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Deuteronomy 1:43 - Defying Divine command brings consequences.

Deuteronomy 1:43 - דברים 1:43

Hebrew Text

וָאֲדַבֵּר אֲלֵיכֶם וְלֹא שְׁמַעְתֶּם וַתַּמְרוּ אֶת־פִּי יְהוָה וַתָּזִדוּ וַתַּעֲלוּ הָהָרָה׃

English Translation

So I spoke to you; and you would not hear, but rebelled against the commandment of the Lord, and went presumptuously up into the hill.

Transliteration

Va'adaber aleichem velo shema'tem vatamru et-pi Adonai vatazidu vata'alu haharah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וָאֲדַבֵּ֥ר אֲלֵיכֶ֖ם וְלֹ֣א שְׁמַעְתֶּ֑ם וַתַּמְרוּ֙ אֶת־פִּ֣י יְהֹוָ֔ה וַתָּזִ֖דוּ וַתַּעֲל֥וּ הָהָֽרָה׃
וָאֲדַבֵּ֥ר אֲלֵיכֶ֖ם וְלֹ֣א שְׁמַעְתֶּ֑ם וַתַּמְרוּ֙ אֶת־פִּ֣י יְהֹוָ֔ה וַתָּזִ֖דוּ וַתַּעֲל֥וּ הָהָֽרָה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Devarim

This verse (Devarim 1:43) appears in Moshe Rabbeinu's recounting of the sin of the Meraglim (the Spies) and the subsequent rebellion of Bnei Yisrael when they attempted to ascend the mountain after Hashem had decreed they would not enter Eretz Yisrael at that time. The verse reflects their refusal to accept divine judgment after their initial lack of faith.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that "וַתַּמְרוּ אֶת־פִּי יְהוָה" (you rebelled against the commandment of Hashem) refers to their defiance of Hashem's explicit command not to go up to the mountain after the decree of the Meraglim. Their action demonstrated a lack of acceptance of divine justice, compounding their earlier sin.

Rambam on Presumption (זדון)

Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 4:1) discusses the severity of intentional sins (זדון), which this verse describes as "וַתָּזִדוּ." Unlike sins done in error, intentional rebellion requires full repentance and acknowledgment of wrongdoing. The people's willful ascent showed a brazen disregard for Hashem's word.

Talmudic Insight (Sotah 35a)

The Talmud connects this incident to the concept of "עזות פנים" (brazenness) in spiritual matters. Despite Moshe's warning and the Ark of the Covenant not accompanying them (as noted in the surrounding pesukim), they arrogantly proceeded, leading to their defeat by the Amalekites and Canaanites.

Midrashic Perspective (Devarim Rabbah 3:11)

The Midrash emphasizes that their actions demonstrated misplaced zeal. After failing to show faith when commanded to enter the land (with the Meraglim), they now showed zeal against Hashem's command—a tragic reversal of proper spiritual priorities.

Practical Lesson

  • Accepting Divine Decree: The episode teaches the importance of accepting Hashem's judgment, even when it contradicts human desires.
  • Timing in Service of Hashem: Zeal must align with divine will; acting presumptuously ("זדון") undermines mitzvah performance.
  • Leadership and Listening: Ignoring Moshe's words—the conduit of Torah—led to disaster, underscoring the need to heed Torah leadership.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 1:43 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 1:43 describes how the Israelites disobeyed Hashem's command by attempting to enter the Land of Israel after initially refusing to do so. Despite Moshe's warning, they acted with arrogance (זדון) and tried to conquer the land on their own, leading to failure. Rashi explains that this was a second rebellion after the sin of the spies.
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse teaches the consequences of disobeying Hashem's commandments and acting with arrogance (זדון). The Talmud (Sotah 44b) discusses how their presumptuousness led to defeat, reinforcing the principle that success comes only through following Hashem's will, not human calculations.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 1:43?
A: The verse teaches that true success comes from humility and obedience to Hashem's commandments. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah) highlights that the Israelites' failure resulted from ignoring Moshe's words and relying on their own strength. This reminds us to trust in Hashem's guidance rather than our own understanding.
Q: How does this verse apply to our lives today?
A: Just as the Israelites were punished for acting presumptuously without divine approval, we learn to consult Torah wisdom and rabbinic guidance before making major decisions. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot) teaches that humility and submission to Hashem's will are essential traits for a Jew.
Q: What does 'וַתָּזִדוּ' (acted presumptuously) mean in this context?
A: The term 'וַתָּזִדוּ' refers to acting with arrogance and defiance against Hashem's clear command. Ibn Ezra explains that it shows they knowingly rebelled after being warned. This contrasts with regular sins done out of weakness, emphasizing the severity of deliberately opposing Hashem's will.