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Deuteronomy 4:5 - Divine laws guide Israel's inheritance

Deuteronomy 4:5 - דברים 4:5

Hebrew Text

רְאֵה לִמַּדְתִּי אֶתְכֶם חֻקִּים וּמִשְׁפָּטִים כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוַּנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהָי לַעֲשׂוֹת כֵּן בְּקֶרֶב הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר אַתֶּם בָּאִים שָׁמָּה לְרִשְׁתָּהּ׃

English Translation

Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should act accordingly in the land whither you go to possess it.

Transliteration

Re'eh limadeti etkhem chukim umishpatim ka'asher tzivani Adonai Elohai la'asot ken bekerev ha'aretz asher atem ba'im shamah lirishtah.

Hebrew Leining Text

רְאֵ֣ה <b>׀</b> לִמַּ֣דְתִּי אֶתְכֶ֗ם חֻקִּים֙ וּמִשְׁפָּטִ֔ים כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוַּ֖נִי יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהָ֑י לַעֲשׂ֣וֹת כֵּ֔ן בְּקֶ֣רֶב הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר אַתֶּ֛ם בָּאִ֥ים שָׁ֖מָּה לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ׃
רְאֵ֣ה ׀ לִמַּ֣דְתִּי אֶתְכֶ֗ם חֻקִּים֙ וּמִשְׁפָּטִ֔ים כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוַּ֖נִי יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהָ֑י לַעֲשׂ֣וֹת כֵּ֔ן בְּקֶ֣רֶב הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר אַתֶּ֛ם בָּאִ֥ים שָׁ֖מָּה לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context and Overview

The verse (Devarim 4:5) is part of Moshe Rabbeinu's final address to Bnei Yisrael before they enter Eretz Yisrael. Moshe emphasizes that he has faithfully transmitted the Torah's laws—both chukim (statutes) and mishpatim (judgments)—as commanded by Hashem. The instruction to observe these laws is tied directly to their entry and settlement in the Land.

Explanation of Terms

  • Chukim: Rashi explains these as mitzvot whose reasons are not revealed to us, such as the prohibition of mixing wool and linen (shatnez) or the laws of kashrut. Their observance is a test of our submission to Hashem's will.
  • Mishpatim: These are laws with apparent logical foundations, such as prohibitions against theft or murder, which human intellect would dictate even without divine command (Rambam, Moreh Nevuchim 3:26).

Moshe's Role as Teacher

The phrase "לִמַּדְתִּי אֶתְכֶם" ("I have taught you") underscores Moshe's fidelity in transmitting Torah without alteration. The Sifrei (Devarim 49) notes that Moshe did not add or omit anything from Hashem's commandments, serving as the perfect conduit for divine instruction.

Connection to Eretz Yisrael

The verse links Torah observance to dwelling in the Land ("בְּקֶרֶב הָאָרֶץ"). Ramban (Devarim 4:5) explains that the mitzvot are intrinsically bound to Eretz Yisrael—many commandments (e.g., terumah, maaser, and shemitah) can only be fulfilled there. The Land itself responds to the moral and spiritual conduct of its inhabitants (Talmud Ketubot 111a).

Practical Implications

Moshe's emphasis on observing mitzvot "as commanded" teaches that performance must align with halachic precision. The Talmud (Eruvin 13b) derives from here that we must follow the majority rulings of Chazal, ensuring unity in practice. Additionally, the phrase "יְהוָה אֱלֹהָי" ("the Lord my God") reflects Moshe's personal relationship with Hashem, modeling how each Jew should internalize divine service (Sforno).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 4:5 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 4:5 means that Moshe (Moses) taught the Jewish people the laws and commandments exactly as Hashem (G-d) instructed him. These laws were to be observed when they entered and settled in the Land of Israel. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes the importance of following the Torah's commandments precisely as they were given, without adding or subtracting from them.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 4:5 important?
A: This verse is important because it underscores the divine origin of the Torah's commandments and the obligation to observe them fully in the Land of Israel. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that keeping the mitzvot (commandments) in the land is essential for maintaining a proper relationship with Hashem and ensuring the nation's spiritual and physical well-being.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 4:5 today?
A: We learn from this verse that the Torah's commandments are timeless and must be observed with sincerity and precision, just as they were given at Sinai. The Sforno explains that even today, whether in Israel or the diaspora, Jews are obligated to uphold the mitzvot as a way of connecting to Hashem and fulfilling their purpose as a holy nation.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 4:5 apply to Jewish life today?
A: This verse reminds us that the Torah's laws are not just historical instructions but a living guide for Jewish life. The Talmud (Kiddushin 37a) discusses how certain commandments are specifically tied to the Land of Israel, while others apply everywhere. This teaches us to be mindful of our obligations and to strive to fulfill them properly in all circumstances.
Q: What is the significance of 'statutes and judgments' in Deuteronomy 4:5?
A: The terms 'statutes' (chukim) and 'judgments' (mishpatim) refer to two categories of Torah commandments. Chukim are laws whose reasons may not be immediately clear (like kashrut), while mishpatim are logical laws (like justice). Rashi explains that both types must be observed equally, as they are all divine commandments from Hashem.