1)

Why does the Torah insert the Parshah about going to war here?

1.

Rashi #1: The Torah inserts it after "Ayin be'Ayin ... " to teach us that someone who is missing a limb may not go out to war.

2.

Rashi #2: To teach us that if Yisrael carry out justice and righteousness, they will win their battles. 1


1

Rashi: In keeping with the Pasuk in Tehilim, 119:121

2)

What are the implications of the words "Ki Seitzei la'Milchamah"?

1.

Seforno: It implies to fight a battle outside Eretz Yisrael, because regarding a Milchemes Mitzvah ? in Eretz Yisrael, nobody is sent home from the battlefield.

2.

Sifri: It implies a Milchemes R'shus (a voluntary battle), 1 from which a Chasan is exempt from participating. But when it comes to a Milchemes Mitzvah, 2 everybody is obligated to participate, even a Chasan and Kalah who have just got married.


1

See Torah Temmah, note 44.

2

See Torah Temimah in Pasuk 7 citing Sotah, 44b and note 37, who elaborates.

3)

Why does the Torah add the (otherwise superfluous) words "Ki Seitzei la'Milchamah al Oyvecha"?

1.

Rashi: Treat enemies as enemies ? without compassion, bearing in mind that (if they win) they will not have compassion on you.

4)

Why does the Torah write "Sus va'Rechev (singular)?

1.

Rashi and Targum Yonasan: Because in the Eyes of Hakadosh-Baruch-Hu, they are all like one horse and chariot (it is light ? trivial - in His eyes to trounce all of them).

5)

Having written "Sus va'Rechev" in the singular, why does the Pasuk then state "Am Rav mimcha"?

1.

Rashi: Because "Mimcha" implies that it is only to you that they appear to be a vast army, but to Hakadosh-Baruch-Hu they are like one man.

6)

Why does the Torah juxtapose the Parshah of going to war to the previous Pasuk?

1.

Hadar Zekenim (in 19:21): To teach us that only someone who pays money 1 and is not missing a limb is called-up to the army but not someone who is actually missing a limb.


1

Refer to 19:21:3:1.

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

KIH Logo
D.A.F. Home Page
Sponsorships & DonationsReaders' FeedbackMailing ListsTalmud ArchivesAsk the KollelDafyomi WeblinksDafyomi CalendarOther Yomi calendars