Ramban on Matot Masei - Cities and Name Changes
Rabbi Ezra Bick
We examine exegetical comments by Ramban on two different pesukim in Mattot- Mas’ei. First, we look at something strange in the lists of cities, formerly in Sihon’s kingdom, which were settled by the people of Reuven. After two names of such cities, the Torah states that the names were changed. Were they changed from idolatrous names? If so, why aren’t the new names recorded, and why are only two cities singled out? Ramban, disagreeing with Rashi, has another explanation: the cities had their former names (from the time of Moav) restored. What is the significance of this? And is the command to inherit the land and settle it a practical sequencing suggestion, or is it one of the mitzvot?
לשאר השיעורים בסדרה (30)
- Why is Para Aduma Called "Chuka"?
- Ramban on Vaera: The Hardening of Pharoah's Heart
- Ramban on Acharei Mot Kedoshim - Sa'ir LaAzazel
- Bilam and the Daughters of Moav
- Ramban on Vayechi: BeCharvi u-veKashti - With My Sword and Bow
- Ramban on Parshat Emor - Mikraei Kodesh
- Why Kill Midyan and Spare Moav?
- Ramban on Bo: HaChodesh HaZeh Lachem - This Month is for You
- Ramban on Behar Bechukotai
- God Gave the Land of Moav to the Moabites
- Ramban on Teruma: The Mishkan and the Divine Presence
- Ramban on Bamidbar: "Tifkedu Otam" - Remembrance and Supervision
- Ramban on Rosh HaShana: What is the Secret of the Terua?
- Ramban on Mishpatim: "Justice Belongs to God"
- Ramban on Parshat Ki Tavo
- Ramban on Beshallach: Tze'aka - Crying Out
- Ramban on Parshat Nitzavim - Transcending Free Will
- "The Divine Presence Within Israel is a Need of the People" - "Shechina BeYisrael Tzorech Hediot"
- Ramban on Shoftim - Does Jewish Society Exist in Chutz LaAretz?
- Ramban on Tetzaveh - The Shechinah within Israel
- Ramban on Parshat Haazinu - The History of the Jewish People
- Ramban on Ki Tisa - The Holy Half Shekel
- Ramban on Lekh Lekha: Fathers and Children - Maaseh Avot Siman LaBanim
- Ramban on Vayakhel Pekudei
- Ramban on Vayeira - Sedom and Pilegesh baGiv'a
- Ramban on Parshat Naso - Your Individual Task
- Ramban on Chayyei Sara: The Burial of Sarah in Eretz Yisrael - the Location of the Cave of Makhpela
- Ramban on Parshat Behaalotecha - Pesach Sheni
- Ramban on Toldot: Did the Avot Keep the Torah?
- Ramban on Shelach: Who Sent the Spies and Why?