דברים

In the fortieth year after leaving Egypt, on the first day of the eleventh month, Moses spoke to all Israel on the far side of the Jordan, in the land of Moab. This Torah portion is called Devarim, a Hebrew word meaning “words,” because it begins with Moses’ words as he explains the Teaching.

Moses reminded them that from Horeb to Kadesh-barnea is an eleven-day journey, yet their travels had taken much longer. He repeated God’s command from Horeb: “You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Start out and go toward the hill country and the land I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

Then Moses told how he had said, “I cannot bear you by myself.” The people had grown as numerous as stars. So they chose wise, discerning, experienced leaders, and Moses appointed them as heads over groups of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. He charged the judges: “Hear everyone fairly, Israelite or stranger. Do not show favoritism. Fear no one, for judgment is God’s.”

Moses continued: the people traveled through the great and terrible wilderness and reached Kadesh-barnea, near the hill country of the Amorites. Moses told them, “God has placed the land at your disposal. Go up and take possession. Do not be afraid.”

But the people asked to send agents ahead. Moses approved and chose twelve, one from each tribe. They went up, explored as far as the wadi Eshcol, and carried back fruit. “It is a good land,” they reported.

Still, the camp refused to go. In their tents they complained that God had brought them out to be destroyed, and they feared strong, tall people and cities with “sky-high” walls, even Anakites. Moses answered, “Do not dread them. God goes before you and will fight for you,” reminding them how God carried them like a parent carries a child.

God became angry. Only Caleb would see the land; Joshua would enter and lead. Even Moses was told he would not enter. The people tried to rush up and fight anyway, but without God’s help they were chased and crushed, and they returned weeping.

After staying at Kadesh a long time, Israel turned back toward the wilderness by the way of the Sea of Reeds. Years passed, thirty-eight from Kadesh-barnea until they crossed the wadi Zered, until the generation of warriors was gone.

Then God said, “Turn north.” Moses warned the people to be careful with their relatives: do not provoke Esau’s descendants in Seir, and do not harass Moab or Ammon, because God had given those lands to them. Israel even bought food and water along the way, and Moses said they had lacked nothing during forty years.

At the wadi Arnon, God told Moses to begin the struggle with Sihon king of Heshbon. Moses first sent an offer of peace, asking to stay on the highway and pay for supplies, but Sihon refused. God delivered Sihon into Israel’s power at Jahaz, and the towns were captured.

Next came Og king of Bashan at Edrei. God said, “Do not fear,” and Og was defeated too. Moses described how the land east of the Jordan was apportioned to Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, and he charged the warriors to help their fellow Israelites. He also strengthened Joshua: “You have seen what God did to these kings; God will battle for you.”