Numbers 33:44 - Journey to Moab's border

Join Our Newsletter To Be Informed When New Videos Are Posted

Join the thousands of fellow Studends who rely on our videos to learn how to read the bible in Hebrew for free!

Hebrew Text

וַיִּסְעוּ מֵאֹבֹת וַיַּחֲנוּ בְּעִיֵּי הָעֲבָרִים בִּגְבוּל מוֹאָב׃

English Translation

And they departed from Ovot, and pitched in ῾Iyye-ha῾avarim, in the border of Mo᾽av.

Transliteration

Vayis'u mei'Ovot vayachanu be'Iyei ha'Avarim bigvul Mo'av.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּסְע֖וּ מֵאֹבֹ֑ת וַֽיַּחֲנ֛וּ בְּעִיֵּ֥י הָעֲבָרִ֖ים בִּגְב֥וּל מוֹאָֽב׃

Parasha Commentary

Geographical Context

The verse describes the journey of Bnei Yisrael from Ovot to Iyye-ha'Avarim, located on the border of Moav. Rashi (Bamidbar 21:11) explains that "Iyye-ha'Avarim" means "the ruins of the crossings," referring to the remnants of structures built by the Emorites when they crossed into Moav. This location marked a transitional point in their travels, as they were preparing to enter Eretz Yisrael.

Spiritual Significance

The Kli Yakar (Bamidbar 21:11) notes that the name "Iyye-ha'Avarim" alludes to the spiritual challenges Bnei Yisrael faced. The word "avarim" (crossings) hints at their need to overcome obstacles and transgressions (from the root "averah") before entering the Land. This encampment served as a reminder to repent and refine their character.

Historical Background

According to the Ramban (Bamidbar 21:11), this location was strategically significant because it was near the territory of Moav, whose king, Balak, would soon attempt to curse Bnei Yisrael (as recounted in Bamidbar 22-24). The Torah details their journey to emphasize Divine providence in guiding them through hostile lands.

Lessons from the Journey

Divine Guidance: The Sforno (Bamidbar 21:11) teaches that each encampment was directed by Hashem, demonstrating His constant care for Bnei Yisrael.
Preparation for Redemption: The Midrash Tanchuma (Masei 3) links these travels to the future redemption, showing that every step in the wilderness was part of a greater Divine plan.
Repentance: The name "Iyye-ha'Avarim" serves as a reminder, as noted by the Alshich, that spiritual growth requires confronting and rectifying past mistakes.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 33:44 mean?
A: Numbers 33:44 describes one of the stops the Israelites made during their 40-year journey in the wilderness. They traveled from Ovot and camped in Iyye-ha'Avarim, near the border of Moav. Rashi explains that this was part of their divinely guided route before entering the Land of Israel.

Q: Why is the journey of the Israelites recorded in detail?
A: The Torah lists each stop to teach us that every step of the Israelites' journey had purpose. The Ramban (Nachmanides) explains that these locations remind future generations of G-d's kindness in guiding them through the wilderness, even when they rebelled (like with the incident of the spies).

Q: What can we learn from the Israelites camping near Moav?
A: This stop near Moav (Numbers 33:44) sets the stage for later events, like Balak's attempt to curse Israel (Numbers 22). The Midrash teaches that even seemingly minor stops in life are part of a larger divine plan, as G-d positioned Israel here to fulfill prophecies and demonstrate His protection.