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Numbers 33:2 - Divinely guided desert wanderings recorded.

Numbers 33:2 - במדבר 33:2

Hebrew Text

וַיִּכְתֹּב מֹשֶׁה אֶת־מוֹצָאֵיהֶם לְמַסְעֵיהֶם עַל־פִּי יְהוָה וְאֵלֶּה מַסְעֵיהֶם לְמוֹצָאֵיהֶם׃

English Translation

And Moshe wrote their goings out according to their journeys by the commandment of the Lord: and these are their journeys according to their goings out.

Transliteration

Va-yichtov Moshe et-motza'ehem le-masa'ehem al-pi Adonai, ve-eleh masa'ehem le-motza'ehem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּכְתֹּ֨ב מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶת־מוֹצָאֵיהֶ֛ם לְמַסְעֵיהֶ֖ם עַל־פִּ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה וְאֵ֥לֶּה מַסְעֵיהֶ֖ם לְמוֹצָאֵיהֶֽם׃
וַיִּכְתֹּ֨ב מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶת־מוֹצָאֵיהֶ֛ם לְמַסְעֵיהֶ֖ם עַל־פִּ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה וְאֵ֥לֶּה מַסְעֵיהֶ֖ם לְמוֹצָאֵיהֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 33:2) describes Moshe recording the journeys of Bnei Yisrael through the wilderness "according to the commandment of the Lord." This passage serves as a historical record of their travels, emphasizing divine guidance throughout their wanderings.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that Moshe documented these journeys to highlight Hashem's kindness—even though Bnei Yisrael were destined to wander due to the sin of the spies, Hashem did not lead them in a haphazard manner. Instead, their travels were purposeful and structured. Rashi further notes that this record serves as a reminder of the miracles performed for them in the wilderness.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (in Moreh Nevuchim) suggests that recording these journeys reinforces the historical truth of the Exodus and the divine providence that guided Bnei Yisrael. The meticulous documentation serves as evidence for future generations of Hashem's direct involvement in their travels.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Tanchuma compares the listing of the journeys to a king who takes his son on a long trip and later recounts each place they visited, reminiscing about their shared experiences. Similarly, Hashem lovingly recalls each stage of Bnei Yisrael's journey.
  • The Sifrei teaches that the phrase "by the commandment of the Lord" indicates that each encampment and departure was directed by divine instruction, not human decision.

Halachic Significance

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 512) derives from this verse the importance of remembering Hashem's miracles. By recording the journeys, Moshe established a mitzvah of zechirat yetziat Mitzrayim (remembering the Exodus), reinforcing gratitude for divine intervention in Jewish history.

Symbolism of the Journeys

The Kli Yakar explains that the dual phrasing—"their goings out according to their journeys" and "their journeys according to their goings out"—teaches that each departure was as significant as the arrival. Every stage of life, whether in motion or at rest, holds spiritual meaning under Hashem's guidance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 116a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the writing of the Torah and the authority of Moses in recording the journeys of the Israelites.
📖 Megillah 3a
Mentioned in the context of the importance of written records and divine commandments in Jewish tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe write down the journeys of the Israelites?
A: According to Rashi, Moshe recorded the Israelites' journeys to highlight Hashem's kindness—even though they traveled through the wilderness, He provided for them and guided them to their destination. The list also serves as a reminder of the miracles that occurred during their travels.
Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'by the commandment of the Lord' in this verse?
A: The phrase emphasizes that the Israelites' travels were not random but directed by Hashem’s will. Ramban explains that this teaches us that every step of their journey—and by extension, our own life journeys—is under Divine guidance and has a purpose.
Q: How does this verse apply to our lives today?
A: The Midrash teaches that just as the Israelites' journeys were recorded to reflect on their spiritual growth, we should also take note of our own life’s 'journeys'—the challenges and milestones—to recognize Hashem’s hand in guiding us and helping us grow.
Q: Why does the Torah list all the places where the Israelites camped?
A: The Talmud (Megillah 10b) explains that listing the encampments serves as a testimony to the miracles of the wilderness, such as the manna and the clouds of glory. It also teaches that every stop was meaningful and part of their spiritual refinement before entering Eretz Yisrael.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the order 'their goings out according to their journeys'?
A: The Sforno explains that the wording teaches that each departure was purposeful, leading to the next stage of their journey. This reminds us that in life, every step forward—even if difficult—is part of a greater Divine plan leading us toward our ultimate purpose.