Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'Thou shalt not be afraid of them' refer to in Deuteronomy 7:18?
A: The verse refers to the nations living in the Land of Israel that the Israelites were about to encounter. Hashem commands the Jewish people not to fear them, despite their greater numbers or strength, because He will assist in their conquest (Rashi, Ramban).
Q: Why does the verse tell us to remember what Hashem did to Pharaoh and Egypt?
A: Remembering the miracles of the Exodus—such as the Ten Plagues and the splitting of the Red Sea—strengthens our faith in Hashem's power. If He could defeat mighty Egypt, He can certainly help us overcome future challenges (Sifrei, Midrash Tanchuma).
Q: How can we apply this verse to our lives today?
A: When facing difficulties, we should recall past instances of Hashem's help—both in Jewish history and in our personal lives. This remembrance builds trust that He will continue to guide and protect us (based on Rambam's teachings on bitachon—trust in Hashem).
Q: What is the significance of the double language 'remember, you shall remember'?
A: The repetition emphasizes the importance of actively recalling Hashem's miracles. The Talmud (Berachot 12b) teaches that this reinforces our obligation to mention the Exodus daily, as we do in the Shema and prayers.
Q: Why does the verse specifically mention Pharaoh and Egypt instead of other enemies?
A: Egypt was the superpower of that era, and Pharaoh symbolized ultimate arrogance against Hashem. Their downfall demonstrated that no force can oppose the Divine will—a crucial lesson before entering the Land (Ibn Ezra, Sforno).
Context of the Verse
The verse (Devarim 7:18) appears in Parashat Eikev, where Moshe Rabbeinu reassures Bnei Yisrael not to fear the nations they will encounter upon entering Eretz Yisrael. The instruction to remember Hashem's miracles in Mitzrayim serves as a foundation for trust in divine protection.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Devarim 7:18) emphasizes that the repetition of the word "תִּזְכֹּר" (remember) teaches that one must actively and constantly recall the miracles Hashem performed in Mitzrayim. This remembrance serves as a spiritual antidote to fear, reinforcing emunah (faith) in Hashem's ongoing providence.
Rambam on Trust in Hashem
Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 7:15) derives from this verse that a Jewish army going to battle must not fear the enemy's numbers or strength, but rather trust in Hashem, who redeemed us from Mitzrayim. This principle applies not only to physical battles but to all challenges faced by Klal Yisrael.
Midrashic Insights
Practical Application
The Chofetz Chaim (in his commentary on the Torah) teaches that this verse instructs us to internalize the lesson of Yetziat Mitzrayim: just as Hashem intervened in the past, He continues to guide our lives. When facing difficulties, one should strengthen their bitachon (trust) by recalling past divine salvations.
Grammatical Nuance
Ibn Ezra observes that the verb "זָכֹר" is in the infinitive absolute form, intensifying the command. This grammatical structure underscores the necessity of deep, transformative remembrance—not merely intellectual recall, but an emotional and spiritual internalization of Hashem's miracles.