Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Numbers 34:13 mean?
A: Numbers 34:13 records Moshe's instruction to the Israelites about dividing the Land of Israel among the tribes. It specifies that the land would be apportioned by lot to nine and a half tribes (as Reuven, Gad, and half of Menashe had already received land east of the Jordan). This division was done through a divinely guided lottery system (גורל) to ensure fairness, as explained in Rashi and the Talmud (Bava Batra 122a).
Q: Why was the land divided by lot (גורל)?
A: The land was divided by lot (גורל) to show that the distribution was directed by Hashem's will, not human preference. The Talmud (Yoma 73b) explains that the High Priest used the Urim v'Tumim (a sacred breastplate) to determine the lottery results, making it a divinely guided process. This ensured no tribe could claim favoritism, as the allocation was clearly from Hashem.
Q: Why were only nine and a half tribes receiving land in this verse?
A: The verse mentions nine and a half tribes because Reuven, Gad, and half of Menashe had already requested and received their inheritance on the eastern side of the Jordan River (as described in Numbers 32). Rashi explains that Moshe agreed to this arrangement on the condition that these tribes first help conquer the land west of the Jordan before settling their own portion.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the land division in Numbers 34:13?
A: This verse teaches us about fairness and trust in Hashem's plan. The lottery system ensured an unbiased distribution, showing that the Land of Israel is a sacred gift from Hashem to each tribe. The Rambam (Hilchot Terumot 1:5) later derives from this that all Jews have a share in the land, emphasizing unity and divine providence in Jewish inheritance.
Q: Does this verse have any relevance today?
A: Yes, this verse reinforces the eternal Jewish connection to the Land of Israel, as promised by Hashem. The division by lot also serves as a reminder that our portion in life—whether physical or spiritual—is ultimately determined by divine wisdom. Many Jewish laws about land ownership in Israel (such as the Sabbatical year—שמיטה) are rooted in this biblical inheritance, as discussed in the Mishnah (Shevi'it 9:2-4).
Context of the Verse
The verse (Bamidbar 34:13) appears in the Torah portion of Masei, where Moshe Rabbeinu delineates the borders of Eretz Yisrael before Bnei Yisrael enter the land. This follows Hashem's command to apportion the land by lot (goral) among the tribes.
Explanation of the Inheritance by Lot
Rashi explains that the land was divided by a miraculous lottery (goral) to demonstrate that the distribution was divinely ordained, not arbitrary. The Urim v'Tumim was used to confirm the results, ensuring fairness and divine approval (Rashi on Bamidbar 26:55). The Ramban adds that the lottery was conducted with both written and oral declarations—tribal names written on lots and territorial boundaries announced by Yehoshua—to eliminate disputes (Ramban on Bamidbar 26:55).
The Nine and a Half Tribes
The verse specifies that the land was designated for "nine tribes and a half." This refers to:
The tribes of Reuven and Gad, along with the other half of Menashe, had requested and received their inheritance earlier (Bamidbar 32).
Divine Command and Moshe's Role
The phrase "asher tzivah Hashem" ("which the Lord commanded") emphasizes that the division was not Moshe's initiative but a direct instruction from Hashem. The Sforno notes that Moshe, though barred from entering Eretz Yisrael, faithfully conveyed these laws to ensure the fulfillment of the divine promise to the Avos (Sforno on Bamidbar 34:13).
Lessons from the Inheritance Process
The Talmud (Bava Basra 122a) derives from this verse that the land was allocated based on both tribal size and merit, not merely by chance. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:9) further teaches that the division reflects Hashem's intimate knowledge of each tribe's unique role in Klal Yisrael, ensuring their portions suited their spiritual and physical needs.