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Numbers 32:35 - Conquered cities' hidden significance?

Numbers 32:35 - במדבר 32:35

Hebrew Text

וְאֶת־עַטְרֹת שׁוֹפָן וְאֶת־יַעְזֵר וְיָגְבֳּהָה׃

English Translation

and ῾Atrot-shofan, and Ya῾zer, and Yogbeha,

Transliteration

Ve-et-atrot shofan ve-et-yaazer ve-yagboha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶת־עַטְרֹ֥ת שׁוֹפָ֛ן וְאֶת־יַעְזֵ֖ר וְיׇגְבְּהָֽה׃
וְאֶת־עַטְרֹ֥ת שׁוֹפָ֛ן וְאֶת־יַעְזֵ֖ר וְיׇגְבְּהָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Geographical Context

The verse lists three locations: Atrot-shofan, Ya'zer, and Yogbeha. These are cities or regions in the territory of the tribes of Reuven and Gad, east of the Jordan River. Rashi (on Numbers 32:3) explains that these were fertile areas, which is why the tribes of Reuven and Gad requested them for their livestock (see Bamidbar 32:1-5).

Etymology and Meaning

  • Atrot-shofan: The name may derive from "atarot" (crowns) and "shofan" (possibly related to "shafan," meaning hidden or protected). Some commentators suggest it refers to a place of elevated status or a fortified city.
  • Ya'zer: Mentioned multiple times in Tanach (e.g., Bamidbar 21:32), this was a Levitical city (Yehoshua 21:39). The name may mean "helped" or "assisted," possibly alluding to divine assistance in its conquest.
  • Yogbeha: Less frequently mentioned, its meaning is unclear. Some Midrashic sources associate it with strength or elevation ("gavah").

Historical Significance

These cities were part of the inheritance of the tribes of Reuven and Gad, as detailed in Yehoshua 13. The Talmud (Bava Batra 121b) discusses the division of land among the tribes, emphasizing that these territories were chosen for their suitability for grazing. Rambam (Hilchot Terumot 1:5) notes that such cities were subject to agricultural laws like terumot and ma'aserot, even though they were outside Eretz Yisrael proper.

Spiritual Lessons

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 22:7) draws a lesson from the tribes' request for these lands: while material considerations are valid, one must not neglect spiritual responsibilities. The tribes had to commit to joining the conquest of Canaan before settling here (Bamidbar 32:20-22). This teaches the balance between physical sustenance and communal duty.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the cities mentioned in Numbers 32:35?
A: The cities mentioned—Atrot-shofan, Ya'zer, and Yogbeha—were part of the territory that the tribes of Reuben and Gad requested on the east side of the Jordan River (Numbers 32:1-5). These cities were built or fortified by these tribes as part of their agreement with Moshe (Moses) to help conquer the Land of Israel before settling in their own territory (Rashi on Numbers 32:34-38).
Q: Why are these city names listed in the Torah?
A: The Torah lists these cities to document the fulfillment of the tribes of Reuben and Gad's promise to Moshe. They had committed to building cities for their families and livestock before joining the other tribes in conquering Canaan (Numbers 32:16-24). Listing them shows their faithfulness to this agreement (Ramban on Numbers 32:34).
Q: Do we know where these cities were located?
A: Traditional Jewish sources identify these cities as being in the region of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. Ya'zer, for example, is mentioned elsewhere in Tanach (e.g., Joshua 21:39) as a Levitical city. Exact locations are debated, but they were part of the territory later associated with the tribes of Reuben and Gad (Ibn Ezra on Numbers 32:35).
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse about keeping promises?
A: This verse teaches the importance of fulfilling commitments, as the tribes of Reuben and Gad followed through on their promise to Moshe. In Jewish thought, keeping one's word is a fundamental ethical principle (see Talmud, Bava Metzia 49a). Their actions demonstrate responsibility and unity with the rest of Israel.