1 The heads of the ancestral houses of the Leviim approached the KohenElazar, Yehoshua son of Nun, and the heads of the ancestral houses of the Israelite tribes,
א וַיִּגְּשׁוּ רָאשֵׁי אֲבוֹת הַלְוִיִּם אֶל־אֶלְעָזָר הַכֹּהֵן וְאֶל־יְהוֹשֻׁעַ בִּן־נוּן וְאֶל־רָאשֵׁי אֲבוֹת הַמַּטּוֹת לִבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל׃
2 and spoke to them at Shilo in the land of Canaan, as follows: “Hashem commanded through Moshe that we be given towns to live in, along with their pastures for our livestock.”
ב וַיְדַבְּרוּ אֲלֵיהֶם בְּשִׁלֹה בְּאֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן לֵאמֹר יְהוָה צִוָּה בְיַד־מֹשֶׁה לָתֶת־לָנוּ עָרִים לָשָׁבֶת וּמִגְרְשֵׁיהֶן לִבְהֶמְתֵּנוּ׃
3 So the Israelites, in accordance with Hashem’s command, assigned to the Leviim, out of their own portions, the following towns with their pastures:
ג וַיִּתְּנוּ בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל לַלְוִיִּם מִנַּחֲלָתָם אֶל־פִּי יְהוָה אֶת־הֶעָרִים הָאֵלֶּה וְאֶת־מִגְרְשֵׁיהֶן׃
5 and to the remaining Kehatites [there fell] by lot 10 towns from the clans of the tribe of Efraim, the tribe of Dan, and the half-tribe of Menashe.
ה וְלִבְנֵי קְהָת הַנּוֹתָרִים מִמִּשְׁפְּחֹת מַטֵּה־אֶפְרַיִם וּמִמַּטֵּה־דָן וּמֵחֲצִי מַטֵּה מְנַשֶּׁה בַּגּוֹרָל עָרִים עָשֶׂר׃
6 To the Gershonites [there fell] by lot 13 towns from the clans of the tribe of Yissachar, the tribe of Asher, the tribe of Naftali, and the half-tribe of Menashe in Bashan.
ו וְלִבְנֵי גֵרְשׁוֹן מִמִּשְׁפְּחוֹת מַטֵּה־יִשָּׂשכָר וּמִמַּטֵּה־אָשֵׁר וּמִמַּטֵּה נַפְתָּלִי וּמֵחֲצִי מַטֵּה מְנַשֶּׁה בַבָּשָׁן בַּגּוֹרָל עָרִים שְׁלֹשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה׃
8 The Israelites assigned those towns with their pastures by lot to the Leviim—as Hashem had commanded through Moshe.
ח וַיִּתְּנוּ בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל לַלְוִיִּם אֶת־הֶעָרִים הָאֵלֶּה וְאֶת־מִגְרְשֵׁיהֶן כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה בְּיַד־מֹשֶׁה בַּגּוֹרָל׃
9 From the tribe of the Judites and the tribe of the Shimonites were assigned the following towns, which will be listed by name;
10 they went to the descendants of Aharon among the Kehatite clans of the Leviim, for the first lot had fallen to them.
11 To them were assigned in the hill country of YehudaKiryat Arba—that is, Chevron—together with the pastures around it. [Arba was] the father of the Anokites.
יא וַיִּתְּנוּ לָהֶם אֶת־קִרְיַת אַרְבַּע אֲבִי הָעֲנוֹק הִיא חֶבְרוֹן בְּהַר יְהוּדָה וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ סְבִיבֹתֶיהָ׃
12 They gave the fields and the villages of the town to Kalev son of Jephunneh as his holding.
יב וְאֶת־שְׂדֵה הָעִיר וְאֶת־חֲצֵרֶיהָ נָתְנוּ לְכָלֵב בֶּן־יְפֻנֶּה בַּאֲחֻזָּתוֹ׃
14 Jattir with its pastures, Eshtemoa with its pastures,
יד וְאֶת־יַתִּר וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ וְאֶת־אֶשְׁתְּמֹעַ וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ׃
15 Holon with its pastures, Debir with its pastures,
טו וְאֶת־חֹלֹן וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ וְאֶת־דְּבִר וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ׃
16 Ain with its pastures, Juttah with its pastures, and Beit Shemesh with its pastures—9 towns from those two tribes.
טז וְאֶת־עַיִן וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ וְאֶת־יֻטָּה וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ אֶת־בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ עָרִים תֵּשַׁע מֵאֵת שְׁנֵי הַשְּׁבָטִים הָאֵלֶּה׃
יז וּמִמַּטֵּה בִנְיָמִן אֶת־גִּבְעוֹן וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ אֶת־גֶּבַע וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ׃
18 Anatot with its pastures, and Almon with its pastures—4 towns.
יח אֶת־עֲנָתוֹת וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ וְאֶת־עַלְמוֹן וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ עָרִים אַרְבַּע׃
19 All the towns of the descendants of the KohenAharon, 13 towns with their pastures.
יט כָּל־עָרֵי בְנֵי־אַהֲרֹן הַכֹּהֲנִים שְׁלֹשׁ־עֶשְׂרֵה עָרִים וּמִגְרְשֵׁיהֶן׃
22 Kibzaim with its pastures, and Beth-horon with its pastures—4 towns.
כב וְאֶת־קִבְצַיִם וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ וְאֶת־בֵּית חוֹרֹן וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ עָרִים אַרְבַּע׃
23 From the tribe of Dan, Elteke with its pastures, Gibbethon with its pastures,
כג וּמִמַּטֵּה־דָן אֶת־אֶלְתְּקֵא וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ אֶת־גִּבְּתוֹן וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ׃
24 Aijalon with its pastures, and Gath-rimmon with its pastures—4 towns.
כד אֶת־אַיָּלוֹן וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ אֶת־גַּת־רִמּוֹן וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ עָרִים אַרְבַּע׃
25 And from the half-tribe of Menashe, Taanach with its pastures, and Gath-rimmon with its pastures—2 towns.
כה וּמִמַּחֲצִית מַטֵּה מְנַשֶּׁה אֶת־תַּעְנַךְ וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ וְאֶת־גַּת־רִמּוֹן וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ עָרִים שְׁתָּיִם׃
26 All the towns for the remaining clans of the Kehatites came to 10, with their pastures.
כו כָּל־עָרִים עֶשֶׂר וּמִגְרְשֵׁיהֶן לְמִשְׁפְּחוֹת בְּנֵי־קְהָת הַנּוֹתָרִים׃
27 To the Gershonites of the levitical clans: From the half-tribe of Menashe, Golan in Bashan—the city of refuge for manslayers—with its pastures, and Beeshterah with its pastures—2 towns.
כז וְלִבְנֵי גֵרְשׁוֹן מִמִּשְׁפְּחֹת הַלְוִיִּם מֵחֲצִי מַטֵּה מְנַשֶּׁה אֶת־עִיר מִקְלַט הָרֹצֵחַ אֶת־גלון [גּוֹלָן] בַּבָּשָׁן וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ וְאֶת־בְּעֶשְׁתְּרָה וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ עָרִים שְׁתָּיִם׃
28 From the tribe of Yissachar: Kishion with its pastures, Dobrath with its pastures,
כח וּמִמַּטֵּה יִשָּׂשכָר אֶת־קִשְׁיוֹן וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ אֶת־דָּבְרַת וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ׃
29 Yarmut with its pastures, and Engannim with its pastures—4 towns.
כט אֶת־יַרְמוּת וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ אֶת־עֵין גַּנִּים וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ עָרִים אַרְבַּע׃
30 From the tribe of Asher: Mishal with its pastures, Avdon with its pastures,
ל וּמִמַּטֵּה אָשֵׁר אֶת־מִשְׁאָל וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ אֶת־עַבְדּוֹן וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ׃
31 Helkath with its pastures, and Rehob with its pastures—4 towns.
לא אֶת־חֶלְקָת וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ וְאֶת־רְחֹב וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ עָרִים אַרְבַּע׃
32 From the tribe of Naftali, Kedesh in Galilee—the city of refuge for manslayers—with its pastures, Hammoth-dor with its pastures, and Kartan with its pastures—3 towns.
לב וּמִמַּטֵּה נַפְתָּלִי אֶת־עִיר מִקְלַט הָרֹצֵחַ אֶת־קֶדֶשׁ בַּגָּלִיל וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ וְאֶת־חַמֹּת דֹּאר וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ וְאֶת־קַרְתָּן וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ עָרִים שָׁלֹשׁ׃
33 All the towns of the Gershonites, by their clans, came to 13 towns, with their pastures.
לג כָּל־עָרֵי הַגֵּרְשֻׁנִּי לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם שְׁלֹשׁ־עֶשְׂרֵה עִיר וּמִגְרְשֵׁיהֶן׃
34 To the remaining Leviim, the clans of the Merarites: From the tribe of Zevulun, Jokneam with its pastures, Kartah with its pastures,
לד וּלְמִשְׁפְּחוֹת בְּנֵי־מְרָרִי הַלְוִיִּם הַנּוֹתָרִים מֵאֵת מַטֵּה זְבוּלֻן אֶת־יָקְנְעָם וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ אֶת־קַרְתָּה וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ׃
35 Dimnah with its pastures, and Nahalal with its pastures—4 towns.
לה אֶת־דִּמְנָה וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ אֶת־נַהֲלָל וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ עָרִים אַרְבַּע׃
36 From the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilad—the city of refuge for manslayers—with its pastures, Mahanaim with its pastures,
לו וּמִמַּטֵּה־גָד אֶת־עִיר מִקְלַט הָרֹצֵחַ אֶת־רָמֹת בַּגִּלְעָד וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ וְאֶת־מַחֲנַיִם וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ׃
37 Heshbon with its pastures, and Jazer with its pastures—4 towns in all.
לז אֶת־חֶשְׁבּוֹן וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ אֶת־יַעְזֵר וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ כָּל־עָרִים אַרְבַּע׃
38 All the towns which went by lot to the Merarites, by their clans—the rest of the levitical clans—came to 12 towns.
לח כָּל־הֶעָרִים לִבְנֵי מְרָרִי לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם הַנּוֹתָרִים מִמִּשְׁפְּחוֹת הַלְוִיִּם וַיְהִי גּוֹרָלָם עָרִים שְׁתֵּים עֶשְׂרֵה׃
39 All the towns of the Leviim within the holdings of the Israelites came to 48 towns, with their pastures.
לט כֹּל עָרֵי הַלְוִיִּם בְּתוֹךְ אֲחֻזַּת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל עָרִים אַרְבָּעִים וּשְׁמֹנֶה וּמִגְרְשֵׁיהֶן׃
40 Thus those towns were assigned, every town with its surrounding pasture; and so it was with all those towns.
מ תִּהְיֶינָה הֶעָרִים הָאֵלֶּה עִיר עִיר וּמִגְרָשֶׁיהָ סְבִיבֹתֶיהָ כֵּן לְכָל־הֶעָרִים הָאֵלֶּה׃
41 Hashem gave to Yisrael the whole country which He had sworn to their fathers that He would assign to them; they took possession of it and settled in it.
va-yi-TAYN a-do-NAI l’-yis-ra-AYL et kol ha-A-retz a-SHER nish-BA la-TAYT la-a-vo-TAM va-yi-ra-SHU-ha va-yay-sh’-VU VAH
מא וַיִּתֵּן יְהוָה לְיִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת־כָּל־הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּע לָתֵת לַאֲבוֹתָם וַיִּרָשׁוּהָ וַיֵּשְׁבוּ בָהּ׃
21:41 Hashem gave to Yisrael the whole country
Hashem fulfills his promise to the people of Israel, who live in and possess the land of Israel. The Ramban notes that there are three aspects to the Jewish People’s obligation regarding Eretz Yisrael: They are commanded to live in Eretz Yisrael, to build up the land through strengthening its Jewish community, and to maintain a sovereign government ruling over Eretz Yisrael. Thus, though it’s important for individuals to live in the Land of Israel, it’s also critically important that the nation of Israel has “taken possession of it and settled in it,” as this verse describes.1 comment
42 Hashem gave them rest on all sides, just as He had promised to their fathers on oath. Not one man of all their enemies withstood them; Hashem delivered all their enemies into their hands.
מב וַיָּנַח יְהוָה לָהֶם מִסָּבִיב כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר־נִשְׁבַּע לַאֲבוֹתָם וְלֹא־עָמַד אִישׁ בִּפְנֵיהֶם מִכָּל־אֹיְבֵיהֶם אֵת כָּל־אֹיְבֵיהֶם נָתַן יְהוָה בְּיָדָם׃
43 Not one of the good things which Hashem had promised to the House of Yisrael was lacking. Everything was fulfilled.
מג לֹא־נָפַל דָּבָר מִכֹּל הַדָּבָר הַטּוֹב אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּר יְהוָה אֶל־בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל הַכֹּל בָּא׃
The prophets were God’s chosen and inspired scribes, therefore; it is natural to want to drink from the wells of Jacob. “The Israel Bible” releases refreshing comprehension about words in scripture passages, and their origins. The creation of this work is brilliant. It will educate the educators, as well as the ordinary truth seeker. I believe it will help liberate many from the shackles of inaccurate theological interpretation and prepare them to meet the challenges that this understanding brings to the world.
