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Deuteronomy 4:37 - Divine love chooses generations.

Deuteronomy 4:37 - דברים 4:37

Hebrew Text

וְתַחַת כִּי אָהַב אֶת־אֲבֹתֶיךָ וַיִּבְחַר בְּזַרְעוֹ אַחֲרָיו וַיּוֹצִאֲךָ בְּפָנָיו בְּכֹחוֹ הַגָּדֹל מִמִּצְרָיִם׃

English Translation

And because he loved thy fathers, therefore, he chose their seed after them, and brought thee out, he himself being present, with his mighty power out of Miżrayim;

Transliteration

Vetachat ki ahav et-avotecha vayivchar bezar'o acharev vayotziecha befanaiv bekocho hagadol mimitzrayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְתַ֗חַת כִּ֤י אָהַב֙ אֶת־אֲבֹתֶ֔יךָ וַיִּבְחַ֥ר בְּזַרְע֖וֹ אַחֲרָ֑יו וַיּוֹצִֽאֲךָ֧ בְּפָנָ֛יו בְּכֹח֥וֹ הַגָּדֹ֖ל מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃
וְתַ֗חַת כִּ֤י אָהַב֙ אֶת־אֲבֹתֶ֔יךָ וַיִּבְחַ֥ר בְּזַרְע֖וֹ אַחֲרָ֑יו וַיּוֹצִֽאֲךָ֧ בְּפָנָ֛יו בְּכֹח֥וֹ הַגָּדֹ֖ל מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Divine Love and Selection of the Forefathers

The verse states, "And because He loved thy fathers, therefore He chose their seed after them" (Devarim 4:37). Rashi explains that this refers to Hashem's love for Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov, which led Him to choose their descendants as His treasured nation. The Ramban expands on this, teaching that the love for the Avot was not merely emotional but rooted in their unwavering devotion to Hashem, which established an eternal covenant with their offspring.

The Exodus as a Manifestation of Divine Power

The phrase "and brought thee out, He Himself being present, with His mighty power out of Mitzrayim" emphasizes that the Exodus was a direct act of Hashem's intervention. The Sforno notes that the term "בְּפָנָיו" (literally, "with His presence") signifies that Hashem did not delegate the redemption to an angel but acted personally, demonstrating His unique relationship with Bnei Yisrael. The Ibn Ezra highlights that "בְּכֹחוֹ הַגָּדֹל" ("with His mighty power") refers to the unprecedented miracles of the Ten Plagues and the Splitting of the Sea, which revealed Hashem's absolute dominion over nature.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Mechilta teaches that the love for the Avot was so profound that it extended to their descendants "after them," ensuring the continuity of the covenant even when later generations faltered.
  • The Sifrei interprets "בְּפָנָיו" as an allusion to the Shechinah accompanying Bnei Yisrael during the Exodus, symbolizing divine intimacy and protection.

Halachic and Philosophical Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:1) derives from this verse that belief in Hashem's direct involvement in history—particularly the Exodus—is a foundational principle of Judaism. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 21) further connects this idea to the mitzvah of remembering the Exodus daily, as it reinforces our awareness of Hashem's love and providence.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 4:37 mean when it says 'because He loved your fathers'?
A: The verse refers to God's love for the Patriarchs—Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov. According to Rashi, this love was the reason God chose their descendants (the Jewish people) to inherit the Land of Israel and experience the Exodus from Egypt. The verse emphasizes that God's relationship with Israel is based on His eternal covenant with the forefathers.
Q: Why is God's choice of the Jewish people mentioned in this verse?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:3) explains that God's choice of the Jewish people demonstrates His direct involvement in history. This verse highlights that the Exodus was not random but a fulfillment of God's promise to the forefathers. The Jewish people were chosen to receive the Torah and serve as a 'light unto the nations' (Yeshayahu 42:6).
Q: What does 'with His mighty power' refer to in this verse?
A: The phrase refers to the miracles of the Exodus, particularly the Ten Plagues and the splitting of the Red Sea. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 5:14) explains that God displayed extraordinary strength to free the Jewish people from Egypt, showing His complete control over nature and human rulers.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today?
A: This verse reminds us that our relationship with God is rooted in His eternal covenant with our ancestors. The Sforno teaches that just as God redeemed our forefathers from Egypt, He continues to guide and protect the Jewish people. This inspires us to uphold the Torah and trust in God's providence.
Q: Why does the verse say God was 'present' during the Exodus?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 9b) explains that God did not send an angel to redeem Israel—He Himself intervened, showing His personal involvement. The term 'being present' (בְּפָנָיו) emphasizes that God performed the Exodus directly, demonstrating His unique relationship with the Jewish people.