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Deuteronomy 4:45 - Divine laws after Exodus

Deuteronomy 4:45 - דברים 4:45

Hebrew Text

אֵלֶּה הָעֵדֹת וְהַחֻקִּים וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִים אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר מֹשֶׁה אֶל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּצֵאתָם מִמִּצְרָיִם׃

English Translation

these are the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Moshe spoke to the children of Yisra᾽el, after they came forth out of Miżrayim.

Transliteration

Eleh ha'edot vehachukim vehamishpatim asher diber Moshe el-bnei Yisrael betzetam miMitzrayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֵ֚לֶּה הָֽעֵדֹ֔ת וְהַֽחֻקִּ֖ים וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֑ים אֲשֶׁ֨ר דִּבֶּ֤ר מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל בְּצֵאתָ֖ם מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃
אֵ֚לֶּה הָֽעֵדֹ֔ת וְהַֽחֻקִּ֖ים וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֑ים אֲשֶׁ֨ר דִּבֶּ֤ר מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל בְּצֵאתָ֖ם מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 4:45) introduces the legal and ethical teachings that Moshe conveyed to Bnei Yisrael after their exodus from Mitzrayim. It emphasizes three categories of divine commandments: eidot (testimonies), chukim (statutes), and mishpatim (judgments). These terms reflect different aspects of Torah law, each with its own significance in Jewish tradition.

Explanation of the Three Categories

  • Eidot (Testimonies): These are mitzvot that serve as reminders of foundational events in Jewish history, such as Shabbat (commemorating Creation) and Pesach (commemorating the Exodus). Rashi explains that these commandments testify to Hashem's relationship with His people.
  • Chukim (Statutes): These are laws whose reasons are not immediately apparent, such as kashrut or the prohibition of mixing wool and linen (shatnez). The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:26) teaches that these mitzvot strengthen our commitment to divine authority, even when human logic does not fully grasp them.
  • Mishpatim (Judgments): These are ethical and civil laws, such as those governing monetary disputes or interpersonal conduct. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 56b) notes that many of these principles would have been instituted by human societies even without divine command, due to their inherent logic.

Context of the Exodus

The verse specifies that these laws were given "after they came forth out of Mitzrayim." The Sforno explains that the experience of slavery and redemption shaped Bnei Yisrael's ability to accept divine commandments. Only after achieving physical freedom could they fully embrace spiritual obligations. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 30:9) further teaches that the Exodus was a prerequisite for Matan Torah, as true service of Hashem requires liberation from human oppression.

Moshe's Role as Teacher

The verse highlights that Moshe "spoke" these laws to the people. The Ramban emphasizes that Moshe did not merely transmit the commandments but explained them thoroughly, ensuring comprehension. This aligns with the Talmudic principle (Eruvin 54b) that Torah must be taught with clarity and patience, as Moshe modeled for all future generations of Torah educators.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 32a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the reading of the Torah and the importance of the commandments given to the children of Israel.
📖 Sotah 37b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the transmission of the Torah and the role of Moses in delivering the commandments to the Israelites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 4:45 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 4:45 introduces the laws that Moshe (Moses) taught to the Israelites after they left Egypt. It refers to the 'testimonies, statutes, and judgments'—categories of Torah commandments that guide Jewish life. Rashi explains that 'testimonies' (עֵדֹת) are mitzvot like Shabbat and Passover that testify to major events in Jewish history, 'statutes' (חֻקִּים) are laws whose reasons may not be obvious (like kashrut), and 'judgments' (מִשְׁפָּטִים) are logical ethical laws (like civil courts).
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it summarizes the three types of commandments in the Torah, showing that Jewish law comes directly from Moshe's teachings at Har Sinai (Mount Sinai) after the Exodus. The Rambam (Maimonides) emphasizes in his works that these laws are eternal and binding, forming the foundation of halacha (Jewish law). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 56b) also connects these categories to the universal Noahide laws and the unique covenant with Israel.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 4:45 today?
A: We learn that Torah observance is structured and purposeful. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) teaches that these laws were given specifically after leaving Egypt to transform the Israelites from slaves into a holy nation. Today, Orthodox Jews follow these same categories of mitzvot—testimonies (like lighting Shabbat candles), statutes (like not mixing wool and linen), and judgments (like honest business practices)—as a way to live a sanctified life.
Q: Why does the verse mention the Exodus from Egypt?
A: The Exodus is mentioned because it was the defining moment when Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel) became a free nation ready to receive the Torah. Rashi notes that the laws could only be fully observed after leaving Egypt's idolatrous environment. The Haggadah also connects mitzvot to remembering the Exodus, showing that freedom comes with responsibility to follow Hashem's commandments.