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Deuteronomy 26:7 - Divine response to suffering's cry

Deuteronomy 26:7 - דברים 26:7

Hebrew Text

וַנִּצְעַק אֶל־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי אֲבֹתֵינוּ וַיִּשְׁמַע יְהוָה אֶת־קֹלֵנוּ וַיַּרְא אֶת־עָנְיֵנוּ וְאֶת־עֲמָלֵנוּ וְאֶת־לַחֲצֵנוּ׃

English Translation

and when we cried to the Lord God of our fathers, the Lord heard our voice, and looked on our affliction, and our labour, and our oppression:

Transliteration

Vanitzak el-Adonai Elohei avoteinu vayishma Adonai et-koleinu vayar et-onyeinu ve'et-amaleinu ve'et-lachatzeinu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַנִּצְעַ֕ק אֶל־יְהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵ֣י אֲבֹתֵ֑ינוּ וַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע יְהֹוָה֙ אֶת־קֹלֵ֔נוּ וַיַּ֧רְא אֶת־עׇנְיֵ֛נוּ וְאֶת־עֲמָלֵ֖נוּ וְאֶֽת־לַחֲצֵֽנוּ׃
וַנִּצְעַ֕ק אֶל־יְהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵ֣י אֲבֹתֵ֑ינוּ וַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע יְהֹוָה֙ אֶת־קֹלֵ֔נוּ וַיַּ֧רְא אֶת־עׇנְיֵ֛נוּ וְאֶת־עֲמָלֵ֖נוּ וְאֶֽת־לַחֲצֵֽנוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Devarim 26:7) recounts the suffering of Bnei Yisrael in Mitzrayim (Egypt) and their subsequent salvation through Hashem's intervention. This passage is part of the declaration made when bringing bikkurim (first fruits) to the Beis HaMikdash, emphasizing gratitude for redemption.

Key Themes and Interpretations

  • Crying Out to Hashem: Rashi explains that the phrase "וַנִּצְעַק אֶל־יְהוָה" ("we cried to the Lord") refers to the collective teshuvah (repentance) of Bnei Yisrael. Their suffering led them to sincerely call out to Hashem, demonstrating that genuine prayer arises from recognizing dependence on the Divine.
  • Hashem's Response: The Sforno notes that "וַיִּשְׁמַע יְהוָה אֶת־קֹלֵנוּ" ("the Lord heard our voice") signifies that Hashem responds to heartfelt prayer, not merely ritualistic cries. This aligns with the principle that tefillah must come from a place of sincerity.
  • Three Dimensions of Suffering: The verse lists three forms of affliction—עָנְיֵנוּ (our affliction), עֲמָלֵנוּ (our labor), and לַחֲצֵנוּ (our oppression). The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 1:12) elaborates that these correspond to the Egyptians' attempts to break Bnei Yisrael physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Lessons from the Verse

The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 2:6) derives from this verse that suffering can serve as a catalyst for spiritual awakening. The enslavement in Mitzrayim was a necessary stage to bring Bnei Yisrael to complete reliance on Hashem, a recurring theme in Jewish history.

Connection to Divine Providence

The Malbim highlights that "וַיַּרְא אֶת־עָנְיֵנוּ" ("He looked on our affliction") underscores Hashem's hashgachah pratis (individual providence). Even in exile, Hashem was intimately aware of their suffering, reinforcing the belief that no cry goes unheard before the Almighty.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 11a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt and how God responded to their cries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 26:7 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 26:7 describes how the Jewish people cried out to Hashem (God) during their suffering in Egypt, and how He heard their prayers and saw their affliction, labor, and oppression. According to Rashi, this verse emphasizes that God is attentive to the cries of His people and responds to their suffering.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 26:7 important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it highlights the relationship between the Jewish people and Hashem, showing that He listens to their prayers in times of distress. The Rambam teaches that this verse reinforces the principle of divine providence—God is aware of human suffering and intervenes in history to redeem His people, as seen in the Exodus from Egypt.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 26:7 today?
A: We learn that even in difficult times, we should turn to Hashem in prayer, trusting that He hears us. The Midrash teaches that just as God responded to the cries of our ancestors in Egypt, He continues to listen to the prayers of the Jewish people today. This verse encourages faith and perseverance during hardships.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 26:7 relate to the Passover story?
A: This verse is part of the declaration made when bringing the first fruits (Bikkurim) to the Temple, recounting the Exodus from Egypt. The Talmud (Pesachim 117a) connects it to the Passover narrative, showing that God's response to the Jewish people's suffering led to their redemption. It reminds us of God's faithfulness during the Exodus.
Q: What does 'God saw our affliction' mean in Deuteronomy 26:7?
A: The phrase means that Hashem not only heard the Jewish people's cries but also actively recognized their suffering. Rashi explains that 'seeing' implies divine attention and compassion—God did not remain indifferent but took action to redeem them from Egypt. This teaches that God is deeply aware of human struggles.