במדבר, פרק ל״ב, פסוק ל״ז

Building new cities on the eastern side of the Jordan River by the tribe of Reuben was much more than a physical construction project. It was a profound process of spiritual transformation. When the members of the tribe built cities such as Heshbon, Elealeh, and Kiriathaim, their underlying action was one of purification [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Originally, these locations and their very names were deeply tied to the idol worship practiced by their previous inhabitants. By conquering the area, changing the names of the cities, and repurposing them for holy goals, the tribe fulfilled a unique destiny. Their specific mission was to take the lowest, most physical aspects of the world and elevate them into a state of holiness. This spiritual task served as a direct continuation of their earlier efforts in the war against Midian and their firm promise to cross the Jordan River to fight alongside their fellow Israelites [חומש קה״ת].

In terms of physical construction, these settlements were built for security and endurance. The city of Elealeh, for instance, was designed as a highly fortified stronghold. It was surrounded by an exceptionally massive wall with unique proportions, built exactly as thick as it was tall [שפתי כהן].