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Deuteronomy 1:36 - Loyalty rewarded with land inheritance

Deuteronomy 1:36 - דברים 1:36

Hebrew Text

זוּלָתִי כָּלֵב בֶּן־יְפֻנֶּה הוּא יִרְאֶנָּה וְלוֹ־אֶתֵּן אֶת־הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר דָּרַךְ־בָּהּ וּלְבָנָיו יַעַן אֲשֶׁר מִלֵּא אַחֲרֵי יְהוָה׃

English Translation

save Kalev the son of Yefunne; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he has trodden upon, and to his children, because he has wholly followed the Lord.

Transliteration

Zulati kalev ben-yefune hu yirena ve-lo-eten et-ha'aretz asher darakh-bah u-levanav ya'an asher mile acharai Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

זֽוּלָתִ֞י כָּלֵ֤ב בֶּן־יְפֻנֶּה֙ ה֣וּא יִרְאֶ֔נָּה וְלֽוֹ־אֶתֵּ֧ן אֶת־הָאָ֛רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר דָּֽרַךְ־בָּ֖הּ וּלְבָנָ֑יו יַ֕עַן אֲשֶׁ֥ר מִלֵּ֖א אַחֲרֵ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃
זֽוּלָתִ֞י כָּלֵ֤ב בֶּן־יְפֻנֶּה֙ ה֣וּא יִרְאֶ֔נָּה וְלֽוֹ־אֶתֵּ֧ן אֶת־הָאָ֛רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר דָּֽרַךְ־בָּ֖הּ וּלְבָנָ֑יו יַ֕עַן אֲשֶׁ֥ר מִלֵּ֖א אַחֲרֵ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Merit of Kalev ben Yefunne

The verse (Devarim 1:36) highlights Kalev's exceptional loyalty to Hashem during the episode of the spies. Unlike the other spies who brought back a negative report about Eretz Yisrael, Kalev remained steadfast in his faith. Rashi explains that the phrase "מִלֵּא אַחֲרֵי ה'" ("wholly followed the Lord") refers to Kalev's complete devotion, as he resisted the influence of the other spies and even went to pray at the graves of the Avot in Chevron to strengthen his resolve (Rashi on Bamidbar 14:24).

Kalev's Reward

The verse specifies that Kalev would merit to enter Eretz Yisrael and receive the portion of land he had scouted. The Talmud (Sotah 34b) elaborates that this refers specifically to Chevron, which became his inheritance (Yehoshua 14:13-14). The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 3:4) cites Kalev as an example of one who repents wholeheartedly, as he initially joined the spies but later corrected his path entirely.

Contrast with the Generation of the Wilderness

  • Kalev vs. the Spies: While the other spies slandered the land and caused Bnei Yisrael to despair, Kalev and Yehoshua alone upheld the truth (Bamidbar 14:6-9).
  • Divine Favor: The phrase "זוּלָתִי כָּלֵב" ("save Kalev") emphasizes his exclusion from the decree against the generation of the wilderness, as noted by the Sforno, who explains that Kalev's unwavering faith earned him a unique covenant with Hashem.

Legacy for His Descendants

The verse also promises that Kalev's children would inherit the land, underscoring the principle of zechut avot (merit of the fathers). The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 16:1) teaches that Kalev's descendants, including Othniel ben Kenaz (a later judge of Israel), were worthy leaders because of his righteousness.

Lessons in Emunah

Kalev's story serves as a timeless lesson in maintaining faith despite external pressures. The Kli Yakar (Devarim 1:36) emphasizes that Kalev's heart was "complete" with Hashem, a model for resisting societal influences that contradict Torah values. His legacy reminds us that true devotion is rewarded both in this world and for future generations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 34b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the merits of Kalev (Caleb) and his loyalty to God, contrasting him with the other spies who brought a negative report about the land of Israel.
📖 Sanhedrin 111b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the righteous individuals who were granted entry into the Land of Israel, highlighting Kalev's exceptional faithfulness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Kalev (Caleb) rewarded with the land of Israel?
A: Kalev was rewarded because he 'wholly followed the Lord' (Devarim 1:36). Unlike the other spies who brought back a negative report about the Land of Israel, Kalev remained faithful to Hashem and trusted in His promise. Rashi explains that Kalev's heart was 'complete' with Hashem, showing unwavering faith.
Q: What does it mean that Kalev 'wholly followed the Lord'?
A: Kalev demonstrated complete loyalty to Hashem by standing firm in his faith despite the doubts of the other spies. The Talmud (Sotah 34b) teaches that Kalev went to pray at the graves of the Patriarchs in Chevron to strengthen his resolve. His actions showed true devotion, earning him and his descendants a portion in the Land of Israel.
Q: Why is Kalev mentioned separately from Yehoshua (Joshua) in this verse?
A: While both Yehoshua and Kalev brought a faithful report about the Land of Israel, Kalev is singled out here because he was from the tribe of Yehudah, representing the common people, whereas Yehoshua was Moshe's successor and had a unique role. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 16:10) highlights Kalev's personal courage in resisting the majority's negative influence.
Q: How does Kalev's reward apply to us today?
A: Kalev teaches us the importance of steadfast faith in Hashem, especially when facing challenges or peer pressure. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:1) emphasizes following the ways of the righteous, like Kalev, who remained devoted to truth. His legacy reminds us that trust in Hashem brings lasting blessings.
Q: What was special about the land given to Kalev?
A: Kalev received Chevron (see Yehoshua 14:13-14), a city with deep spiritual significance as the burial place of the Avot (Patriarchs). Rashi notes that Chevron was also part of the future inheritance of the tribe of Yehudah, showing that Kalev's faithfulness secured a lasting heritage for his descendants in a holy place.