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Numbers 33:47 - Mountains of final destiny?

Numbers 33:47 - במדבר 33:47

Hebrew Text

וַיִּסְעוּ מֵעַלְמֹן דִּבְלָתָיְמָה וַיַּחֲנוּ בְּהָרֵי הָעֲבָרִים לִפְנֵי נְבוֹ׃

English Translation

And they removed from ῾Almon-divlatayema, and pitched in the mountains of ῾Avarim, before Nevo.

Transliteration

Vayis'u me'almon divlatayma vayachanu beharei ha'avarim lifnei nevo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּסְע֖וּ מֵעַלְמֹ֣ן דִּבְלָתָ֑יְמָה וַֽיַּחֲנ֛וּ בְּהָרֵ֥י הָעֲבָרִ֖ים לִפְנֵ֥י נְבֽוֹ׃
וַיִּסְע֖וּ מֵעַלְמֹ֣ן דִּבְלָתָ֑יְמָה וַֽיַּחֲנ֛וּ בְּהָרֵ֥י הָעֲבָרִ֖ים לִפְנֵ֥י נְבֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Geographical Context

The verse describes the journey of Bnei Yisrael from Almon-Divlatayema to the mountains of Avarim before Nevo (Bamidbar 33:47). Rashi explains that these locations were part of the final stages of their travels in the wilderness before entering Eretz Yisrael. The mountains of Avarim are identified as the region where Moshe Rabbeinu would later view the Land of Israel before his passing (Devarim 32:49).

Spiritual Significance of the Journey

The Sforno notes that each encampment represented a stage in Bnei Yisrael's spiritual preparation for entering the Land. The move toward the mountains of Avarim symbolizes ascending to a higher spiritual level, as mountains often represent closeness to Hashem (see Tehillim 121:1). The Kli Yakar adds that the name "Avarim" (עברים) hints at transition (עבר), marking their passage from wilderness wandering to the threshold of the Promised Land.

Connection to Moshe's Final Days

Ramban connects this location to Moshe's later ascent to Har Nevo (Devarim 34:1). The phrase "before Nevo" (לִפְנֵי נְבוֹ) suggests this was a preparatory stage for the events that would unfold there. The Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 12) teaches that Hashem showed Moshe the entire Land from this vantage point to comfort him after being told he would not enter it physically.

Lessons in Divine Providence

  • The Baal HaTurim observes that the unusual name "Almon-Divlatayema" contains the word "Almon" (עלמון), meaning "hidden," teaching that even when Hashem's ways seem concealed, every stop in life's journey has purpose.
  • The Ohr HaChaim highlights that the progression from Almon-Divlatayema to Avarim demonstrates how apparent endings (like the wilderness period) become new beginnings when viewed with emunah.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 33:47 mean?
A: Numbers 33:47 describes one of the stops the Israelites made during their 40-year journey in the wilderness. They traveled from Almon-diblathaim and camped in the mountains of Avarim, near Mount Nevo. This verse is part of a detailed list of their encampments, showing G-d's guidance throughout their travels.
Q: Why is the list of Israel's encampments important?
A: The list of encampments in Numbers 33 is important because it documents the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, highlighting G-d's constant presence and care. The Ramban (Nachmanides) explains that recording these stops reminds future generations of the miracles and challenges their ancestors experienced.
Q: What is the significance of Mount Nevo in this verse?
A: Mount Nevo is significant because it was the place where Moshe (Moses) would later view the Land of Israel before his passing (Deuteronomy 34:1). Rashi notes that this location symbolizes the transition of leadership from Moshe to Yehoshua (Joshua) as the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse teaches us to recognize and appreciate G-d's guidance in our personal journeys. Just as the Israelites documented their travels, we should reflect on our own life's path, acknowledging the divine hand in our successes and challenges, as emphasized in Jewish thought.