The text poses a hypothetical: How do we know the same person built both cities? Maybe a different architect was involved.
The answer lies in the lineage of Cham, son of Noah. Genesis 10:6 tells us that "And the sons of Cham (the son of Noah): Kush, Mitzrayim, Put and Canaan". According to Sifrei Devarim, Cham built both Hebron and Tzoan.
But here's the kicker: which did he build first? Would he have started with something… less desirable, and then moved on to something beautiful? The text argues, quite logically, that it must have been the other way around! First came the beautiful, then the… well, the "refuse," as Sifrei Devarim so colorfully puts it.
In other words, Hebron, with its rich history and spiritual significance, was built first. Tzoan, in Egypt, came later, almost as an afterthought.
The reasoning behind this is simple: the soil of Hebron was choicer, better, more desirable than that of Egypt. It was therefore built first.
And here's where it gets really interesting. Sifrei Devarim presents an argument a fortiori — a powerful "how much more so" type of argument.
If Hebron, considered the "refuse" of Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel), is still better than the choicest parts of Egypt – which, let’s remember, was considered the choicest of ALL other lands – then how much MORE choice, how much more special, must the ENTIRE Land of Israel be? It's not just about real estate or fertile soil. It's about the inherent holiness, the potential, the unique character that permeates the Land. Even its least desirable parts surpass the best that other places have to offer.
It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, the greatest treasures are hidden in plain sight. And that the land itself can be a testament to something truly extraordinary.