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Numbers 33:17 - Wanderings reveal spiritual growth?

Numbers 33:17 - במדבר 33:17

Hebrew Text

וַיִּסְעוּ מִקִּבְרֹת הַתַּאֲוָה וַיַּחֲנוּ בַּחֲצֵרֹת׃

English Translation

And they departed from Qivrot-hatta᾽ava, and encamped at Ḥażerot.

Transliteration

Vayisu mikivrot hata'avah vayachanu bachatzerot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּסְע֖וּ מִקִּבְרֹ֣ת הַֽתַּאֲוָ֑ה וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ בַּחֲצֵרֹֽת׃
וַיִּסְע֖וּ מִקִּבְרֹ֣ת הַֽתַּאֲוָ֑ה וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ בַּחֲצֵרֹֽת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Location and Meaning of "Kivrot HaTa'avah"

The place name Kivrot HaTa'avah (קִבְרֹת הַתַּאֲוָה) literally means "Graves of Lust." Rashi (Bamidbar 11:34) explains that this name commemorates the incident where the Israelites craved meat (ta'avah) and complained, leading to a plague in which many died and were buried there. The Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 16) further elaborates that this was a place where the eirev rav (mixed multitude) incited discontent, leading to divine punishment.

Transition to "Chatzerot"

The next encampment, Chatzerot (חֲצֵרֹת), is significant as the location where Miriam spoke against Moshe (Bamidbar 12:1-16). Ramban (Bamidbar 11:35) notes that the journey from Kivrot HaTa'avah to Chatzerot symbolizes a progression from the sin of uncontrolled desire to the sin of lashon hara (evil speech), highlighting the spiritual challenges the Israelites faced in the wilderness.

Spiritual Lessons

  • Consequences of Desire: Kivrot HaTa'avah serves as a warning against unrestrained cravings, as taught in Pirkei Avot (4:1): "Who is rich? One who is satisfied with his portion."
  • Dangers of Lashon Hara: The subsequent events in Chatzerot underscore the severity of speaking ill of others, as the Talmud (Arachin 15b) states that lashon hara is equivalent to the three cardinal sins.
  • Divine Discipline: The sequence of events demonstrates Hashem's middah k'neged middah (measure-for-measure) justice, where spiritual failings lead to tangible consequences.

Geographical and Historical Context

According to Sforno (Bamidbar 11:35), the Israelites' journey reflects their ongoing spiritual refinement. Kivrot HaTa'avah was near the Sinai desert, while Chatzerot was closer to the Promised Land, symbolizing the transition from a slave mentality to a nation ready for self-governance—albeit with setbacks along the way.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ta'anit 29a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the locations of the Israelites' encampments during their journey in the wilderness.
📖 Sanhedrin 17a
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the significance of the places named in the Israelites' travels and their spiritual implications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Qivrot-hatta᾽ava' mean in Numbers 33:17?
A: The name 'Qivrot-hatta᾽ava' (קִבְרֹת הַתַּאֲוָה) means 'Graves of Lust.' It refers to the place where the Israelites complained about the manna and desired meat (Numbers 11:34-35). Rashi explains that this name serves as a reminder of the punishment for giving in to improper desires.
Q: Why did the Israelites travel from Qivrot-hatta᾽ava to Ḥażerot?
A: The journey from Qivrot-hatta᾽ava to Ḥażerot was part of the Israelites' divinely guided travels in the wilderness (Numbers 33:1-2). Ḥażerot was the next stop in their journey toward the Promised Land. The Torah lists all encampments to show Hashem's care in leading them step by step.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the name 'Graves of Lust'?
A: The name teaches us about the dangers of uncontrolled desires. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:22) connects this episode to the importance of gratitude—the Israelites had manna from Heaven but still complained. It reminds us to appreciate what we have and avoid selfish cravings.
Q: Is Ḥażerot mentioned elsewhere in the Torah?
A: Yes, Ḥażerot is also where Miriam spoke against Moshe and was afflicted with tzara'at (leprosy) as a consequence (Numbers 12). The Talmud (Arachin 16a) learns from this the severity of lashon hara (harmful speech).
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: Just as the Israelites were reminded of their mistakes through place names, we too should reflect on our actions. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:1) teaches that we must train ourselves to be content with what we have and avoid harmful desires—a timeless lesson from this verse.