Jewish Texts

Several commentaries interpret Moses's going to the people before his death.

Doing what is "right and good" in the eyes of God means promoting the values of the Torah beyond the explicit laws.

Moses teaches the people that their achievement of true fear of God will allow them to not fear any enemy.

Even during their long exile from the land of Israel, the Jewish people will retain their covenant with God, despite the punishments God exacts against the land.

The war against Midian teaches that when Israel does fight wars, they must fight with compassion and a minimum of casualties.

The two extended warnings for breaking the covenant reflect the changing relationship between the people of Israel and God.

The laws regarding the purity of the Tabernacle and the purity of military camps remind us to ensure the sanctity of all of our dwelling places.

The understanding that Israelite troops were addressed on two different occasions before they entered war reflects the idea that our reactions to war often depend on its imminence.

Just as God advocated for the property rights of Zelophehad's daughters, we should work to create economic opportunities for those who have lacked them.

People who translate zeal for God into violence must normally possess the qualities and ethics worthy of a covenant of peace.

Jewish sources suggest tears and tzedakah [charity] as two modern replacements for the Red Heifer.

Moses' fatal flaw is his inability to wean his people from their dependence on him.