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Deuteronomy 29:1 - Moshe gathers Israel's testimony

Deuteronomy 29:1 - דברים 29:1

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקְרָא מֹשֶׁה אֶל־כָּל־יִשְׂרָאֵל וַיֹּאמֶר אֲלֵהֶם אַתֶּם רְאִיתֶם אֵת כָּל־אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה יְהוָה לְעֵינֵיכֶם בְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם לְפַרְעֹה וּלְכָל־עֲבָדָיו וּלְכָל־אַרְצוֹ׃

English Translation

And Moshe called to all Yisra᾽el, and said to them, You have seen all that the Lord did before your eyes in the land of Miżrayim to Par῾o, and to all his servants, and to all his land;

Transliteration

Va'yikra Moshe el kol Yisra'el va'yomer alehem atem re'item et kol asher asah Adonai le'eineichem be'eretz Mitzrayim le'Faroh ule'chol avadav ule'chol artzo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקְרָ֥א מֹשֶׁ֛ה אֶל־כׇּל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֲלֵהֶ֑ם אַתֶּ֣ם רְאִיתֶ֗ם אֵ֣ת כׇּל־אֲשֶׁר֩ עָשָׂ֨ה יְהֹוָ֤ה לְעֵֽינֵיכֶם֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם לְפַרְעֹ֥ה וּלְכׇל־עֲבָדָ֖יו וּלְכׇל־אַרְצֽוֹ׃
וַיִּקְרָ֥א מֹשֶׁ֛ה אֶל־כׇּל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֲלֵהֶ֑ם אַתֶּ֣ם רְאִיתֶ֗ם אֵ֣ת כׇּל־אֲשֶׁר֩ עָשָׂ֨ה יְהֹוָ֤ה לְעֵֽינֵיכֶם֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם לְפַרְעֹ֥ה וּלְכׇל־עֲבָדָ֖יו וּלְכׇל־אַרְצֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context and Significance of the Verse

This verse (Devarim 29:1) marks the beginning of Moshe's final address to Bnei Yisrael before his passing. Rashi explains that Moshe gathered all of Yisrael to emphasize the unity of the nation and to ensure that every individual—regardless of status—would hear his words. The phrase "וַיִּקְרָא מֹשֶׁה אֶל־כָּל־יִשְׂרָאