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Exodus 23:33 - Idolatry's dangerous proximity warning

Exodus 23:33 - שמות 23:33

Hebrew Text

לֹא יֵשְׁבוּ בְּאַרְצְךָ פֶּן־יַחֲטִיאוּ אֹתְךָ לִי כִּי תַעֲבֹד אֶת־אֱלֹהֵיהֶם כִּי־יִהְיֶה לְךָ לְמוֹקֵשׁ׃

English Translation

They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to thee.

Transliteration

Lo yeshvu be'artzekha pen-yachati'u otkha li ki ta'avod et-elohahem ki-yihyeh lekha lemokesh.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹ֤א יֵשְׁבוּ֙ בְּאַרְצְךָ֔ פֶּן־יַחֲטִ֥יאוּ אֹתְךָ֖ לִ֑י כִּ֤י תַעֲבֹד֙ אֶת־אֱלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ם כִּֽי־יִהְיֶ֥ה לְךָ֖ לְמוֹקֵֽשׁ׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
לֹ֤א יֵשְׁבוּ֙ בְּאַרְצְךָ֔ פֶּן־יַחֲטִ֥יאוּ אֹתְךָ֖ לִ֑י כִּ֤י תַעֲבֹד֙ אֶת־אֱלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ם כִּֽי־יִהְיֶ֥ה לְךָ֖ לְמוֹקֵֽשׁ׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Exodus 23:33) appears in Parshat Mishpatim, where Hashem warns Bnei Yisrael about the dangers of allowing idolatrous nations to dwell in Eretz Yisrael. This is part of a broader set of commandments regarding the conquest of the Land and the eradication of idolatry.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "לֹא יֵשְׁבוּ בְּאַרְצְךָ" ("They shall not dwell in thy land") refers to the prohibition against allowing idol-worshipping nations to settle in Eretz Yisrael. He emphasizes that their presence would inevitably lead Bnei Yisrael astray, as stated: "פֶּן־יַחֲטִיאוּ אֹתְךָ לִי" ("lest they make thee sin against me"). Rashi notes that even if these nations do not actively persuade Jews to worship idols, their mere presence poses a spiritual danger, as their influence could lead to assimilation and idolatry.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 10:4) expands on this idea, ruling that it is forbidden to allow idolaters to reside in Eretz Yisrael unless they accept the Seven Noahide Laws. He derives this from our verse, which underscores the severity of permitting idolatrous influences to take root in the Land. Rambam further warns that interaction with such nations would lead to "כִּי־יִהְיֶה לְךָ לְמוֹקֵשׁ" ("it will surely be a snare to thee"), meaning their practices would entrap Jews into sin.

Midrashic Insights

The Mechilta (a halachic Midrash on Shemot) comments that this verse teaches the importance of maintaining spiritual boundaries. Just as one must distance oneself from physical dangers, one must also avoid spiritual hazards. The Midrash compares idolatrous influences to a "מוֹקֵשׁ" (snare), which traps a person before they realize the danger.

Practical Implications

  • The verse reinforces the Torah's strict stance against idolatry and its influence, mandating that Jews must not allow idol-worshippers to settle in Eretz Yisrael.
  • It serves as a broader lesson about avoiding environments or relationships that may lead to spiritual downfall.
  • Rambam applies this principle to halacha, requiring non-Jews in Eretz Yisrael to adhere to basic moral laws to prevent negative spiritual influence.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Avodah Zarah 36a
The verse is discussed in the context of the prohibition against allowing idolaters to reside in the land of Israel, as they may lead the Israelites to sin by worshipping their gods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 23:33 mean?
A: Exodus 23:33 warns the Jewish people not to allow idol-worshipping nations to settle in the Land of Israel, because their influence could lead the Jewish people to sin by adopting their idolatrous practices. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes the danger of spiritual corruption from foreign influences.
Q: Why is Exodus 23:33 important?
A: This verse is important because it teaches a fundamental principle in Judaism: the need to guard against negative influences that can lead to idolatry or spiritual harm. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 10:1) discusses how this commandment applies to avoiding relationships that could lead Jews away from Torah values.
Q: How does Exodus 23:33 apply today?
A: While the literal context refers to settling the Land of Israel, the principle applies today in being cautious about influences that could lead us away from Torah observance. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 36b) discusses how we must be mindful of cultural influences that may conflict with Jewish law and values.
Q: What can we learn from Exodus 23:33?
A: We learn that the Torah is concerned not just with our actions, but also with our environment and influences. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 30:15) teaches that this verse warns us to be proactive in creating a spiritually healthy surroundings for ourselves and our families.
Q: What does 'it will be a snare to you' mean in Exodus 23:33?
A: The phrase 'it will be a snare to you' means that foreign religious practices can entrap Jews spiritually, gradually leading them away from serving Hashem. Ibn Ezra explains that this is like a hidden trap that catches a person unaware, showing how negative influences can work subtly over time.