1)

Why does the Torah insert "Harim"? What is the advantage of mountains over flat terrain?

1.

Rashi #1: Refer to 11:10:5:1.

2.

Rashi #2: In one Beis-Kur of flat terrain one can plant one Kur, whereas on a mountain one can plant five - four on the slopes and one on top.

2)

What is the significance of the fact that Eretz Yisrael's water supply comes from the rain of the heaven?

1.

Rashi #1: Refer to 11:10:5:1.

2.

Rashi #2 (in his commentary on the prayer for rain of R. Elazar ha'Kalir that is attributed to Rashi, citing the Sifri): It can be compared to a king who passed a poor man (with reference to other countries) lying on the street, and who ordered his servant to sustain him; but when he subsequently passed a poor man from a respectable family (with reference to Eretz Yisrael) lying in the street, he sustained him personally from his own treasury.

3.

Ramban and Rashbam: Refer to 11:10:1:2. 1

4.

Refer to 11:10:1:4.

5.

Ta'anis, 9b (according to R. Yehoshua) 2 : This Pasuk proves that rain comes from the heaven.


1

This is also the opinion of the Seforno, who comments on the current Pesukim that Eretz Egypt does not need rain, whereas Eretz Yisrael does - since there are insufficient rivers to provide all its needs - and continues - with a comment on the following paragraph - that the supply of rain depends on whether we keep the Mitzvos or not.

2

As opposed to R. Eliezer, who mantains tht the rain-water comes initially from the sea. See Torah Temimah, note 3.

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

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