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Deuteronomy 6:12 - Forget not Exodus miracles.

Deuteronomy 6:12 - דברים 6:12

Hebrew Text

הִשָּׁמֶר לְךָ פֶּן־תִּשְׁכַּח אֶת־יְהוָה אֲשֶׁר הוֹצִיאֲךָ מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם מִבֵּית עֲבָדִים׃

English Translation

beware lest thou forget the Lord, who brought thee out of the land of Miżrayim, from the house of bondage.

Transliteration

Hishamer lekha pen-tishkach et-Adonai asher hotziakha me'eretz Mitzrayim mibeit avadim.

Hebrew Leining Text

הִשָּׁ֣מֶר לְךָ֔ פֶּן־תִּשְׁכַּ֖ח אֶת־יְהֹוָ֑ה אֲשֶׁ֧ר הוֹצִֽיאֲךָ֛ מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרַ֖יִם מִבֵּ֥ית עֲבָדִֽים׃
הִשָּׁ֣מֶר לְךָ֔ פֶּן־תִּשְׁכַּ֖ח אֶת־יְהֹוָ֑ה אֲשֶׁ֧ר הוֹצִֽיאֲךָ֛ מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרַ֖יִם מִבֵּ֥ית עֲבָדִֽים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 6:12) explains that this verse serves as a warning against spiritual complacency. When one lives in comfort and prosperity, there is a danger of forgetting Hashem's role in delivering us from Egypt. Rashi emphasizes that forgetting leads to denying Hashem's providence, as one may attribute success solely to their own efforts.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Avodah Zarah (1:3), Rambam connects this verse to the prohibition of idolatry. He teaches that forgetting Hashem's miracles in Egypt can lead a person to seek other sources of power and protection, ultimately resulting in avodah zarah. The Exodus must remain a constant reminder of Hashem's sovereignty.

Talmudic Insight

The Talmud (Berachot 5a) derives from this verse that one must acknowledge Hashem in both difficult and good times. Just as we cried out to Hashem during our suffering in Egypt, we must remember Him during times of comfort and abundance.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash Tanchuma (Eikev 7) states that forgetting Hashem leads to a chain of negative consequences:

  • First one forgets the Exodus
  • Then one denies Hashem's miracles
  • Ultimately one may come to worship idols

Sforno's Commentary

Sforno explains that the verse uses the term "מִבֵּית עֲבָדִים" (from the house of bondage) to remind us that our liberation wasn't just from physical slavery, but from the slave mentality that prevented spiritual growth. Forgetting this redemption means losing sight of our purpose as free servants of Hashem.

Practical Application

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 33) connects this verse to the mitzvah of remembering the Exodus daily. This constant remembrance serves as an antidote to forgetting Hashem, fulfilling both the positive commandment of remembrance and the negative commandment against forgetting.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 29a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the importance of remembering the Exodus from Egypt during prayer.
📖 Sanhedrin 56b
The verse is cited in the discussion of the Noahide laws and the prohibition of idolatry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 6:12 mean when it says 'beware lest thou forget the Lord'?
A: This verse is a warning to always remember Hashem (God) and not to forget the miracles He performed, like taking us out of Egypt. Rashi explains that when people become comfortable and successful, they might forget that everything comes from Hashem. The Torah reminds us to stay mindful of His presence and kindness in our lives.
Q: Why is remembering the Exodus from Egypt so important in Judaism?
A: The Exodus is a foundational event in Jewish history, demonstrating Hashem's power and love for His people. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that remembering the Exodus is one of the 613 mitzvot (commandments) because it strengthens our faith. We mention it daily in prayers and on Shabbat and holidays to keep it fresh in our minds.
Q: How can we apply Deuteronomy 6:12 in our daily lives today?
A: The verse teaches us to recognize Hashem's hand in everything—both in big miracles and everyday blessings. The Talmud (Berachot 12b) discusses saying blessings before eating to acknowledge that food comes from Hashem. By practicing gratitude and mindfulness, we fulfill the Torah's instruction not to forget Him.
Q: What does 'from the house of bondage' refer to in this verse?
A: This phrase refers to the slavery our ancestors endured in Egypt. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:12) describes how harsh the bondage was, making the redemption even more miraculous. Remembering this helps us appreciate our freedom and reinforces our commitment to serving Hashem with joy.
Q: How does this verse connect to the Shema, which appears earlier in Deuteronomy 6?
A: The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) commands us to love Hashem with all our heart, soul, and might. Verse 12 follows by warning us not to forget Him—meaning that true love requires constant remembrance. The Sages teach that reciting Shema morning and night helps us fulfill both commandments by keeping Hashem at the forefront of our minds.