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Numbers 35:10 - Sanctuary cities for accidental killers?

Numbers 35:10 - במדבר 35:10

Hebrew Text

דַּבֵּר אֶל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאָמַרְתָּ אֲלֵהֶם כִּי אַתֶּם עֹבְרִים אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּן אַרְצָה כְּנָעַן׃

English Translation

Speak to the children of Yisra᾽el, and say to them, When you come over the Yarden into the land of Kena῾an;

Transliteration

Daber el-bnei Yisrael ve'amarta alehem ki atem ovrim et-haYarden artza Kena'an.

Hebrew Leining Text

דַּבֵּר֙ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְאָמַרְתָּ֖ אֲלֵהֶ֑ם כִּ֥י אַתֶּ֛ם עֹבְרִ֥ים אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּ֖ן אַ֥רְצָה כְּנָֽעַן׃
דַּבֵּר֙ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְאָמַרְתָּ֖ אֲלֵהֶ֑ם כִּ֥י אַתֶּ֛ם עֹבְרִ֥ים אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּ֖ן אַ֥רְצָה כְּנָֽעַן׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 33:51) appears in Parashat Masei, where Hashem instructs Moshe to convey to Bnei Yisrael the laws they must observe upon entering Eretz Canaan. This marks a pivotal transition from their desert journey to settling the Promised Land.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "כי אתם עברים את הירדן" ("When you come over the Yarden") serves as a preparatory warning. He emphasizes that the mitzvot given here—particularly the eradication of idolatry and the division of the land—are contingent upon their entry into Eretz Yisrael. Rashi notes that this reinforces the inseparable connection between the Land and the fulfillment of Torah commandments.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Avodat Kochavim (Laws of Idolatry 7:1), Rambam derives from this verse the obligation to remove all traces of idolatry upon entering the land. He interprets "עברים את הירדן" as a command to actively transform the land into a place where Hashem's sovereignty is manifest, requiring both physical and spiritual conquest.

Midrashic Insights

  • Sifrei (Masei 157): The phrase "ארצה כנען" ("into the land of Canaan") is interpreted as a reminder that the land’s holiness is not inherent but dependent on Bnei Yisrael’s adherence to mitzvot. The name "Canaan" (associated with its former inhabitants) implies that without Torah, the land reverts to its profane state.
  • Tanhuma (Masei 3): The crossing of the Jordan symbolizes a spiritual threshold—just as the waters miraculously parted, Bnei Yisrael must "part" from their past rebellions and fully commit to their covenantal mission.

Theological Implications

The verse underscores the principle of הארץ הדבר תלוי בה ("the land is dependent on this")—that the sanctity and retention of Eretz Yisrael are conditional upon mitzvah observance. The Kli Yakar expands on this, noting that the word "עברים" ("crossing") alludes to the need for continuous spiritual movement, avoiding stagnation in avodat Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 35:10 mean?
A: Numbers 35:10 is part of Hashem's instruction to Moshe to tell Bnei Yisrael that they will cross the Jordan River and enter the land of Canaan. This verse sets the stage for the laws about establishing cities of refuge (Arei Miklat) in the Promised Land, as discussed in the following verses. Rashi explains that this transition marks a new phase where mitzvot tied to the land will become applicable.
Q: Why is crossing the Jordan River significant in this verse?
A: Crossing the Jordan River symbolizes Bnei Yisrael's transition from wandering in the wilderness to settling in Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel). The Ramban teaches that this moment fulfills Hashem's promise to the Avot (Patriarchs) and begins the era where the Torah's agricultural and societal laws apply fully. It represents both a physical and spiritual entry into a covenantal homeland.
Q: How does this verse connect to the cities of refuge mentioned later?
A: This verse introduces the context for the mitzvah of Arei Miklat (cities of refuge), as the next verses detail. The Talmud (Makkot 9b) explains that these cities could only be designated in Eretz Yisrael after crossing the Jordan. Their purpose—to protect accidental killers—highlights how settling the land required new systems of justice and compassion.
Q: What lesson can we learn from 'When you come over the Yarden' today?
A: The Ohr HaChaim teaches that this verse reminds us every generation has its own 'Jordan to cross'—new challenges when entering spiritual or physical 'new lands.' Just as Bnei Yisrael needed to prepare for mitzvot unique to Eretz Yisrael, we must adapt Torah values to our circumstances while maintaining faithfulness to halacha.
Q: Why does the verse specify 'the land of Canaan' instead of 'Eretz Yisrael'?
A: Rashi notes that the Torah often uses 'Canaan' to emphasize this was the land of seven nations Bnei Yisrael were commanded to displace due to their corruption (Devarim 20:17). The name reminds us that conquering the land was not merely for settlement, but to establish a society based on Torah morality in place of idolatry.