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Numbers 34:2 - Divine borders for holy land

Numbers 34:2 - במדבר 34:2

Hebrew Text

צַו אֶת־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאָמַרְתָּ אֲלֵהֶם כִּי־אַתֶּם בָּאִים אֶל־הָאָרֶץ כְּנָעַן זֹאת הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר תִּפֹּל לָכֶם בְּנַחֲלָה אֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן לִגְבֻלֹתֶיהָ׃

English Translation

Command the children of Yisra᾽el, and say to them, When you come into the land of Kena῾an; (this is the land that shall fall to you for an inheritance, the land of Kena῾an with its borders:)

Transliteration

Tzav et-bnei Yisrael ve'amarta alehem ki-atem ba'im el-ha'aretz Kena'an zot ha'aretz asher tipol lachem be'nachala eretz Kena'an ligvuloteha.

Hebrew Leining Text

צַ֞ו אֶת־בְּנֵ֤י יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ אֲלֵהֶ֔ם כִּֽי־אַתֶּ֥ם בָּאִ֖ים אֶל־הָאָ֣רֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן זֹ֣את הָאָ֗רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֨ר תִּפֹּ֤ל לָכֶם֙ בְּֽנַחֲלָ֔ה אֶ֥רֶץ כְּנַ֖עַן לִגְבֻלֹתֶֽיהָ׃
צַ֞ו אֶת־בְּנֵ֤י יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ אֲלֵהֶ֔ם כִּֽי־אַתֶּ֥ם בָּאִ֖ים אֶל־הָאָ֣רֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן זֹ֣את הָאָ֗רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֨ר תִּפֹּ֤ל לָכֶם֙ בְּֽנַחֲלָ֔ה אֶ֥רֶץ כְּנַ֖עַן לִגְבֻלֹתֶֽיהָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 34:2, where Hashem instructs Moshe to delineate the borders of Eretz Yisrael before Bnei Yisrael enter the land. This command comes after the episode of the spies and the subsequent wandering in the desert, marking a transition toward the fulfillment of the promise to Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (34:2) emphasizes the word "צַו" (command), noting that this term implies urgency—both for the present generation and future generations. He explains that delineating the borders was crucial to prevent disputes and ensure clarity in the division of the land among the tribes. Rashi also highlights that the land is referred to as "אֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן" (the land of Canaan), reinforcing that its conquest was a fulfillment of Hashem's promise to the Avot.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Terumot (1:2), the Rambam discusses the sanctity of Eretz Yisrael, linking it to this verse. He explains that the borders defined here establish the parameters for mitzvot hateluyot ba'aretz (commandments dependent on the land), such as terumah, ma'aser, and shemitah. The precise delineation ensures these mitzvot apply only within the divinely ordained boundaries.

Midrashic Insights

  • Sifrei (Bamidbar 34:2) teaches that the phrase "זֹאת הָאָרֶץ" (this is the land) emphasizes its uniqueness—unlike other lands, Eretz Yisrael is inherently holy and chosen for the Jewish people.
  • Bamidbar Rabbah (23:4) compares the land's division to a king distributing portions to his children, underscoring the intimate relationship between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael.

Theological Significance

The verse underscores the eternal bond between Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael. The borders are not merely geographical but reflect a spiritual inheritance, as the land serves as the backdrop for fulfilling the Torah's commandments. The Talmud (Ketubot 110b) states that dwelling in Eretz Yisrael is equivalent to observing all mitzvot, highlighting its centrality in Jewish life.

Practical Implications

The delineation of borders also carries halachic weight, particularly in determining:

  • The areas where agricultural mitzvot apply.
  • The sanctity of the land in contrast to lands outside these boundaries.
  • The obligation to settle and cherish Eretz Yisrael as a divine mandate.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 34:2 mean?
A: Numbers 34:2 is a command from Hashem to Moshe to instruct the Israelites about the borders of the Land of Canaan, which they were about to enter and inherit. The verse emphasizes that this land is their divinely promised inheritance with clearly defined boundaries.
Q: Why is the Land of Canaan important in Judaism?
A: The Land of Canaan (later called Eretz Yisrael) is central to Judaism because it is the land promised by Hashem to Avraham and his descendants (Bereishit 12:7). It is where the Jewish people were destined to settle, build the Beit HaMikdash, and fulfill the mitzvot tied to the land (Rambam, Hilchot Melachim).
Q: What can we learn from Numbers 34:2 today?
A: This verse teaches us about the eternal bond between the Jewish people and Eretz Yisrael. Even today, Orthodox Judaism views the land as our sacred inheritance, and its borders (as described later in the parsha) remain significant in halachic discussions about mitzvot hateluyot ba'aretz (commandments dependent on the land).
Q: How were the borders of the Land of Canaan determined?
A: The borders were divinely ordained, as detailed in the following verses (Numbers 34:3-12). Rashi explains that these boundaries differ from those promised to Avraham (Bereishit 15:18-21) because the full extent will only be realized in the Messianic era (based on Talmud, Chullin 60b).
Q: Why does the Torah specify 'the land of Canaan' if it became Israel?
A: The name 'Canaan' reflects the historical reality at the time of the Exodus - it was known by that name when the promise was made. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) notes that the land takes on different names at different times, but its holiness as the Jewish homeland remains constant.