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Numbers 33:56 - Divine justice mirrors human actions.

Numbers 33:56 - במדבר 33:56

Hebrew Text

וְהָיָה כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּמִּיתִי לַעֲשׂוֹת לָהֶם אֶעֱשֶׂה לָכֶם׃

English Translation

Moreover it shall come to pass, that I shall do to you, as I thought to do to them.

Transliteration

Vehaya ka'asher dimiti la'asot lahem e'eseh lakhem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָיָ֗ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּמִּ֛יתִי לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת לָהֶ֖ם אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֥ה לָכֶֽם׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וְהָיָ֗ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּמִּ֛יתִי לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת לָהֶ֖ם אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֥ה לָכֶֽם׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

The verse (Numbers 33:56) appears in Parashat Masei, where Hashem warns Bnei Yisrael about the consequences of failing to drive out the inhabitants of Eretz Yisrael. The phrase "וְהָיָה כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּמִּיתִי לַעֲשׂוֹת לָהֶם אֶעֱשֶׂה לָכֶם" serves as a stern admonition that if Israel does not fulfill its divine mandate, they will suffer the same fate intended for the Canaanite nations.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that this verse conveys a measure-for-measure principle: just as Hashem had decreed destruction upon the Canaanite nations for their sins, so too will He bring suffering upon Israel if they adopt the corrupt ways of those nations. Rashi emphasizes that the word "דִּמִּיתִי" (I thought/intended) refers to Hashem's original plan to eradicate the Canaanites—a plan that could be redirected toward Israel if they fail in their mission.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides) in Hilchot Avodat Kochavim (Laws of Idolatry 7:1) derives from this verse a halachic principle: allowing idolatrous nations to remain in the land poses a spiritual danger to Israel. The verse underscores the severity of this transgression, as it could lead to Israel's expulsion from the land—paralleling the fate of the Canaanites.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash Tanchuma (Masei 3) elaborates that this warning reflects the conditional nature of Israel's inheritance of the land. If Bnei Yisrael do not uphold their covenant, they will be treated like the nations they were commanded to displace. The Midrash compares this to a king who instructs his son to clear a field of thorns; if the son neglects this task, the thorns will overrun him instead.

Key Lessons

  • Divine Justice: The verse teaches that Hashem's judgments are impartial—Israel is held to the same standard as other nations when they stray.
  • Moral Responsibility: Bnei Yisrael must actively separate themselves from negative influences to merit dwelling in the land.
  • Covenantal Consequences: The warning highlights the seriousness of the mitzvah to settle Eretz Yisrael properly and purify it from idolatry.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 33:56 mean?
A: This verse is a warning from Hashem to the Jewish people as they prepare to enter the Land of Israel. It means that if the Jewish people fail to drive out the Canaanite nations as commanded, they will suffer the same fate that was destined for those nations. Rashi explains that this refers to being exiled from the land if they don't fulfill their mission.
Q: Why is Numbers 33:56 important?
A: This verse is important because it establishes the conditional nature of the Jewish people's dwelling in the Land of Israel. The Rambam (Maimonides) in Hilchot Melachim teaches that this principle applies in all generations - our right to the land is dependent on following Torah commandments and maintaining proper conduct.
Q: What can we learn from Numbers 33:56 today?
A: We learn that spiritual and moral behavior affects our physical reality. The Midrash Tanchuma connects this to the idea that when we don't remove negative influences from our lives (just as they were commanded to remove the Canaanites), those influences can eventually harm us. This applies both nationally and personally.
Q: How does Numbers 33:56 relate to the concept of reward and punishment?
A: This verse demonstrates the Torah principle of 'measure for measure' (middah k'neged middah). The Talmud (Sotah 8b) explains that Hashem deals with us in the same way we choose to act. If we show mercy to those we were commanded to drive out, we may end up needing mercy ourselves.
Q: What is the context of Numbers 33:56 in the Torah?
A: This appears in Parshat Masei, where Moshe recounts the Jewish people's journeys and prepares them for entering Israel. The Ibn Ezra explains that this warning comes after listing all their travels to emphasize that just as Hashem brought them through the wilderness, He will judge their actions in the land.