1)

Why did the three tribes that comprised Degel Machaneh Reuven (Reuven, Shimon and Gad), encamp specifically in the south?

1.

Ramban (in Pasuk 2): Hashem said to Moshe: 'Reuven, the Ba'al Teshuvah, 1 shall encamp in the south, from where the dew and the rain of B'rachah emanate - because Teshuvah is a good Midah which causes Hashem's Mercy to descend upon the world; and next to him is Gad, the mighty one, 2 with Shimon (the sinner) in between them, so that they will atone for him. 3 They shall travel second!' 4


1

See Rashi, Vayeishev, Bereishis 37:29.

2

See ve'Zos ha'Berachah, Devarim 33:20.

3

To shield him from Ya'akov's curse (R. Chavel's footnotes).

4

Ramban: 'Because after Torah comes Teshuvah'.

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

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