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Deuteronomy 1:25 - Spies confirm God's promised bounty

Deuteronomy 1:25 - דברים 1:25

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקְחוּ בְיָדָם מִפְּרִי הָאָרֶץ וַיּוֹרִדוּ אֵלֵינוּ וַיָּשִׁבוּ אֹתָנוּ דָבָר וַיֹּאמְרוּ טוֹבָה הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ נֹתֵן לָנוּ׃

English Translation

And they took of the fruit of the land in their hands, and brought it down to us, and brought us back word, and said, It is a good land which the Lord our God gives us.

Transliteration

Vayikchu v'yadam mipri ha'aretz vayoridu eleinu vayashivu otanu davar vayomru tovah ha'aretz asher Adonai Eloheinu noten lanu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקְח֤וּ בְיָדָם֙ מִפְּרִ֣י הָאָ֔רֶץ וַיּוֹרִ֖דוּ אֵלֵ֑ינוּ וַיָּשִׁ֨בוּ אֹתָ֤נוּ דָבָר֙ וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ טוֹבָ֣ה הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ נֹתֵ֥ן לָֽנוּ׃
וַיִּקְח֤וּ בְיָדָם֙ מִפְּרִ֣י הָאָ֔רֶץ וַיּוֹרִ֖דוּ אֵלֵ֑ינוּ וַיָּשִׁ֨בוּ אֹתָ֤נוּ דָבָר֙ וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ טוֹבָ֣ה הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ נֹתֵ֥ן לָֽנוּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Devarim 1:25) describes the report of the twelve spies sent by Moshe to scout the Land of Israel. While the majority of the spies later delivered a negative report, this verse captures their initial positive acknowledgment of the land's goodness, affirming that it was a gift from Hashem.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 1:25) notes that the phrase "וַיֹּאמְרוּ טוֹבָה הָאָרֶץ" ("and they said, it is a good land") indicates that all twelve spies initially agreed on the land's exceptional quality. However, ten of them later contradicted this statement by spreading fear among Bnei Yisrael (Bamidbar 13:32). Rashi emphasizes that their initial words were truthful—the land was indeed good—but their later distortion of the truth led to severe consequences.

The Rambam's Perspective

The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:6) teaches that speech must align with truth and proper intent. The spies' initial praise of the land was correct, but their subsequent fear-mongering demonstrated a failure in emunah (faith) and bitachon (trust in Hashem). This serves as a lesson in the importance of consistent integrity in speech and belief.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Shelach 7) explains that the spies brought back enormous fruit to showcase the land's abundance, but their exaggerated display (carrying clusters of grapes on poles) was later twisted into a sign of the land's intimidating inhabitants.
  • Sifrei (Devarim 25) highlights that the phrase "אֲשֶׁר־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ נֹתֵן לָנוּ" ("which the Lord our God gives us") underscores that the land's goodness was inseparable from its Divine origin. The spies' later denial of this principle was their fundamental error.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Sfat Emet (Devarim 1:25) teaches that the spies' initial recognition of the land's goodness reflected a moment of clarity—seeing the land as a spiritual inheritance rather than merely a physical conquest. Their failure was in shifting focus from Divine promise to human limitations, leading to the tragic episode of the meraglim (spies).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 1:25 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 1:25 describes the report of the spies who were sent to scout the Land of Israel. They brought back fruits from the land as proof of its goodness and testified that it was indeed a good land that Hashem was giving to the Jewish people. Rashi explains that the phrase 'טוֹבָה הָאָרֶץ' ('the land is good') refers to the land's physical and spiritual qualities, showing it was worthy of being the Jewish homeland.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 1:25 important?
A: This verse is important because it highlights the initial positive report of the spies about the Land of Israel, affirming that it was a blessed and fertile land given by Hashem. However, as the Torah later recounts, most of the spies ultimately gave a negative report, leading to consequences for that generation. This verse reminds us of the importance of gratitude and trust in Hashem’s promises.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 1:25?
A: We learn the importance of recognizing and acknowledging the blessings Hashem gives us. The spies initially saw the goodness of the land but later succumbed to fear and doubt. The Midrash teaches that gratitude and faith are essential in receiving and appreciating the gifts from Hashem, whether it be the Land of Israel or other blessings in our lives.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 1:25 apply today?
A: Today, this verse reminds us to focus on the positive aspects of the Land of Israel and to appreciate its holiness and beauty, as our ancestors did. The Rambam teaches that living in Eretz Yisrael is a mitzvah, and this verse reinforces the idea that it is a cherished gift from Hashem. It also encourages us to maintain a faithful and thankful perspective in all aspects of life.