Christians as well as Jews will find much to learn from this excellent resource as they study G-d’s word. I am confident that this special edition of “The Israel Bible” published in honor of Israel’s 70th anniversary will deepen the readers’ spiritual relationship with G-d, strengthen their bonds with Israel – land and people – and deeply enrich their lives. Thank you Rabbi Tuly Weisz for this outstanding work! And thank you for your tender heart for G-d and outstretched arms lovingly welcoming Christians as well as Jews to share in the treasures of our biblical heritage.
“The Israel Bible is a scholarly and religiously meaningful resource for the 21st century student. Tuly Weisz, in his highly accessible and graphically compelling work, successfully highlights the centrality of the Land of Israel in the biblical narrative. He presents classical biblical commentary in a user-friendly manner. A great resource for seasoned scholars and novice students.”
“This beautiful Bible should join – if not replace – coffee table Bibles worldwide. It provides insights about the central theme of the Jewish Bible, that God designated the Land of Israel to the Jewish People, and introduces sources from the time of Joshua to the times of Benjamin Netanyahu.”
“My congratulations to Rabbi Tuly Weisz for producing the world’s first Hebrew Bible dedicated to the relationship between the Land and the People of Israel. As a Christian Zionist pastor for four decades, I have collected more than 30 versions of the Bible and seven complete sets of commentaries to augment my studies. After spending time studying The Israel Bible, I can say it gives much clarity to what the original Hebrew text was saying. As Hebrew scholars, the writers give clarity and revelation to the Scripture in ways I have not had access to otherwise. This Bible is easy to follow and very informative. It makes my studies more enjoyable while reading the text, footnotes and quotes from many wise people. It is a great study Bible for all serious students of the Word.”
“Thanks to Rabbi Tuly Weisz for reminding us that, at its core, the Hebrew bible is a description of a love story between a people and its land, the Jewish people and the land of Israel. From its earliest history, Eretz Yisrael has been central to Jewish living and Jewish destiny. The Jewish people dwelt in it, pined and yearned for it and, in our day, has miraculously merited to return to it. Featuring clear translations, introductions and incisive commentaries written by a team of impressive scholars, transliterations and maps, this volume will be indispensable for adherents of all religions who appreciate the absolute fundamental importance of Israel for the Jewish people and for the world.”
“The Israel Bible is a remarkable work that will deepen the reader’s love for God, Torah and the Land of Israel. It seamlessly weaves together all of Jewish history, ancient and modern. Rabbi Tuly Weisz has published a Bible that reinforces its central theme: the existence of the people of Israel living in the Land of Israel, according to the Torah of Israel.”
“The Israel Bible comes at a very significant crossroads that Israel and the world have encountered. There is an awakening among the Nations, even amongst those who view themselves as part of the lost Ten Tribes, to understand and return to their Hebrew roots, after the depths of the Hebrew Bible have been “hidden” for almost two millennia. The Israel Bible provides a dignified yet smooth reintroduction to the multi-dimensional and awe-inspiring world of the Tanakh for all those interested in delving deeper. The contemporary commentary that could only been written in our generation, at a time when prophesies are being fulfilled in rapid succession, shows how much the Tanakh is still the guiding authority of our lives, providing us with a regained and reinforced acknowledgment of the Almighty’s ever-present Hand upon His People – the People of Israel, our return to the Land of Israel and Israel’s call to the Nations. The thoughtful transliteration makes the transition to speaking the authentic Word so much easier. Like training wheels, it gives the reader a boost of confidence that also he or she can now speak the eternal language once uttered by prophets, kings and the Most High Himself when He communicated His Word from Sinai.”
“Ki Mi’Tzion Tetze Torah, For from out of Zion will come Torah.” Congratulations to Rabbi Tuly Weisz for his monumental work, The Israel Bible. This Bible not only highlights the centrality of the Land of Israel and the modern miracle of the State of Israel, but helps the Bible scholar and student alike, with helpful charts, study notes, professional essays and a relatable translation of the Hebrew text. What a beautiful and poignant way to celebrate The State of Israel’s 70th birthday.”
“I am pleased that Rabbi Tuly Weisz and the fine group of authors he has assembled have created this relevant work. Based on the sections I have read, I am confident it will succeed in helping readers of Tanakh better understand its geographical context and better perceive some of its contemporary resonances.”
