1)

What is the meaning of "va'Yarev ba'Nachal"?

1.

Rashi: He fought in the valley. Radak - this is from the root Riv (quarrel).

2.

Rashi citing Yuma 22b: He judged about matters of [Eglah Arufah, which is beheaded in] a valley. If for one murdered soul, the Torah says to behead a calf [to atone], all the more so for all these! If a person sinned [and must be killed], did the animals sin?! 1

3.

Radak: This is from the root Arav (ambush). This is Hifil, just the Aleph is omitted. Alternatively, it is Dagush (Pi'el), like va'Ye'erav; the Kamatz under the Yud supports this. The Aleph is omitted due to the Kamatz under the Yud.

4.

Targum Yonasan: He arranged his camp in the valley.

5.

Malbim: Kings do not normally make war without a pretext - "Mah Li va'Lach Ki Vasa Elai Lehilachem" (Shoftim 11:12). Sha'ul made a quarrel 2 , and said that the valley in front of Amalek's cities belongs to Yisrael. Amalek contested this, and this was the reason for the war. He erred. He did not need a reason other than Hashem's command - "Mesan'echa Hashem Esna" (Tehilim 139:21)!


1

Yuma 22b: A Bas Kol (voice from Heaven) said "Al Tehi Tzadik Harbeh" (Koheles 7:16)! Radak - i.e. do not try to be more righteous than your Creator!

2

Why was it not enough that Amalek attacked Yisrael twice in the Midbar? Perhaps it is because we already fought them and 'finished' those matters. (PF)

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