The Four Names of Debir and the Praise of the Land of Israel

Yalkut Shimoni on Nach 24:2

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"And the name of Debir formerly was Kiriath-Sefer" (Judges 1:11). And in another place it says, "Danah and Kiriath-Sannah, that is Debir" (Joshua 15:49). It turns out there are four names for it. And what need do the inhabitants of the world have in this? Rather, it is that four kingdoms were contending over it, this one saying "it shall be called by my name" and that one saying "it shall be called by my name." And are these matters not a fortiori? If even the refuse of the Land of Israel — they contend over it — how much more so for the praise of the Land of Israel! Similarly: "Go up to this Mount Abarim, Mount Nebo" (Deuteronomy 32:49), and in another place it says, "Go up to the top of Pisgah" (Deuteronomy 3:27). It turns out it is called by three names. And what need do the inhabitants of the world have, and so forth.

Themes

Holy LandNationsMoses

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