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Deuteronomy 16:22 - Reject idolatry's stone allure

Deuteronomy 16:22 - דברים 16:22

Hebrew Text

וְלֹא־תָקִים לְךָ מַצֵּבָה אֲשֶׁר שָׂנֵא יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ׃

English Translation

Neither shalt thou set thee up any pillar; which the Lord thy God hates.

Transliteration

Ve-lo takim lekha matzeva asher saneh Adonai Elohekha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלֹֽא־תָקִ֥ים לְךָ֖ מַצֵּבָ֑ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר שָׂנֵ֖א יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וְלֹֽא־תָקִ֥ים לְךָ֖ מַצֵּבָ֑ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר שָׂנֵ֖א יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Erecting a Matzeivah (Pillar)

The verse (Devarim 16:22) states: "Neither shalt thou set thee up any pillar; which the Lord thy God hates." This prohibition is understood by Chazal as a specific ban on worshiping Hashem through the erection of a single stone pillar, even if the intent is for divine service.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 16:22) clarifies that while the Avot (Patriarchs) erected matzeivot (e.g., Yaakov in Bereishit 28:18), this practice became forbidden after the giving of the Torah because it was later associated with idolatrous customs of the Canaanites. Hashem despises it because it became a common form of avodah zarah (idol worship).

Rambam's Perspective

The Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 6:6) explains that this prohibition exists even if one intends to worship Hashem through the matzeivah, as it resembles the idolatrous practices of the nations. The Torah demands a distinct mode of worship, centered around the Mizbe'ach (altar) in the Beit HaMikdash.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • The Gemara (Sotah 32b) connects this mitzvah to the broader prohibition of imitating non-Jewish practices (chukot hagoyim).
  • The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 146) emphasizes that Hashem "hates" the matzeivah because it represents a corrupted form of worship, even if done with pure intentions.

Halachic Implications

Poskim rule that this prohibition applies in all times, even when the Beit HaMikdash is not standing. The Minchat Chinuch (Mitzvah 429) notes that it includes any form of single-stone worship structure, highlighting the Torah's insistence on proper avodah (service) without foreign influences.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 15a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the prohibition of erecting pillars, which were associated with idolatrous practices, and how this commandment reflects God's disdain for such objects.
📖 Avodah Zarah 53b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing idolatrous practices and the specific objects, like pillars, that are abhorrent to God, reinforcing the prohibition against them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 16:22 mean when it says not to set up a pillar?
A: The verse prohibits setting up a 'matzevah' (pillar), which was a type of standing stone sometimes used in idol worship. Even if intended for worship of Hashem, the Torah forbids it because it resembled pagan practices (Rashi on Deuteronomy 16:22, based on Sifrei).
Q: Why does Hashem hate the pillar mentioned in Deuteronomy 16:22?
A: Hashem dislikes the pillar because it was commonly used by idol worshippers in ancient times. The Torah wants us to serve Hashem in pure ways, separate from any practices associated with idolatry (Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Avodah Zarah 6:6-7).
Q: Does the prohibition against pillars in Deuteronomy 16:22 apply today?
A: Yes, the prohibition remains in effect. We must avoid any forms of worship that resemble idolatrous practices, even if our intentions are pure. This teaches us to serve Hashem only in the ways He commanded (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 179:1).
Q: What's the difference between an altar and the forbidden pillar in Deuteronomy 16:22?
A: An altar (mizbeach) made of multiple stones was commanded for the Temple service, but a single standing pillar (matzevah) was forbidden because it was associated with idol worship. The Torah distinguishes between proper and improper forms of worship (Talmud, Avodah Zarah 53b).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 16:22 about serving Hashem?
A: This verse teaches us that proper worship isn't just about our intentions - it must also follow Torah guidelines. We can't adopt foreign practices, even if we mean to honor Hashem. True service requires following both the spirit and letter of Torah law (Based on Rambam's Guide for the Perplexed 3:32).