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Even though G-d had decreed that Moses would never enter the promised land, Moses, having conquered the nations of Sihon and Og, prayed again to be allowed to cross over the Jordan River and actually see the land. He laments G-d’s denial of his wish, seeming to place the blame for this harsh punishment on the sins of the people. But G-d allowed him only to ascend to the top of a hill and view the land from afar. In his place, Joshua would be charged with leading the people into Israel. Despite all their mistakes, the people would enter the land in glory. They therefore are asked to remain close adherents to the laws they have received, neither adding to nor subtracting from the commandments.
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| Thoughts to Consider and Discuss |
1. Why, at this time, does Moses plead with G-d to allow him to enter the land? How does G-d respond (3:23-26)?
2. How might we understand the importance to Moses of actually seeing the land, especially in light of his being forbidden to enter it?
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“You shall not add...for instance to place five (instead of four) sections in the Tefillin, five species of fruits and plants in the Lulav, or five fringes on one’s garment. Thus, too, must we explain the following words: ‘Neither shall you diminish (i.e., three instead of four)’.”
Rashi on 4:2
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 | | Points to Ponder | |
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How can we preserve the integrity of the mizvot (commandments) as mandated by G-d, yet allow for their continued relevance in a changing world? How does Rashi address this issue?
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