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Deuteronomy 27:14 - Levites proclaim Divine commandments loudly

Deuteronomy 27:14 - דברים 27:14

Hebrew Text

וְעָנוּ הַלְוִיִּם וְאָמְרוּ אֶל־כָּל־אִישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל קוֹל רָם׃

English Translation

And the Levites shall speak, and say to all the men of Yisra᾽el with a loud voice,

Transliteration

Ve'anu Haleviim ve'amru el kol ish Yisrael kol ram.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעָנ֣וּ הַלְוִיִּ֗ם וְאָ֥מְר֛וּ אֶל־כׇּל־אִ֥ישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל ק֥וֹל רָֽם׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וְעָנ֣וּ הַלְוִיִּ֗ם וְאָ֥מְר֛וּ אֶל־כׇּל־אִ֥ישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל ק֥וֹל רָֽם׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Devarim 27:14) describes the role of the Levites during the ceremony of blessings and curses on Mount Gerizim and Mount Eival. The Levites were to proclaim the words of the Torah to all of Yisrael in a loud, clear voice.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 27:14) explains that the Levites were chosen for this role because of their unique position as teachers of Torah to the nation. Their loud proclamation ensured that every individual—regardless of their location—would hear the words clearly, emphasizing the collective responsibility of the Jewish people in accepting the Torah's commandments.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Temidin uMusafin (6:9), Rambam discusses the Levites' role in public Torah readings and their duty to elevate spiritual awareness. Here, their loud proclamation symbolizes the importance of Torah being transmitted without distortion, ensuring clarity and unity in observance.

Midrashic Insight

The Sifrei (Devarim 27:14) elaborates that the Levites' raised voices were not merely for volume but to inspire awe and reverence. This mirrors the giving of the Torah at Har Sinai, where Hashem's word was heard by all, reinforcing the idea that Torah must be taught with passion and conviction.

Practical Implications

  • Public Proclamation: The loud voice signifies that Torah must be taught openly, not in secrecy, as it is the inheritance of all Yisrael.
  • Role of the Levites: Their involvement highlights the importance of Torah scholars in guiding the nation spiritually.
  • Unity in Acceptance: The collective hearing underscores that the covenant binds every Jew equally.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the role of the Levites in Deuteronomy 27:14?
A: In Deuteronomy 27:14, the Levites are instructed to speak loudly to all of Israel. According to Rashi, their role here was to proclaim the blessings and curses that follow in the subsequent verses (Deuteronomy 27:15-26). The Levites, being teachers and spiritual leaders, were responsible for ensuring the entire nation heard and understood these important words.
Q: Why did the Levites need to speak in a loud voice in this verse?
A: The Levites spoke in a loud voice to ensure that every member of Israel could hear the blessings and curses clearly. The Talmud (Sotah 37a) explains that this public declaration was meant to impress upon the people the seriousness of their covenant with Hashem. A loud voice symbolized the importance and urgency of the message.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 27:14 today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of clear and public Torah instruction. Just as the Levites proclaimed Hashem's words loudly to all of Israel, Jewish leaders today must ensure that Torah teachings are accessible and understandable to everyone. The Rambam (Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:8) emphasizes that Torah must be taught with clarity and patience, following the example set here.
Q: Why were the Levites chosen for this task in Deuteronomy 27:14?
A: The Levites were chosen because of their special role as teachers and spiritual guides in Israel. As Rashi explains (on Deuteronomy 33:10), the Levites were entrusted with teaching Torah to the nation. Their elevated status made them fitting messengers to deliver these solemn declarations to the people.