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Numbers 33:1 - Divinely guided desert wanderings

Numbers 33:1 - במדבר 33:1

Hebrew Text

אֵלֶּה מַסְעֵי בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל אֲשֶׁר יָצְאוּ מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם לְצִבְאֹתָם בְּיַד־מֹשֶׁה וְאַהֲרֹן׃

English Translation

These are the journeys of the children of Yisra᾽el, who went out of the land of Miżrayim with their armies under the hand of Moshe and Aharon.

Transliteration

Eleh masei vnei-Yisrael asher yatz'u me'eretz Mitzrayim letziv'otam beyad-Moshe ve'Aharon.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֵ֜לֶּה מַסְעֵ֣י בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָצְא֛וּ מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרַ֖יִם לְצִבְאֹתָ֑ם בְּיַד־מֹשֶׁ֖ה וְאַהֲרֹֽן׃
אֵ֜לֶּה מַסְעֵ֣י בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָצְא֛וּ מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרַ֖יִם לְצִבְאֹתָ֑ם בְּיַד־מֹשֶׁ֖ה וְאַהֲרֹֽן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 33:1) introduces the detailed account of the journeys of Bnei Yisrael from their exodus from Mitzrayim until their arrival at the plains of Moav. This section serves as a summary of their travels through the wilderness, emphasizing divine guidance and the leadership of Moshe and Aharon.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "אֵלֶּה מַסְעֵי" ("These are the journeys") is written to highlight Hashem's kindness. Despite the numerous stops, the Torah lists them all to demonstrate that even when Bnei Yisrael had to travel frequently, Hashem did not lead them directly into hardship. Instead, He guided them with compassion, allowing them to rest between journeys.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (in his philosophical works) underscores the importance of recounting these journeys as a historical record of divine providence. The mention of "בְּיַד־מֹשֶׁה וְאַהֲרֹן" ("under the hand of Moshe and Aharon") reinforces the idea that their leadership was Divinely appointed, ensuring the nation's survival and spiritual growth in the wilderness.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Tanchuma compares the journeys of Bnei Yisrael to a king who takes his son on a long trip. Later, the king lovingly recounts each stop to remind his son of their shared experiences. Similarly, Hashem recounts the travels to remind Bnei Yisrael of His constant protection.
  • The Sifrei notes that the phrase "לְצִבְאֹתָם" ("with their armies") alludes to the orderly and dignified manner in which Bnei Yisrael traveled, organized by tribes and flags, as previously described in Bamidbar 2.

Symbolism of the Journeys

The Kli Yakar teaches that the 42 journeys listed in this parsha parallel the 42 stages of an individual's spiritual journey through life. Just as Bnei Yisrael progressed from Mitzrayim (a place of spiritual constriction) toward Eretz Yisrael (a land of divine connection), each person undergoes trials and growth to reach higher levels of kedusha.

Leadership of Moshe and Aharon

The Ohr HaChaim emphasizes that the verse credits both Moshe and Aharon to show their unity in guiding the nation. Moshe represented Torah and justice, while Aharon embodied peace and kindness—together, they provided balanced leadership essential for Bnei Yisrael's survival in the wilderness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the journeys of the Israelites and the significance of their departure from Egypt.
📖 Sotah 36b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the leadership of Moses and Aaron during the Exodus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 33:1 mean?
A: Numbers 33:1 introduces the list of the 42 journeys that the Israelites took during their 40 years in the wilderness after leaving Egypt. It emphasizes that these travels were directed by Moshe and Aharon under Hashem's command, showing the divine guidance in their journey toward Eretz Yisrael.
Q: Why is it important to list all the journeys of the Israelites?
A: The Torah lists these journeys to teach us that every step in the Israelites' journey had spiritual significance. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 23:3) explains that just as Hashem led them through each station in the desert, He guides every individual through life's challenges. This reminds us that every experience—whether easy or difficult—has a purpose in our spiritual growth.
Q: What can we learn from the phrase 'under the hand of Moshe and Aharon'?
A: Rashi explains that this phrase highlights the leadership of Moshe and Aharon, who faithfully guided the people according to Hashem's will. It teaches us the importance of following righteous leaders who uphold Torah values and direct the community with wisdom and devotion.
Q: How does this verse apply to our lives today?
A: Just as the Israelites' journeys were part of their growth toward entering the Promised Land, our life experiences—both physical and spiritual—shape our path toward fulfilling our purpose. The Sages teach that reviewing these journeys reminds us to reflect on our own 'stations' in life and recognize Hashem's guidance in every step.
Q: Why does the verse mention 'their armies' when describing the Israelites?
A: The term 'armies' (צִבְאֹתָם) refers to the organized structure of the tribes, as they traveled and camped in formation (Rashi). This teaches us the value of unity and order within the Jewish people, both in physical journeys and spiritual endeavors.