In this week's parsha, through chapters 20 and 21, the Jews are trying to make there way through the desert up to Israel. Along the way, they make requests to Edom, Amor, and Moab to be able to cut through their land, but their requests are denied. They are left with no choice but to travel around the outer perimeter of the Edomite, Amorite, and Moabite lands, where they are eventually able to overcome the Amorites and they end up settling in the land of the Amorites and the Moabites (which was overtaken by the Amorites). By looking at a map of their route, we can see that it appears as though their route took them much longer than if they had been able to travel in a straight path up from the Red Sea up to the Dead Sea. Is this accurate? How much farther did they travel due to their not being allowed to peacefully travel through these other lands?
We know that the Jews were at Mount Hor, where we learn of Aaron's death (Numbers 20;24-29). Let's use this stop at Mount Hor as a starting point for our calculations. So, to clarify exactly what we're investigating in order to answer our questions:
1) What is the distance between Mount Hor and Jericho (the city where Joshua first brought the Jews when they entered Israel)? I should note here that if the Jews took a more straightforward route, it's possible that their point of entry would not have been Jericho. For the purpose of calculation and comparison, however, it seemed the most logical point to use in order to maintain the same start point and end point.
2) What is the distance that was traveled instead, by going around these other nations? (For consistency, we will base our answer on the estimated route given on the map linked above.)
3) What is the difference between the distance of the straightforward route and the distance of the circuitous route?
The map that we're using conveniently gives us a scale to use to estimate the mileage. Using this scale, we can compare the distances.
Answer 1: If we draw a straight line between Mount Hor and Jericho and then measure this distance, we measure a distance of just less than 125 miles.
Answer 2: If we measure the combined distances along the estimated route given on the map, we measure a distance of approximately 312.5 miles.
Answer 3: To find the difference between the two distances, we take the longer distance (#2) and subtract from it the shorter distance (#1) to find how far the extra distance traveled was.
312.5 - 125 = 187.5
So, from our calculations, the Jews traveled an extra distance of 187.5 miles due to the circuitous route that they needed to take. Another way to look at this is that they traveled more than twice the distance that they actually needed to in order to reach their destination.
Mathematical Connection:
Using a map with scale measurements to measure distances allows students an opportunity to practice many important math skills which can be differentiated based on level:
*measuring with a ruler (either using a ruler to measure the distance and comparing it to the scale given, or using the scale measurement as a ruler replacement)
*using scale factor (a standard measure = a represented distance on the map)
*adding measured distances together- finding a successful technique for accurately measuring distances that may or may not be in a straight line (using string on the map to measure, marking locations on a marking paper to add distances, measuring with a ruler and adding measures together, etc.)
Additionally, such an activity also offers integration with and reinforcement of Geography skills.
Everyday Connection:
Have you ever needed to compare driving routes- whether just trying to get around town or when planning a road trip? Don't just rely on an app or GPS to tell you where to go. Check it out for yourself. Is your GPS really giving you the shortest route? (Of course, you'd have to take into account the speed limits on different roadways and other road restrictions that might keep you from really taking the most ideal route just based on looking at a map). How much farther do you need to travel if you choose to pass by a specific landmark or stop along the way?
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