Moses speaks to the children of Israel after they spend 40 years in the desert and recounts the events that led them to this moment
- In the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first of the month, Moses spoke to the children of Israel according to all that the Lord had commanded him regarding them.
- Moses retells how G-d showed Israelites the Promised land, how Moses appointed leaders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, tens and officers, and told Judges to be just. How 12 spies were sent to scout the land and the people were afraid of what they heard and wanted to return to Egypt. How G-d punished Israelites by sending them to wander in the desert for 40 years and punished Moses by not allowing him to go into the Promised land. How Israelites went to conquer the Promised land anyway, were defeated by the Amorites, and had to live in Kadesh Barnea.
Details about Israelites journey through the desert
Traveling to Mount Seir – inheritance of the children of Esau
- G-d took care of Israelites in the desert: ”these forty years that the Lord your G-d has been with you, you have lacked nothing”
- Israelites journey into the desert by the way of Red Sea and circle Mount Seir for many days, as G-d has commanded Moses. After that, G-d tells Moses to go north, passing through the boundary of our kinsmen, the children of Esau who dwell in Seir. G-d tells Moses that children of Esau will be afraid but must not be provoked because G-d would not let Israelites defeat them since He has given Mount Seir to the children of Esau for an inheritance. Horites used to live in this land but G-d let children of Esau drive them out.
Traveling through land of the Moabites – inheritance of the children of Lot
- Israelites go by way of the plain from Elath and from Etzion Geber, and pass through the desert of Moab. G-d tells them not to provoke the Moabites because He has given Ar to the children of Lot as an inheritance.
- The Emim dwelt there formerly, a great, numerous and tall people, considered Rephaim, as the Anakim.
Israelites cross the brook of Zered. 38 years have passed so far.
- Israelites cross the brook of Zered. From leaving Kadesh Barnea to crossing the brook of Zered, the journey lasted 38 years. The generation of the men of war expired from the midst of the camp. The hand of the Lord was upon them, to destroy them.
Traveling through the land of Ammon – inheritance of the children of Lot.
- Israelites cross the boundary of Moab at Ar. G-d tells them not to provoke the children of Ammon, because He has given this land to the children of Lot as an inheritance.
- It too is considered a land of Rephaim, but G-d exterminated them and gave the land to the Ammonites. Avim, who dwell in open cities, up till Gaza – were exterminated by the Caphtorites.
G-d tells Israelites to provoke Sihon, the Amorite, king of Heshbon and destroy him
- Get up, journey, and cross the river Arnon. Behold, I have delivered into your hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land: Begin to possess it, and provoke him to war.
Today I will begin to put the dread of you and the fear of you upon the nations that are under the entire heaven, who will hear reports of you and shake and be in trepidation because of you. - Moses sends messengers, asking Sihon to let Israelites pass through peacefully, but G-d causes Sihon’s spirit to be hardened and his heart to be obstinate. Sihon attacks Israeiltes at Jahzah. G-d delivers Sihon to Israelites and they destroy every city, leaving no survivors.
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