The 42nd Encampment

Yehoshua 3;1

Photo by Thomas Vogel on Unsplash

After Kalev and Pinchas returned from their mission to Yericho, the navi relates that Yehoshua was filled with enthusiasm for his mission to enter Eretz Yisrael, aiming to bring a tikkun to the world. Rising early the next morning, he journeyed from Shitim to the banks of the Jordan River, leading the Bnei Yisrael. Yet, they didn't proceed to cross immediately; they opted to spend the night by its banks.

וישכם יהושע בבקר ויסעו מהשטים ויבאו עד־הירדן הוא וכל־בני ישראל וילנו שם טרם יעברו

The pasuk interestingly describes their departure from Shitim with an added letter: "השטים", or "The Shitim". The Mishbetzos Zahav explains that to truly enter Eretz Yisrael, Bnei Yisrael had to leave behind all that Shitim symbolized. It was in Shitim where the incident with the Bnos Moav occurred. By leaving "The Shitim," they were purifying themselves, shedding the past, and preparing to step into Eretz Yisrael with renewed kedusha.

Additionally, the Gra¹ teaches that this final journey to the Yarden signified the 42nd encampment of the Bnei Yisrael. It was during this final leg of their journey that the people were finally able to leave behind any grievances and be fully ready to enter Eretz Yisrael.

The Yalkut Shimoni² explains Yehoshua's decision to wait until morning to advance towards the Yarden, rather than setting out immediately after receiving word from the Meraglim. He explains that Yehoshua was following the precedent set by earlier leaders: Avraham, Yaakov, and Moshe all began their pivotal missions early in the day. Furthering this thought, the Netziv³ adds that the early hours are particularly conducive to Tefilla, serving as an optimal time for spiritual preparation before facing impending challenges.

In his sefer Maavor Ha’Aretz⁴, Rav Avraham Remmer discusses the word 'וישכם', which means 'he got up early'. He uses an idea from Rav Kook's 'Olat Reiyah⁵ to explain this. The word shows that the people weren’t rushed into Eretz Yisrael. There wasn't any enemy chasing them or pushing them into the land. The people felt a calm and peaceful feeling, with no worries from behind or fears about what's coming next. They had a good sleep, and when they woke up, they were ready to achieve a big dream: going into the Land of Israel."

While we understand Yehoshua's decision to wait until morning to leave Shitim, a question remains: Why didn't he cross the Yarden on that very day? Why wait until the next?

The Malbim and the Ralbag explain that by having the Bnei Yisrael sleep on the banks of the Yarden, the miraculous splitting of the Yarden would occur in broad daylight, serving as a testament for the entire world to witness.

Rav Moshe Dovid Vali shares an insightful perspective. He explains that Shitim was a place of Din, signifying harshness or judgment. On the other hand, Eretz Yisrael radiated entirely with Chesed, denoting kindness. As one approached Eretz Yisrael, this kindness became more pronounced. The Yarden, being closer to Eretz Yisrael, had elements of this Chesed. Just as our eyes need time to adjust when transitioning from darkness to light, the spiritual journey from the harshness of Shitim to the full kindness of Eretz Yisrael required a step in between. The banks of the Yarden served this purpose, acting as a place of Hamtakas Hadinim—a sweetening of the harshness.

In both practical and spiritual views, it's evident that timing is key. Everything unfolds under Hashem's watchful eye. We all have moments of doubt, wondering why things happen when they do. Yet, our journey, with its ups and downs, is part of a bigger plan. Everyone's path is unique, but each step is timely in Hashem's grand scheme.

1. Yehoshua 15;1

2. Remez 13

3. Birchas HaNetziv on the Mechilta of Beshalach

4. Yehoshua 5;10

5. Olat Reiyah 1, pg 86