“Rabbi Tuly Weisz is to be commended for compiling this remarkable collection of insights from classical rabbinic commentary and contemporary Israeli figures. Through these focused comments, he consistently highlights the profound biblical connection between God, the people of Israel, and the Land of Israel. May this book inspire us to fulfill the central mission of Tanakh itself–that individual Jews, and the miraculous State of Israel, should live up to our monumental covenantal privilege and responsibility to live according to the Torah and to serve as a Light unto the Nations.”
“This excellent work connects all the dots. It draws the reader closer to the Almighty, to the Torah, and to the Land of Israel. Rabbi Tuly Weisz and his colleagues are to be congratulated, and thanked, for this inspiring and informative gift to all who share our history and destiny.”
“The Israel Bible is a publication whose time has come. In these very critical and tempestuous times it is especially important to understand the inexplicable connection between the nation of Israel and the Land of Israel and this is precisely what Rabbi Tuly Weisz has succeeded in doing in this timely translation of the Bible.”
“Ever since I made my first trip to Israel, the words of the Bible have seemed to leap off the pages. Through reading The Israel Bible, I am now gaining a deeper understanding through inspiring Jewish insight, which has always connected the Bible to the People, Land, and God of Israel. Thank you, Rabbi Tuly Weisz, for allowing non-Jews the opportunity to connect as well.”
“The Bible, the land, and the people of Israel are one, and The Israel Bible reminds us of this bond. You can’t read the Bible, the word of God, without understanding the significance of Israel—past, present, and future. In 1948, the prophecy came to pass in our own time and no one can disconnect the people from their land ever again. Now that the God and people and land of Israel are back together, history is happening here. Jews and Christians share a biblical heritage, and The Israel Bible shows even more clearly that this is the land God chose for the Jewish people.”
“My husband and I enjoy so much these devotionals. The Israel Bible quotes in Hebrew give me a chance every day to practise my basic Biblical Hebrew reading skills. Though we are not Jewish (we are Baptists) we understand that the Lord speaks through His Holy Word. Thank you for helping people to hear His voice.”
“Rabbi Tuly Weisz’s The Israel Bible is a disruptor among bible translations. His eloquent writing style and revolutionary connection made between ancient written prophecy and it’s modern day fulfillment is stunning. Brilliant to include such incredible evidence of the promises of God on the very pages it was first written. Comprehensive and interactive, this bible fills the time gap like no other translation. It truly leaves the reader inspired and in complete awe. Exciting times to be alive with this inspiring look to the future redemption of Israel and the world.”
“Very often people read the Bible and think that it’s a dogmatic book of commandments. Yet, from the very beginning until the very end, the Tanakh is the story of the Jewish people’s connection to the Land of Israel. When you open The Israel Bible and see those grey boxes on all 929 chapters containing lessons about Israel, you see that Israel is the Torah’s main theme and begin to understand the major role that it plays. The Israel Bible helps you understand that the whole Bible is all about the Land of Israel – and that is a message for all of humanity.”
“‘The Israel Bible’ is a treasure of a translation. But it’s more than that – beautifully illustrated, with rich cultural context. It will aid your study of Scripture as few English translations because of its authentic Israel-centrism. It’s a breakthrough for those seeking a fuller, deeper comprehension of what HaShem is is still speaking to us today.”
“It is said that one of the greatest gifts that the Jewish people have given to the world is their faithful copying and scribing and sharing of the Torah. Truly the living torah is the source of life; it is a light to the nations. No longer is the Old Testament to be found only on ancient torah scrolls, or in dusty books– it is now accessible through 21st century technology. We have a new gift to unwrap: it is TheIsraelBible.com. This recently released online bible, The Israel Bible is an incredible gift to all lovers of Torah and the Old Testament. It brings us into the 21st century in how we access and study the scriptures. For those of you who love to study the scriptures, this is a website you will want to save into your favorites and visit often. We thank the team of Jewish scholars who have poured their minds, hearts, labor and love into this amazing online resource. What a gift to the world!”
“The Bible is Israel’s greatest export to the world, and so it is impossible to think of the Bible without connecting it to Israel, its land and its people. For many years it has been in my heart to see a publication that would prophetically chronicle the ongoing miraculous story of the Bible. Rabbi Tuly Weisz is helping to fulfill that dream with The Israel Bible, which includes in its commentaries the ongoing story of the miracles associated with Israel’s rebirth. The Israel Bible is a teaching tool to help prepare the nations for when Jerusalem will be the worship capital of the world, and Israel with its Hebrew language will be center stage of universal blessings.”
It's really interesting to read how the Land was distributed among the tribes. It would be interesting to have a map which showed all these places. I did look at the maps onsite, but none of them were detailed enough.