דברים, פרק ב׳, פסוק י״ז

After decades of wandering in the desert and experiencing a distance from God, a new chapter of communication and preparation begins for the Israelites as they approach the Promised Land. This renewed divine communication does not happen in isolation. It occurs directly after the passing of the previous generation, showing that only when all the men of war had died did God resume speaking directly with Moses [ביאור יש״ר]. The primary approach among commentators is that there is a profound shift in how God communicates at this moment. During the thirty-eight years of divine rebuke in the desert, God used a form of communication that was brief and simple, which some believe only occurred in night visions. Now, with the passing of the desert generation, God returns to a deeper, more abundant form of communication. This shift expresses great affection and closeness, resembling two lovers talking face to face [חזקוני].

Another perspective understands this shift in communication differently, viewing it as a firm and strict command rather than an expression of affection. Earlier, when the Israelites were warned about the nation of Moab, God used a gentle tone to softly correct Moses, who had thought they should go to war. However, as the Israelites now approach the Ammonites, a stern warning is required because of the distinct ways these nations behaved. The people of Moab acted with arrogance, and as a result, the Israelites were permitted to present themselves fully armed, even though they were not actively fighting. The Ammonites, on the other hand, acted with modesty. Therefore, God issues a severe warning to the Israelites not to cause them any distress whatsoever. They are instructed to completely avoid displaying their weapons and instead pass by the Ammonites wrapped in simple cloaks, treating them exactly like brothers [שפתי כהן].

The conclusion of this divine message carries a lasting note of comfort, particularly for parents who have suffered the tragic loss of young children. God spared the nations of Ammon and Moab from destruction entirely because of the righteous descendants destined to emerge from them, such as Ruth and Naamah. This teaches a difficult but comforting truth: if a truly worthy descendant were destined to come from a child who passed away, that child's life would have been preserved. The comfort drawn from the story of Ammon is even more striking than that of Moab. While Moab eventually produced King David, a completely righteous leader, Ammon produced Rehoboam, who never reached that spiritual height. Yet, God still spared the entire Ammonite nation just for his sake [שפתי כהן].

Beyond the method of communication, the core message serves to prepare this new generation for the conquest of the land of Canaan. While God strictly commands the Israelites not to provoke the Ammonites, He also wants them to draw a powerful lesson of faith from their neighbors. Just as God helped the descendants of Lot and Esau defeat massive giants and mighty warriors so they could inherit their own promised territories, He will stand right beside the Israelites as they conquer their land. By seeing what God did for other nations, the Israelites can move forward with absolute confidence, knowing they have no reason to fear the current inhabitants of the land [אלשיך].