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Deuteronomy 1:31 - Divine fatherhood in wilderness wandering

Deuteronomy 1:31 - דברים 1:31

Hebrew Text

וּבַמִּדְבָּר אֲשֶׁר רָאִיתָ אֲשֶׁר נְשָׂאֲךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ כַּאֲשֶׁר יִשָׂא־אִישׁ אֶת־בְּנוֹ בְּכָל־הַדֶּרֶךְ אֲשֶׁר הֲלַכְתֶּם עַד־בֹּאֲכֶם עַד־הַמָּקוֹם הַזֶּה׃

English Translation

and in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the Lord thy God bore thee, as a man bears his son, in all the way that you went, until you came to this place.

Transliteration

U'vamidbar asher ra'ita asher nesa'cha Adonai Eloheicha ka'asher yisa-ish et-b'no b'chol-haderech asher halachtem ad-bo'achem ad-hamakom hazeh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבַמִּדְבָּר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר רָאִ֔יתָ אֲשֶׁ֤ר נְשָׂאֲךָ֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר יִשָּׂא־אִ֖ישׁ אֶת־בְּנ֑וֹ בְּכׇל־הַדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הֲלַכְתֶּ֔ם עַד־בֹּאֲכֶ֖ם עַד־הַמָּק֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה׃
וּבַמִּדְבָּר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר רָאִ֔יתָ אֲשֶׁ֤ר נְשָׂאֲךָ֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר יִשָּׂא־אִ֖ישׁ אֶת־בְּנ֑וֹ בְּכׇל־הַדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הֲלַכְתֶּ֔ם עַד־בֹּאֲכֶ֖ם עַד־הַמָּק֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 1:31) explains that the phrase "כַּאֲשֶׁר יִשָׂא־אִישׁ אֶת־בְּנוֹ" ("as a man bears his son") teaches that Hashem carried Bnei Yisrael in the wilderness with great care and compassion, just as a father carries his child through difficult terrain. Unlike a hired carrier who might abandon his burden when faced with hardship, a father never abandons his son. Similarly, Hashem never abandoned Klal Yisrael, even in the most challenging moments of their journey.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (1:54), Rambam discusses the metaphor of divine providence. He explains that the comparison to a father carrying his son emphasizes Hashem's personal involvement in guiding and protecting Bnei Yisrael. This was not a distant or impersonal relationship, but one of deep, paternal love and concern.

Midrashic Insights

  • Sifrei Devarim (Piska 31): Expands on the imagery, stating that just as a father carries his son on his shoulders to protect him from dangers like thorns and snakes, Hashem shielded Israel from all harm in the wilderness.
  • Mechilta Beshalach: Compares the wilderness journey to a king who personally escorts his son through a dangerous forest, ensuring his safety at every step.

Theological Implications

The verse underscores the foundational Jewish belief in Hashgacha Pratit (Divine Providence). The wilderness, a place of vulnerability, became a demonstration of Hashem's constant care. This serves as a timeless lesson that even in our personal "wilderness" experiences, we are never alone—Hashem carries us with paternal devotion.

Halachic Connection

The Baal HaTurim notes that the word "נְשָׂאֲךָ" ("bore you") has the same numerical value (gematria) as "באמונה" ("with faithfulness"), teaching that Hashem's protection was an act of unwavering covenant loyalty. This reinforces the reciprocal obligation for Bnei Yisrael to serve Hashem with complete emunah (faith).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 35a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the Israelites' journey in the wilderness and God's care for them, likened to a father carrying his son.
📖 Berakhot 32b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing God's mercy and protection over Israel during their travels in the desert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that God carried the Jewish people 'as a man bears his son'?
A: This verse (Devarim 1:31) teaches that Hashem cared for the Jewish people in the wilderness with the same tenderness and constant attention that a father shows his child. Rashi explains that just as a father carries his son when the way is difficult, protecting him from dangers, so too did Hashem miraculously provide for all of Israel's needs during their 40 years in the desert.
Q: Why does the Torah compare God's care to a father carrying his son?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains that this comparison emphasizes Hashem's personal, loving relationship with the Jewish people. Just as a father doesn't abandon his child in challenging circumstances, Hashem never abandoned Israel - providing manna, water from Miriam's well, and protective clouds of glory throughout their desert journey.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: The Rambam teaches that remembering Hashem's constant care in the wilderness strengthens our emunah (faith). Just as He carried our ancestors, we must trust that He continues to guide and provide for us in every generation. This awareness should inspire gratitude and commitment to Torah observance.
Q: What specific miracles does this verse refer to?
A: The Talmud (Taanit 9a) lists several miracles alluded to here: the manna that fell daily, the traveling well of Miriam that provided water, and the Clouds of Glory that protected from heat, enemies, and smoothed the path. These showed Hashem's constant care 'in all the way that you went.'
Q: Why does Moshe remind the people about the wilderness experience?
A: As explained by the Ohr HaChaim, Moshe recounts this at the border of Eretz Yisrael to inspire gratitude and proper perspective. Remembering how they were completely dependent on Hashem's mercy in the wilderness should prevent arrogance when they become settled in their own land with natural means of sustenance.