How to Wage War

Parsha Pages | June 25, 2025

How to Wage War

ויצבאו על מדין (לא, ז) הקיפוה מד' רוחותיה, ר' נתן אמר, נתן להם רוח רביעית כדי שיברחו (ספרי)

In this dispute, Rambam states Rabbi Noson’s version as the accepted halacha. On what basis did the halacha follow the opinion of a single rabbi against the majority?

T.T. Yehoshua sent out three orders to the Canaanite nations prior to entering the land (Yesushalmi)

Who wishes to leave Canaan, may do so (Girgashi left and went to Africa).
Who wants to reconcile with the Jews, may do so (Givonim reconciled).
Whoever wishes to wage war, let them fight (31 Kings fought and lost).

Where did Yehousha know to use this technique to allow them to leave? Must have learned from Moshe Rabbenu in the war against Midyan to surround only on three sides; thus the law is like R’ Noson.

How to Wage War

ויצבאו על מדין (לא, ז) הקיפוה מד' רוחותיה, ר' נתן אמר, נתן להם רוח רביעית כדי שיברחו (ספרי)

In this dispute, Rambam states Rabbi Noson’s version as the accepted halacha. On what basis did the halacha follow the opinion of a single rabbi against the majority?

T.T. Yehoshua sent out three orders to the Canaanite nations prior to entering the land (Yesushalmi)

Who wishes to leave Canaan, may do so (Girgashi left and went to Africa).
Who wants to reconcile with the Jews, may do so (Givonim reconciled).
Whoever wishes to wage war, let them fight (31 Kings fought and lost).

Where did Yehousha know to use this technique to allow them to leave? Must have learned from Moshe Rabbenu in the war against Midyan to surround only on three sides; thus the law is like R’ Noson.

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Parsha Pages | July 29, 2024