share torah logo

Deuteronomy 9:14 - Divine wrath or mercy?

Deuteronomy 9:14 - דברים 9:14

Hebrew Text

הֶרֶף מִמֶּנִּי וְאַשְׁמִידֵם וְאֶמְחֶה אֶת־שְׁמָם מִתַּחַת הַשָּׁמָיִם וְאֶעֱשֶׂה אוֹתְךָ לְגוֹי־עָצוּם וָרָב מִמֶּנּוּ׃

English Translation

let me alone, that I may destroy them, and blot out their name from under heaven: and I will make of thee a nation mightier and greater than they.

Transliteration

Heref mimeni ve'ashmideim ve'emche et-shemam mitachat hashamayim ve'e'ese otcha legoy-atzum varav mimenu.

Hebrew Leining Text

הֶ֤רֶף מִמֶּ֙נִּי֙ וְאַשְׁמִידֵ֔ם וְאֶמְחֶ֣ה אֶת־שְׁמָ֔ם מִתַּ֖חַת הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂה֙ אֽוֹתְךָ֔ לְגוֹי־עָצ֥וּם וָרָ֖ב מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃
הֶ֤רֶף מִמֶּ֙נִּי֙ וְאַשְׁמִידֵ֔ם וְאֶמְחֶ֣ה אֶת־שְׁמָ֔ם מִתַּ֖חַת הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂה֙ אֽוֹתְךָ֔ לְגוֹי־עָצ֥וּם וָרָ֖ב מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Devarim 9:14) appears in Moshe's recounting of the episode of the Golden Calf (עגל הזהב), where Hashem threatens to destroy Bnei Yisrael due to their sin and rebuild the nation through Moshe alone. This reflects the severity of the transgression and the potential consequences had Moshe not interceded.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 9:14) emphasizes that Hashem's words "הֶרֶף מִמֶּנִּי" ("let me alone") are not to be taken literally, as Hashem does not need human permission. Rather, this phrasing teaches that divine decrees can be altered through sincere prayer. By saying "let me alone," Hashem was giving Moshe the opportunity to pray on behalf of the people, indicating that their fate was not yet sealed.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Teshuvah (3:7), the Rambam discusses how even severe divine decrees can be averted through repentance and the merit of righteous individuals. The threat of destruction here serves as a warning, demonstrating that teshuvah (repentance) can nullify harsh judgments, as ultimately seen when Moshe successfully pleads for mercy.

Midrashic Insights

  • Shemot Rabbah (43:1) explains that Hashem's statement "I will make of you a nation mightier" was a test for Moshe, to see whether he would prioritize his own honor or the survival of Klal Yisrael. Moshe's refusal to accept this offer demonstrates his selflessness.
  • Devarim Rabbah (3:11) compares this moment to a king threatening to disinherit his son, where the true intent is for the tutor (Moshe) to intercede. This reflects the dynamic of divine justice tempered by mercy.

Theological Implications

The verse highlights key principles in Jewish thought:

  • Divine Justice and Mercy: Even in moments of judgment, Hashem leaves room for advocacy and repentance.
  • Leadership Responsibility: Moshe's role as an intercessor models the duty of leaders to advocate for their people.
  • Collective vs. Individual Merit: The threat to rebuild the nation through Moshe alone underscores the tension between individual righteousness and collective responsibility.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is happening in Deuteronomy 9:14?
A: In Deuteronomy 9:14, Hashem is speaking to Moshe after the sin of the Golden Calf. Hashem tells Moshe to step aside so He can destroy the Jewish people for their rebellion and start a new nation from Moshe instead. This shows the severity of idol worship and how close Bnei Yisrael came to destruction before Moshe's prayers saved them.
Q: Why did Hashem want to destroy the Jewish people in this verse?
A: Hashem wanted to destroy the Jewish people in this verse because they had just committed the grave sin of worshipping the Golden Calf (עגל הזהב), violating the covenant they had just made at Har Sinai. As Rashi explains, this was an extreme betrayal so soon after receiving the Torah. The verse demonstrates how seriously Hashem takes idolatry.
Q: What can we learn from Hashem saying 'I will make of you a nation mightier'?
A: When Hashem tells Moshe 'I will make of you a nation mightier,' it teaches us about Moshe's tremendous merit. The Midrash explains that even at this moment of crisis, Hashem recognized Moshe's righteousness as being capable of rebuilding the Jewish nation. This shows the power of a true leader's spiritual stature to influence history.
Q: How did Moshe respond to Hashem's statement in this verse?
A: As the following verses show, Moshe didn't accept Hashem's offer to make a new nation from him. Instead, he immediately began praying and pleading for mercy for the Jewish people (Devarim 9:18-19). The Talmud (Berachos 32a) learns from this that even when a divine decree seems final, prayer can change the situation.
Q: Why is this verse important for us today?
A: This verse reminds us of several important lessons: 1) The severity of idolatry and abandoning Torah principles, 2) The power of teshuva (repentance) and prayer to avert harsh decrees, and 3) The importance of righteous leaders who advocate for the Jewish people. The Rambam teaches that these concepts remain eternally relevant in our relationship with Hashem.