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Deuteronomy 5:26 - Eternal heart for mitzvot?

Deuteronomy 5:26 - דברים 5:26

Hebrew Text

מִי־יִתֵּן וְהָיָה לְבָבָם זֶה לָהֶם לְיִרְאָה אֹתִי וְלִשְׁמֹר אֶת־כָּל־מִצְוֺתַי כָּל־הַיָּמִים לְמַעַן יִיטַב לָהֶם וְלִבְנֵיהֶם לְעֹלָם׃

English Translation

O that there were such a heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

Transliteration

Mi-yiten vehaya levavam zeh lahem lir'ah oti velishmor et-kol-mitzvotai kol-hayamim lema'an yitav lahem velivneihem le'olam.

Hebrew Leining Text

מִֽי־יִתֵּ֡ן וְהָיָה֩ לְבָבָ֨ם זֶ֜ה לָהֶ֗ם לְיִרְאָ֥ה אֹתִ֛י וְלִשְׁמֹ֥ר אֶת־כׇּל־מִצְוֺתַ֖י כׇּל־הַיָּמִ֑ים לְמַ֨עַן יִיטַ֥ב לָהֶ֛ם וְלִבְנֵיהֶ֖ם לְעֹלָֽם׃
מִֽי־יִתֵּ֡ן וְהָיָה֩ לְבָבָ֨ם זֶ֜ה לָהֶ֗ם לְיִרְאָ֥ה אֹתִ֛י וְלִשְׁמֹ֥ר אֶת־כׇּל־מִצְוֺתַ֖י כׇּל־הַיָּמִ֑ים לְמַ֨עַן יִיטַ֥ב לָהֶ֛ם וְלִבְנֵיהֶ֖ם לְעֹלָֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse's Context

The verse (Devarim 5:26) appears in Moshe's recounting of the revelation at Har Sinai, following the Aseret HaDibrot (Ten Commandments). Rashi explains that this statement reflects Hashem's desire for Bnei Yisrael to maintain the same awe and commitment they displayed at Har Sinai throughout all generations. The phrase "מִי־יִתֵּן" ("O that") expresses a divine wish for their hearts to remain steadfast in yirat Shamayim (fear of Heaven) and mitzvah observance.

The Nature of "Such a Heart"

The Sforno clarifies that "לְבָבָם זֶה" ("such a heart") refers to the complete unity of heart and mind in serving Hashem, as Bnei Yisrael experienced at Har Sinai. The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 2:2) emphasizes that true yirah (fear) is the foundation for proper mitzvah observance, leading to lasting spiritual and material blessings for oneself and future generations.

Eternal Consequences of Proper Fear

  • The phrase "לְמַעַן יִיטַב לָהֶם" ("that it might be well with them") is interpreted by the Or HaChaim as referring to both Olam HaZeh (this world) and Olam HaBa (the World to Come).
  • Ibn Ezra notes that the promise extends to children ("וְלִבְנֵיהֶם") because proper chinuch (education) rooted in yirah creates an eternal chain of righteousness.
  • The Kli Yakar connects this to the concept of zechut avot (merit of the fathers), showing how proper observance benefits future generations.

Practical Lessons from the Verse

The Meshech Chochmah teaches that this verse reminds us that Torah observance must be constant ("כָּל־הַיָּמִים") and not dependent on emotional highs like Har Sinai. The Chofetz Chaim (in Shemirat HaLashon) derives that maintaining proper yirah requires guarding one's speech and actions at all times, as the verse emphasizes "all My commandments" - indicating comprehensive observance.

The Divine Wish as a Call to Action

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch explains that Hashem's expression of desire ("מִי־יִתֵּן") serves as an eternal invitation for each Jew to cultivate this ideal state of heart. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) adds that while the generation at Har Sinai achieved this temporarily, the verse sets this as the ongoing aspiration for all Jews throughout history.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 29b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the importance of having a heart inclined to fear God and observe His commandments, as part of a broader discussion on prayer and divine service.
📖 Avodah Zarah 5a
Cited in a discussion about the nature of human inclination towards good and evil, and God's desire for people to choose the path of righteousness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 5:26 mean?
A: In Deuteronomy 5:26, Moshe (Moses) expresses a heartfelt wish that the Jewish people would always have the proper reverence for Hashem and faithfully observe all His commandments. Rashi explains that this verse reflects Moshe's deep desire for the people to maintain their commitment to Torah not just in that moment at Mount Sinai, but for all generations. The verse concludes by noting that this proper observance leads to wellbeing for both the people and their descendants.
Q: Why is fearing Hashem important according to this verse?
A: The verse connects 'fearing Hashem' with keeping the commandments, showing that awe of G-d is the foundation for proper Torah observance. The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 2:1-2) teaches that yirat Shamayim (fear of Heaven) is essential because it leads us to refrain from sinning even when no human is watching. This verse emphasizes that such sincere reverence is what enables lasting observance and brings blessings.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse reminds us that our relationship with Hashem must be constant ('all the days') and passed down to our children. The Sforno notes that the phrase 'that it might be well with them' teaches that true wellbeing comes specifically from this consistent commitment. Today, we apply this by working to internalize Torah values, making them part of our daily lives, and ensuring our children receive a proper Jewish education.
Q: What does 'that it might be well with them and their children' mean?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 7a) explains that when Jews properly fear Hashem and keep mitzvot, they merit both material and spiritual blessings. However, the Ibn Ezra emphasizes that the primary 'wellbeing' refers to spiritual reward in Olam Haba (the World to Come). The mention of children teaches that our proper observance creates a lasting legacy, as explained in the Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) - our mitzvot bring blessings to future generations.
Q: Why does Moshe say 'O that there were such a heart in them'?
A: Rashi explains that Moshe said this after the Jewish people initially accepted the Torah with enthusiasm at Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:7), but he wished this same wholehearted commitment would continue forever. The Kli Yakar adds that Moshe recognized human nature - people often start mitzvot with excitement that fades. His prayer was for their initial inspiration to become permanent. This teaches us the importance of working to maintain our spiritual enthusiasm beyond initial inspiration.