בס”ד
A THOUGHT ABOUT PARSHAT DEVARIM 5784
Moses Reminds the People of Their Victory
In the parsha of this week we read that Moses reminds the Jewish people, as encouragement, that they conquered the kingdom of Og. In Deuteronomy 3:4, we read:
| 4 And we [the Jewish people] took all his cities at that time; there was not a city which we took not from them; threescore cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan. | ד וַנִּלְכֹּד אֶת-כָּל-עָרָיו, בָּעֵת הַהִוא–לֹא הָיְתָה קִרְיָה, אֲשֶׁר לֹא-לָקַחְנוּ מֵאִתָּם: שִׁשִּׁים עִיר כָּל-חֶבֶל אַרְגֹּב, מַמְלֶכֶת עוֹג בַּבָּשָׁן. |
Moses reminds the people of Israel also in Numbers 21:33-35, where we read:
| 34 And the L-RD said unto Moses: ‘Fear him not; for I have delivered him into thy hand, and all his people, and his land; and thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt at Heshbon.’ | לד וַיֹּאמֶר ד’ אֶל-מֹשֶׁה, אַל-תִּירָא אֹתוֹ–כִּי בְיָדְךָ נָתַתִּי אֹתוֹ וְאֶת-כָּל-עַמּוֹ, וְאֶת-אַרְצוֹ; וְעָשִׂיתָ לּוֹ–כַּאֲשֶׁר עָשִׂיתָ לְסִיחֹן מֶלֶךְ הָאֱמֹרִי, אֲשֶׁר יוֹשֵׁב בְּחֶשְׁבּוֹן. |
| 35 So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him remaining; and they possessed his land. | לה וַיַּכּוּ אֹתוֹ וְאֶת-בָּנָיו וְאֶת-כָּל-עַמּוֹ, עַד-בִּלְתִּי הִשְׁאִיר-לוֹ שָׂרִיד; וַיִּירְשׁוּ, אֶת-אַרְצוֹ. |
Why Was Moses Afraid of Og?
Why did G-d need to tell Moses not to be afraid?[1] Who was this King Og? King Og of Bashan was the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants. Og was known for his impressive size; his bed was 4,11 meters long and 1,83 meters wide, and he was powerful and experienced. He had strong fortifications and military capabilities. He was one of the last kings the people encountered before they could enter the land of Canaan.
The Reason for Moses’ Fear
A reason for Moses’ fear is given by Rashi. According to Genesis 14:5, Og was the only survivor of the Rephaim who survived the battle fought by Chedorlaomer and his allies against the Rephaim at Ashteroth Karnaim. Tradition holds that Og was the one who informed Abraham about the defeat of the Rephaim, as mentioned in Genesis 14:13. Although Og’s intentions were not honest, as he hoped Abraham would die, this led to the eventual rescue of Abraham’s nephew Lot. It is possible that Moses feared Og because he might still have some protection due to this old connection with Abraham. However, G-d assured Moses that this was not the case and that the Jewish people would win the battle, which indeed happened; they conquered the land.
The Symbolism of Israel’s Victory
In Daily Wisdom Volume 2, p. 361[2], the land of Israel is compared to the Royal Palace of G-d, the place where He wishes to dwell and where His Divine consciousness is most intense. This comparison highlights the unique spiritual significance of Israel. In today’s world, where Israel faces numerous challenges, recognizing this spiritual role underscores that Israel’s struggles and victories reflect a deeper Divine purpose.
Victory Over Opponents
Protection from enemies such as Hezbollah and Iran, who may seem gigantic and strong, is part of this promise. Moses was afraid of Og because he might still expect protection due to a (unplanned) good deed for Abraham. However, today’s enemies have no good deeds to fall back on. Their sole aim is the destruction of Israel, and thereby, a direct attack on G-d and His Kingdom.
As Israel expands its influence by Divine will, it magnifies G-d’s presence and purpose worldwide, fostering faith and resilience amid adversity. In light of this, it is fitting for Noahides to pray for the protection of the Jews in Israel, recognizing them as their brothers in Torah.
A World Aware of G-d’s Greatness
May G-d’s protection and victory over His enemies lead to the nations becoming aware of G-d, and may the entire world be filled with the knowledge of G-d as the waters cover the sea.[3] For then not only will Israel dwell securely, but there will also be peace for all nations.
By Angelique Sijbolts
With Thanks to Rabbi Tuni Burton for his feedback
Sources
[1] See Rashi Bereishit 14:13, Bamidbar 21:34, D’varim 1:4,3:2, 3:11.
[2] Inspiring insights on the Torah portion from the Lubavitcher Rebbe
[3] Isaiah 11:9
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