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Deuteronomy 3:24 - Divine power beyond comprehension?

Deuteronomy 3:24 - דברים 3:24

Hebrew Text

אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה אַתָּה הַחִלּוֹתָ לְהַרְאוֹת אֶת־עַבְדְּךָ אֶת־גָּדְלְךָ וְאֶת־יָדְךָ הַחֲזָקָה אֲשֶׁר מִי־אֵל בַּשָּׁמַיִם וּבָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יַעֲשֶׂה כְמַעֲשֶׂיךָ וְכִגְבוּרֹתֶךָ׃

English Translation

O Lord God, thou hast begun to show thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what god is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might?

Transliteration

Adonai Elohim atah hichilota leharot et-avdecha et-gadlecha ve'et-yadcha hachazaka asher mi-El bashamayim uva'aretz asher-ya'aseh chema'asecha vechigvurotecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֲדֹנָ֣י יֱהֹוִ֗ה אַתָּ֤ה הַֽחִלּ֙וֹתָ֙ לְהַרְא֣וֹת אֶֽת־עַבְדְּךָ֔ אֶ֨ת־גׇּדְלְךָ֔ וְאֶת־יָדְךָ֖ הַחֲזָקָ֑ה אֲשֶׁ֤ר מִי־אֵל֙ בַּשָּׁמַ֣יִם וּבָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יַעֲשֶׂ֥ה כְמַעֲשֶׂ֖יךָ וְכִגְבוּרֹתֶֽךָ׃
אֲדֹנָ֣י יֱהֹוִ֗ה אַתָּ֤ה הַֽחִלּ֙וֹתָ֙ לְהַרְא֣וֹת אֶֽת־עַבְדְּךָ֔ אֶ֨ת־גׇּדְלְךָ֔ וְאֶת־יָדְךָ֖ הַחֲזָקָ֑ה אֲשֶׁ֤ר מִי־אֵל֙ בַּשָּׁמַ֣יִם וּבָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יַעֲשֶׂ֥ה כְמַעֲשֶׂ֖יךָ וְכִגְבוּרֹתֶֽךָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Devarim 3:24) is part of Moshe Rabbeinu's plea to Hashem to allow him to enter Eretz Yisrael. Moshe acknowledges Hashem's greatness and mighty hand, recognizing that no other power in heaven or earth can compare to His deeds. The verse reflects Moshe's deep humility and awe of Hashem's sovereignty.

Explanation of Key Phrases

  • "הַחִלּוֹתָ לְהַרְאוֹת אֶת־עַבְדְּךָ" ("You have begun to show Your servant"): Rashi explains that Moshe is referring to the miracles and wonders he witnessed, such as the Exodus from Mitzrayim and the splitting of the Yam Suf. However, Moshe feels he has only seen the "beginning" of Hashem's greatness, yearning to witness more.
  • "גָּדְלְךָ וְאֶת־יָדְךָ הַחֲזָקָה" ("Your greatness and Your mighty hand"): The Ramban notes that "greatness" refers to Hashem's infinite wisdom and kindness, while "mighty hand" symbolizes His power to execute justice and control history.
  • "מִי־אֵל בַּשָּׁמַיִם וּבָאָרֶץ" ("What god is there in heaven or earth"): The Sforno emphasizes that this rhetorical question underscores the absolute uniqueness of Hashem—no celestial or earthly force can rival His actions.

Theological Significance

The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 2:5) teaches that Moshe's words highlight the principle of השגחה פרטית (Divine Providence)—Hashem's active involvement in every detail of creation. By acknowledging that no other entity can perform like Hashem, Moshe reinforces the foundation of Jewish monotheism.

Moshe's Humility and Yearning

Rabbeinu Bachya observes that Moshe, despite his unparalleled prophetic stature, refers to himself as "עַבְדְּךָ" ("Your servant"), demonstrating his humility. His plea to see more of Hashem's greatness reflects a tzaddik's unquenchable desire for closeness to the Divine, even after experiencing revelation.

Practical Lesson

The Malbim derives from this verse that a person should always recognize Hashem's hand in both grand miracles and daily life. Just as Moshe sought to deepen his understanding of Hashem's ways, we too should strive to perceive and appreciate Divine providence in our own lives.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 3:24 mean?
A: In Deuteronomy 3:24, Moshe (Moses) praises Hashem for revealing His greatness and mighty hand. He acknowledges that no other power in heaven or earth can perform deeds like Hashem's. Rashi explains that Moshe is expressing awe at the miracles and victories Hashem granted Israel, such as the defeat of Sichon and Og (Devarim Rabbah 2:2).
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it teaches the fundamental Jewish belief in Hashem's absolute power and uniqueness. The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 1:1-6) emphasizes that recognizing Hashem's greatness and sovereignty is the foundation of Torah. Moshe's words remind us to acknowledge Hashem's hand in our lives and history.
Q: What can we learn from Moshe's prayer in this verse?
A: We learn the importance of gratitude and recognition of Hashem's miracles. The Sforno notes that Moshe doesn't take credit for the victories but attributes everything to Hashem. This teaches humility and the proper way to pray—by praising Hashem before making requests (Berachos 32a).
Q: How does this verse apply to our lives today?
A: Just as Moshe recognized Hashem's greatness in his time, we must see Hashem's hand in our daily lives. The Chovos HaLevavos (Shaar HaBitachon) teaches that remembering past miracles strengthens our trust in Hashem during challenges. This verse encourages us to reflect on personal and national miracles.
Q: Why does Moshe say 'begun to show' if he already saw many miracles?
A: The Ohr HaChaim explains that Moshe understood that what he witnessed was only a 'beginning' of Hashem's infinite greatness. The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 23:15) states that even after the Exodus and Sinai, we only perceive a fraction of Hashem's glory. This phrasing teaches that divine understanding is an ongoing journey.