helping conquer Eretz Yisrael before settling these lands, showing that collective responsibility comes before personal benefit.