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Numbers 33:31 - Journey to spiritual growth?

Numbers 33:31 - במדבר 33:31

Hebrew Text

וַיִּסְעוּ מִמֹּסֵרוֹת וַיַּחֲנוּ בִּבְנֵי יַעֲקָן׃

English Translation

And they departed from Moserot, and pitched in Bene-ya῾aqan.

Transliteration

Vayis'u miMosrot vayachanu bivnei Yaakan.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּסְע֖וּ מִמֹּסֵר֑וֹת וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ בִּבְנֵ֥י יַעֲקָֽן׃
וַיִּסְע֖וּ מִמֹּסֵר֑וֹת וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ בִּבְנֵ֥י יַעֲקָֽן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Location and Meaning of Moserot and Bene-ya῾aqan

Rashi (Devarim 10:6) explains that Moserot is the same place as Moserah mentioned earlier (Devarim 10:6), where Aharon passed away. The name "Moserot" (from the root יסר, meaning "chastisement") alludes to the punishment Bnei Yisrael received there due to their sins. Bene-ya῾aqan (literally "sons of Ya῾aqan") is identified by Rashi as a place named after a great man, possibly a descendant of Esav (see Bereishit 36:27). The Talmud (Yoma 54b) notes that Bene-ya῾aqan was a station where Bnei Yisrael encamped during their travels.

Spiritual Significance of the Journey

The journey from Moserot to Bene-ya῾aqan symbolizes the transition from a place of divine chastisement to a place named after human achievement ("sons of Ya῾aqan"). The Ramban (Devarim 10:6) suggests that this reflects the cyclical nature of Bnei Yisrael's relationship with Hashem—moving from moments of rebuke to moments of elevation. The Midrash Tanchuma (Chukat 16) connects this journey to the concept of teshuvah, as the people progressed from a state requiring correction to one of renewed spiritual potential.

Historical Context in the Wilderness

According to Sifrei (Devarim 1), the encampments listed in the Torah, including Bene-ya῾aqan, were not merely geographical waypoints but also represented stages in Bnei Yisrael's moral and national development. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar, Bamidbar 33:31) emphasizes that each stop was Divinely ordained to prepare the nation for entering Eretz Yisrael. The name "Bene-ya῾aqan" may hint at the perseverance (ya῾aqan related to עק, meaning "to endure") required during this period.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 33:31 mean when it says they departed from Moserot and camped in Bene-ya'aqan?
A: This verse is part of the detailed itinerary of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. According to Rashi, these place names mark stages in their travels after leaving Egypt. Each stop had significance in shaping the nation's experience before entering the Land of Israel.
Q: Why does the Torah list all these travel stops in Numbers 33?
A: The Rambam explains that listing all the encampments shows God's kindness - even during their wandering, He carefully guided them. The Midrash Tanchuma adds that this recounting reminds us how the Israelites transitioned from slavery to becoming a nation ready to receive the Torah and enter Israel.
Q: What can we learn today from the Israelites' journey between Moserot and Bene-ya'aqan?
A: The Sforno teaches that each stop in the wilderness represents stages in spiritual growth. Just as the Israelites progressed gradually, we learn that personal development happens step by step. The names Moserot ('bonds') and Bene-ya'aqan ('children of Yaakan') symbolize moving from constraints toward growth.
Q: Are the locations in Numbers 33:31 known today?
A: While the exact locations are uncertain, traditional Jewish commentators like the Ramban explain that these names were well-known in ancient times. The Torah records them precisely to preserve the historical truth of the Exodus narrative, which is foundational to Jewish faith and identity.
Q: How long did the Israelites stay at Bene-ya'aqan?
A: The Torah doesn't specify durations for most encampments. As the Talmud (Ta'anit 29a) explains regarding the wilderness journey, the important lesson isn't the length of stay but rather the purpose of each stop in preparing the nation spiritually for their ultimate destination in the Land of Israel.