במדבר, פרק ל״ד, פסוק ג׳

The precise mapping of the Land of Israel begins by tracing its southern border. This geographical detailing serves as much more than a political or historical marker; it carries profound spiritual weight. Because numerous Commandments apply exclusively within the Land, the Israelites must know exactly where the boundary lies to observe the Torah correctly [רבנו בחיי].

Rather than a simple, straight line, the boundary is winding and curved. This specific shape intentionally brings certain areas into the sacred borders of the Land [לבוש האורה]. Furthermore, the winding path weaves the tribal territories into one another. This intertwining ensures that the Israelites remain a single, unified nation serving God with one heart. It prevents physical distance from fracturing them into separate, warring factions with different laws [שפתי כהן].

The boundary outlines the entire southern side, stretching from east to west, rather than just marking a single corner [רש״י, מזרחי, שפתי חכמים]. The border originates at the southeastern edge of the Land [רש״ר הירש, שטיינזלץ]. The easternmost point of this southern border begins exactly at the southern tip of the Dead Sea, extending eastward from there [שטיינזלץ]. From that area, it runs through the wilderness directly adjacent to the territory of Edom [רשב״ם, רבנו בחיי, אבן עזרא, שטיינזלץ]. Beyond simple geography, this physical closeness hints at a future era when Edom will also become part of Israel's inheritance [שפתי כהן].

The exact placement of the neighboring nations along this southern route is a matter of discussion. The primary approach among commentators places the adjacent wilderness at the southeastern corner of the lands belonging to the nine tribes [רש״י, שפתי חכמים]. According to this view, three distinct lands sat south of Israel: Egypt occupied the southwest with the Nile river serving as its border [שפתי חכמים, ברכת אשר על התורה], Edom sat in the center of the south, and Moab was located at the far southeastern end. During their desert travels, the Israelites circled south of Edom and Moab until they reached the east, only then turning north to conquer the lands across the Jordan river [רש״י]. However, an alternative perspective argues that Moab was not located south of Israel at all, but sat entirely to the east, leaving only Edom positioned in the southeastern corner [העמק דבר].