Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 4:38 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 4:38 describes how Hashem (G-d) promised to help the Jewish people conquer the Land of Israel by driving out nations that were stronger and mightier than them. This verse emphasizes that the land was given to the Jewish people as an eternal inheritance ('nachalah'), as we see it today. Rashi explains that this refers to the miraculous victories Hashem granted Israel over powerful nations like the Canaanites.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it reaffirms the Jewish people's divine right to the Land of Israel as an eternal inheritance promised by Hashem. The Rambam (Maimonides) cites this principle in his discussion of the mitzvah to settle the Land of Israel (Hilchot Melachim 5:6). It also teaches us about Hashem's protection and miracles in Jewish history.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today?
A: This verse reminds us that the Land of Israel is our eternal inheritance from Hashem, as the Talmud states (Ketubot 110b) that living in Israel is equivalent to observing all the mitzvot. Today, it inspires Jews to value and connect with the land, whether through living there, visiting, or supporting it. The Sforno explains that this promise remains valid in every generation.
Q: What can we learn from the phrase 'greater and mightier than thou'?
A: The phrase teaches that the Jewish people's success didn't come from their own strength, but through Hashem's help. As the Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains, this shows that the conquest of Israel was a miracle - the nations were objectively stronger, but Hashem gave Israel victory to fulfill His promise. This teaches us to recognize divine assistance in our lives.
Q: What does 'as it is this day' refer to?
A: Rashi explains that 'as it is this day' refers to the time when Moshe spoke these words - the Jewish people were already beginning to inherit parts of the land east of the Jordan (like the lands of Sichon and Og). The Ibn Ezra adds that this phrase confirms the ongoing fulfillment of Hashem's promise, showing that His word is reliable in the past, present and future.
Context in the Torah
The verse (Devarim 4:38) appears in Moshe's speech to Bnei Yisrael, emphasizing Hashem's promise to grant them Eretz Yisrael by displacing nations greater and mightier than them. This theme recurs throughout Sefer Devarim, reinforcing the idea that their success is solely due to divine intervention rather than their own strength.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Devarim 4:38) highlights that the phrase "greater and mightier than thou" underscores the miraculous nature of the conquest. The nations were not only physically stronger but also more numerous. Rashi further explains that "as it is this day" refers to the present reality—Bnei Yisrael already possessing parts of the land east of the Jordan, proving Hashem's promise was being fulfilled.
Rambam's Perspective
In Moreh Nevuchim (3:32), Rambam discusses the broader theological principle: Hashem orchestrates history to fulfill His covenant. The displacement of mighty nations demonstrates divine providence over the natural order, ensuring Bnei Yisrael's inheritance of Eretz Yisrael as an eternal possession.
Midrashic Insights
Halachic Implications
The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 425) ties this verse to the mitzvah of settling Eretz Yisrael. The conquest was not merely for physical possession but to establish a society governed by Torah, where the land's holiness could elevate divine service.
Ibn Ezra's Linguistic Analysis
Ibn Ezra notes the phrasing "from before thee" (מִפָּנֶיךָ) implies a gradual process—Hashem would remove the nations step by step as Bnei Yisrael advanced, ensuring they could manage the settlement without being overwhelmed.