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Exodus 23:22 - Divine protection through obedience

Exodus 23:22 - שמות 23:22

Hebrew Text

כִּי אִם־שָׁמֹעַ תִּשְׁמַע בְּקֹלוֹ וְעָשִׂיתָ כֹּל אֲשֶׁר אֲדַבֵּר וְאָיַבְתִּי אֶת־אֹיְבֶיךָ וְצַרְתִּי אֶת־צֹרְרֶיךָ׃

English Translation

But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy to thy enemies, and an adversary to thy adversaries.

Transliteration

Ki im-shamo'a tishma b'kolo v'asita kol asher adaber v'ayavti et-oy'vecha v'tzarti et-tzor'recha.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּ֣י אִם־שָׁמ֤וֹעַ תִּשְׁמַע֙ בְּקֹל֔וֹ וְעָשִׂ֕יתָ כֹּ֖ל אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֲדַבֵּ֑ר וְאָֽיַבְתִּי֙ אֶת־אֹ֣יְבֶ֔יךָ וְצַרְתִּ֖י אֶת־צֹרְרֶֽיךָ׃
כִּ֣י אִם־שָׁמ֤וֹעַ תִּשְׁמַע֙ בְּקֹל֔וֹ וְעָשִׂ֕יתָ כֹּ֖ל אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֲדַבֵּ֑ר וְאָֽיַבְתִּי֙ אֶת־אֹ֣יְבֶ֔יךָ וְצַרְתִּ֖י אֶת־צֹרְרֶֽיךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Shemot 23:22) appears in the context of Hashem's promise to Bnei Yisrael as they prepare to enter Eretz Yisrael. It follows the commandments regarding proper conduct and justice, emphasizing the reciprocal relationship between obedience to Hashem's will and Divine protection.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi interprets the phrase "כִּי אִם־שָׁמֹעַ תִּשְׁמַע בְּקֹלוֹ" ("if thou shalt indeed obey his voice") as a call for meticulous observance. The double language of "שָׁמֹעַ תִּשְׁמַע" implies not only hearing but internalizing and fulfilling the mitzvot with diligence. Rashi further explains that "his voice" refers to the voice of the malach (angel) mentioned earlier in the parsha, who represents Hashem's presence guiding Bnei Yisrael.

Rambam on Obedience and Reward

Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 9:1) discusses the principle of reward and punishment, aligning with this verse's message. He teaches that Divine assistance in overcoming enemies is contingent upon adherence to Torah. The phrase "וְעָשִׂיתָ כֹּל אֲשֶׁר אֲדַבֵּר" ("and do all that I speak") underscores the necessity of complete commitment to mitzvot, not selective observance.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Mechilta connects this verse to the broader theme of zechut avot (merit of the ancestors), suggesting that Bnei Yisrael's obedience activates both their own merits and those of their forefathers.
  • Sifrei emphasizes that "I will be an enemy to thy enemies" is a promise of hashgacha pratit (Divine providence) in times of conflict, but only when Israel upholds its covenant.

Ibn Ezra on the Conditional Nature

Ibn Ezra highlights the conditional phrasing of the verse, noting that Hashem's protection is not automatic but dependent on Bnei Yisrael's actions. The terms "אֹיְבֶיךָ" ("thy enemies") and "צֹרְרֶיךָ" ("thy adversaries") are interpreted as encompassing both physical and spiritual threats, with Hashem's intervention extending to all challenges faced by the nation.

Practical Implication in Halacha

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 80) derives from this verse the importance of emunah (faith) in Hashem's providence. It teaches that trust in Divine protection must be coupled with active fulfillment of mitzvot, as the two are inextricably linked.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 23:22 mean?
A: Exodus 23:22 teaches that if the Jewish people listen to Hashem's voice and fulfill His commandments, He will protect them by opposing their enemies. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes the importance of complete obedience to Hashem's will, not just selective observance.
Q: Why is listening to Hashem's voice important in this verse?
A: The double language of 'שָׁמֹעַ תִּשְׁמַע' (literally 'listen, you shall listen') teaches that we must be diligent in both learning Torah and fulfilling mitzvot. The Rambam explains that true service of Hashem requires attentive listening to His commandments and consistent action.
Q: How does this verse apply to our lives today?
A: This verse reminds us that our relationship with Hashem is reciprocal - when we commit to Torah observance, Hashem provides divine protection. The Talmud (Berachot 5a) teaches that challenges may come, but Hashem assists those who are faithful to Him.
Q: What does it mean that Hashem will be an 'enemy to your enemies'?
A: The Midrash (Mechilta) explains this as a promise of divine intervention - when the Jewish people are loyal to Torah, Hashem actively opposes those who seek to harm them. This includes both physical enemies and spiritual challenges that oppose Torah values.
Q: What is the connection between doing mitzvot and divine protection?
A: The verse establishes that keeping mitzvot brings Hashem's protection. The Sforno explains that this isn't automatic - it requires sincere effort in Torah study and mitzvah observance. When we prioritize our relationship with Hashem, He prioritizes our wellbeing.