1. The Command to Avoid Three Nations
In today’s parsha—Torah portion, we read how Hashem instructs Bnei Yisroel as they approach Eretz Yisroel. God tells them specifically not to start up with three nations: the people of Moyov, Edom, and Ammon. Bnei Yisroel are commanded to avoid conflict with these nations and instead go around them, rather than entering Eretz Yisroel directly through their territories.2. The Identity of the Three Nations
Who are these three nations? If we look back to the beginning of bris bein habesarim—covenant between the parts, when Hashem promises Avraham that his descendants will inherit the land of Canaan and its nations, ten nations are listed: Kaini, Knizi, Kadmoini, among others. Rashi explains that Kaini, Knizi, and Kadmoini correspond to Ammon, Moyov, and Edom. Interestingly, these three are mentioned first in the order of the pasuk—verse. Only afterwards are the other seven nations listed.3. The Future Inheritance of These Lands
It is precisely these three nations—Ammon, Moyov, and Edom—that Hashem tells Bnei Yisroel not to conquer at this time. According to Rashi, their lands are reserved for a future time when Mashiach will come. For now, only the lands of the other seven nations are given to Bnei Yisroel. This raises two questions: why are these three nations mentioned first in the Torah’s list? And what is unique about them compared to the other seven?4. The Deeper Meaning: Seven Emotions and Three Intellects
The Rebbe brings down from the Mitteler Rebbe that there is a deeper significance here. The seven nations correspond to the seven emotional attributes (middos) while the three—Kaini, Knizi, Kadmoini—correspond to the three intellectual faculties (Chochmah, Binah, Daas). Thus, when we speak of ten nations in total, they parallel our ten soul powers: seven emotions and three intellects.5. Our Spiritual Mission in Exile
The main spiritual work during exile is focused on conquering and refining our emotional attributes—the seven nations. Each person must work on transforming their natural inclinations and emotional tendencies. The conquest of intellect—the three higher faculties—will only be fully realized when Mashiach comes. At that time our intellectual connection and comprehension of Hashem will be vastly increased; we will be able to conquer even our minds so that our understanding is fully engaged in Torah and knowledge of God.6. The Order of Conquest and Its Implications
Perhaps this explains why the Torah lists Kaini, Knizi, Kadmoini first—they represent Chochmah Binah Daas, which precede emotion in the order of soul faculties. However, practically speaking during exile we can only “conquer” or refine our emotions—the seven nations—while full mastery over intellect awaits redemption.7. Chabad’s Role as Preparation for Redemption
This idea offers encouragement as we approach Tisha B’Av and mourn for the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash. Our inability to fully understand or appreciate certain spiritual matters is a result of being in galus—exile; it reflects that we have not yet merited complete revelation in this world. The work of Chabad—as taught by the Rebbe—is to use Chochmah Binah Daas, even now in a limited way relative to our current level, as preparation for Mashiach’s coming.8. Anticipating Ultimate Redemption
We should focus on developing our intellect within its current limitations but also recognize that true understanding will only come with redemption. May we soon merit that these days be transformed into days of joy and celebration—L’soson u’l’Simcha—and may Tisha B’Av become a true Yom Tov. With Hashem’s help we will soon see the coming of Mashiach Tzidkeinu speedily in our days.