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Numbers 32:7 - Discouraging Israel's inheritance?

Numbers 32:7 - במדבר 32:7

Hebrew Text

וְלָמָּה תנואון [תְנִיאוּן] אֶת־לֵב בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל מֵעֲבֹר אֶל־הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר־נָתַן לָהֶם יְהוָה׃

English Translation

And why do you dishearten the children of Yisra᾽el from going over into the land which the Lord has given them?

Transliteration

Velama teniun et-lev bnei Yisrael me'avor el-ha'aretz asher-natan lahem Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלָ֣מָּה <span class="mam-kq"><span class="mam-kq-k">(תנואון)</span> <span class="mam-kq-q">[תְנִיא֔וּן]</span></span> אֶת־לֵ֖ב בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל מֵֽעֲבֹר֙ אֶל־הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־נָתַ֥ן לָהֶ֖ם יְהֹוָֽה׃
וְלָ֣מָּה (תנואון) [תְנִיא֔וּן] אֶת־לֵ֖ב בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל מֵֽעֲבֹר֙ אֶל־הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־נָתַ֥ן לָהֶ֖ם יְהֹוָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Numbers 32:7) is part of Moshe's rebuke to the tribes of Reuven and Gad, who requested to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River rather than entering Eretz Yisrael with the rest of Bnei Yisrael. Moshe expresses concern that their request might discourage the nation from fulfilling the mitzvah of conquering and settling the Land.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the term "תְנִיאוּן" (dishearten) comes from the root נוא, meaning to restrain or prevent. He emphasizes that Moshe feared their request would cause the people to hesitate or lose motivation to enter Eretz Yisrael, similar to how the spies' negative report had done earlier (Rashi on Numbers 32:7).

Rambam's Perspective

While Rambam does not comment directly on this verse, his general approach in Hilchot Melachim underscores the importance of settling Eretz Yisrael as a fundamental mitzvah. Moshe's concern aligns with this principle—any action that might deter the nation from fulfilling this commandment is considered a serious matter.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Matot 5) compares the situation to a group of travelers where some members want to turn back, causing doubt among the others. Moshe warns that Reuven and Gad's request could similarly weaken the resolve of Bnei Yisrael.
  • The Sifrei notes that Moshe uses strong language here because discouraging the people from entering the Land could lead to another catastrophe like the sin of the spies, which resulted in 40 years of wandering.

Halachic Implications

The Chatam Sofer derives from this verse that causing others to hesitate in fulfilling a mitzvah—especially one as central as settling Eretz Yisrael—is akin to actively preventing them from doing it. This principle applies broadly to any situation where one's actions might negatively influence others' religious commitment.

Linguistic Nuance

The unusual verb form "תְנִיאוּן" (instead of the expected תָנִיאוּ) is interpreted by the Malbim as indicating an ongoing, persistent discouragement—not just a one-time act. This highlights the lasting damage that negative influence can have on communal morale.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 32:7 mean?
A: Numbers 32:7 refers to Moshe's rebuke to the tribes of Reuven and Gad when they initially requested to settle outside the Land of Israel (east of the Jordan). Moshe warns them that their request might discourage the rest of Bnei Yisrael from entering and conquering Eretz Yisrael, which Hashem commanded them to do. Rashi explains that this could cause a repeat of the sin of the spies (Meraglim), where fear spread among the people.
Q: Why is this verse important?
A: This verse teaches the importance of unity among the Jewish people and how individual actions can affect the entire nation. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:1) emphasizes that one must consider how their behavior influences others. Here, Moshe was concerned that Reuven and Gad’s request would weaken the resolve of others to fulfill the mitzvah of settling the Land of Israel.
Q: What can we learn from Numbers 32:7 today?
A: We learn the responsibility to avoid discouraging others from fulfilling mitzvot, especially those tied to Eretz Yisrael. The Midrash Tanchuma (Masei 6) highlights that causing others to hesitate in performing Hashem’s will is a serious matter. Today, this applies to supporting fellow Jews in mitzvot like aliyah (moving to Israel) or strengthening commitment to Torah values.
Q: How did Reuven and Gad respond to Moshe's warning?
A: After Moshe’s rebuke, Reuven and Gad clarified that they would first join the other tribes in conquering the Land before settling east of the Jordan (Numbers 32:16-19). Rashi notes that they pledged to lead in battle, showing their commitment to the nation’s mission. This teaches the importance of clarifying intentions to avoid misunderstandings in communal matters.