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The Ramban says that the people first suggested sending spies, Moshe liked the idea, and finally Hashem mandated it with His guidelines. Thus, Bamidbar brings the true, final part of the story, while Devarim goes to the root in order to rebuke Bnei Yisrael for the problematic nature of their involvement. The Malbim explains similarly that the people did ask, but that was not pertinent in Bamidbar, which was related right after the matter had occurred, when there was no need to tell the people that which they already knew.
There is another difference between the presentations, which is less famous but perhaps just as significant. The verb used in Bamidbar to describe the function of the spies is latur (perhaps best translated as to spy). In Devarim, the verb used is lachpor, which, while meaning something similar, literally means to dig. The gemara (Sota 34b) connects this with the pasuk (Yeshaya 24) "V’chafra halevana u’vosha hachama" (the moon and the sun were disgraced). Rashi says that the request to send the spies was a disgrace to Hashem. The Maharsha explains that Hashem had already told the people that the Land was very good, and therefore He did not think they needed to check if it was indeed good. After all, would Hashem give a sub-par Land to His chosen nation?
It is true that in the wars that Bnei Yisrael waged upon entering the Land, serious war efforts were expected to be used despite Hashem’s ultimate responsibility for their victories. Hashem was in full agreement that the two spies that Yehoshua sent undertake their mission, which was much more technical: to recommend where they should start their campaign. The people in the desert, though, wanted to determine whether the Land was good or not. Moshe had not understood that this is what the people wanted but Hashem, of course, did. Hashem told Moshe that he should send according to his understanding.
We see from here that even when we legitimately attempt to see how we should naturally go about settling in Eretz Yisrael and when it makes sense to take what steps, we should always remember that we are talking about the Land that Hashem chose to give to His nation, Israel.
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
