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Numbers 34:7 - Divine borders' northern limit?

Numbers 34:7 - במדבר 34:7

Hebrew Text

וְזֶה־יִהְיֶה לָכֶם גְּבוּל צָפוֹן מִן־הַיָּם הַגָּדֹל תְּתָאוּ לָכֶם הֹר הָהָר׃

English Translation

And this shall be your north border: from the Great Sea you shall mark out your frontier at mount Hor:

Transliteration

Ve-ze yihye lakhem gvul tzafon min-ha-yam ha-gadol tetau lakhem Hor ha-har.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְזֶֽה־יִהְיֶ֥ה לָכֶ֖ם גְּב֣וּל צָפ֑וֹן מִן־הַיָּם֙ הַגָּדֹ֔ל תְּתָא֥וּ לָכֶ֖ם הֹ֥ר הָהָֽר׃
וְזֶֽה־יִהְיֶ֥ה לָכֶ֖ם גְּב֣וּל צָפ֑וֹן מִן־הַיָּם֙ הַגָּדֹ֔ל תְּתָא֥וּ לָכֶ֖ם הֹ֥ר הָהָֽר׃

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Parasha Commentary

Geographical Context of the Northern Border

The verse (Bamidbar 34:7) delineates the northern boundary of Eretz Yisrael, beginning from the "Great Sea" (the Mediterranean) and extending to Mount Hor. Rashi explains that this Mount Hor is distinct from the one where Aharon HaKohen passed away (Bamidbar 20:22-29). Instead, it refers to a mountain in the northern region, near the territory of the Canaanites. The Ramban adds that this border was meant to define the limits of the land promised to Bnei Yisrael during the time of Yehoshua's conquest.

Identification of Mount Hor

According to the Talmud (Gittin 8a), Mount Hor is identified with "Mount Amanus," a mountain range in modern-day southern Turkey. The Sifrei (on Bamidbar 34:7) supports this, noting that this northern boundary was meant to encompass the lands of the Hittites and other Canaanite nations. The Radak further clarifies that the term "Hor" may derive from the Hebrew word "har" (mountain), emphasizing its prominence as a landmark.

Spiritual Significance of Borders

The Midrash Tanchuma (Masei 8) teaches that the boundaries of Eretz Yisrael are not merely geographical but also spiritual. The delineation of borders reflects Hashem's precise allocation of the land as an inheritance for the tribes, underscoring the divine providence in settling Bnei Yisrael in their designated portions. The Rambam (Hilchot Terumot 1:2) also highlights the halachic implications of these borders, as they determine where certain mitzvot (e.g., terumot and ma'aserot) apply.

Lessons in Divine Precision

  • The specification of borders teaches the importance of boundaries in both physical and spiritual life, as emphasized in Mishlei (Proverbs) 22:28: "Do not move the ancient boundary stone set up by your ancestors."
  • The Sforno notes that the detailed description of the land's borders reinforces the idea that Eretz Yisrael is a gift from Hashem, to be cherished and maintained according to His will.
  • The Kli Yakar adds that the northern border, in particular, symbolizes the challenges of expansion and the need for restraint, as it was adjacent to hostile nations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 34:7 mean about the northern border of Israel?
A: Numbers 34:7 describes part of the northern boundary of the Land of Israel as it was to be apportioned to the tribes. According to Rashi, this verse specifies that the border runs from the Mediterranean Sea ('Great Sea') eastward to Mount Hor, which is different from the Mount Hor where Aaron died (that was in the south). The borders defined in this chapter are important for understanding the biblical boundaries of Eretz Yisrael.
Q: Why is defining Israel's borders important in the Torah?
A: Defining Israel's borders in the Torah (Numbers 34) is important because these boundaries determine where many agricultural mitzvot (commandments) apply, such as terumah, maaser (tithes), and shmita (sabbatical year). The Rambam explains that these borders establish where the full obligations of living in the Holy Land apply. The precise boundaries also mattered for tribal land allocations during Joshua's conquest.
Q: Where is Mount Hor mentioned in Numbers 34:7 located?
A: The Mount Hor mentioned in Numbers 34:7 as part of Israel's northern border is different from the Mount Hor where Aaron died (Numbers 20:22-29). According to Talmudic and Midrashic sources, this northern Mount Hor was likely in the Lebanon mountain range. The Targum Onkelos translates it as 'Mount Hauran,' and Jewish commentators suggest it refers to a prominent mountain marking the northern boundary.