Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Numbers 33:51 mean?
A: Numbers 33:51 is a command from Hashem to Moshe to instruct the Israelites that they are about to cross the Jordan River and enter the land of Canaan. This marks the transition from their desert journey to the Promised Land, emphasizing the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to their ancestors.
Q: Why is crossing the Jordan into Canaan significant?
A: Crossing the Jordan into Canaan is significant because it represents the fulfillment of Hashem's covenant with Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov to give their descendants the land of Israel (Eretz Yisrael). The journey through the desert was a preparation for this moment, as explained in Rashi and other commentaries.
Q: What can we learn from Numbers 33:51 today?
A: We learn from this verse the importance of trusting in Hashem's promises, even when the fulfillment seems distant. Just as the Israelites had to prepare to enter the land, we too must prepare ourselves spiritually to receive blessings and fulfill our missions in life, as taught in Jewish tradition.
Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish identity?
A: This verse reinforces the eternal bond between the Jewish people and the land of Israel. Entering Canaan (Eretz Yisrael) was not just a physical journey but a spiritual mission to establish a nation dedicated to Torah and mitzvot, as discussed in the Rambam and other Jewish sources.
Q: What was the purpose of mentioning the Jordan River specifically?
A: The Jordan River served as the final boundary before entering the Promised Land, symbolizing a transition from wandering to settling. According to Midrashic interpretations, crossing the Jordan represented a new beginning, where the Israelites would fully embrace their role as a holy nation in their own land.
Context in the Torah
The verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 33:51, where Hashem instructs Moshe to prepare Bnei Yisrael for their imminent entry into Eretz Canaan. This directive follows the detailed recounting of their journeys in the wilderness and precedes the laws of eradicating idolatry and dividing the Land.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that the phrase "כי אתם עברים את הירדן" ("When you pass over the Yarden") serves as a reassurance to Bnei Yisrael that they will indeed cross the Jordan, despite any doubts or fears. He emphasizes that this promise counters the earlier failure of the spies, reinforcing that this generation would succeed where their fathers had faltered.
Rambam's Perspective
In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Melachim 5:1), Rambam derives from this verse the obligation to conquer Eretz Yisrael. The phrasing "כי אתם עברים" implies an active, collective responsibility to take possession of the Land, not merely to dwell there passively.
Midrashic Insights
Symbolism of the Jordan
The Kli Yakar highlights that crossing the Jordan represents a spiritual transition: just as the river separates wilderness from the Land, Bnei Yisrael were to leave behind their midbar (wilderness) mentality and embrace their destiny as a nation bound to Torah and mitzvot in their homeland.
Halachic Implications
The Chatam Sofer infers from this verse that settling Eretz Yisrael is a perpetual mitzvah, not limited to the initial conquest. The phrasing "אל ארץ כנען" ("into the land of Canaan")—using its ancient name—signifies the eternal Jewish claim to the Land, regardless of political changes.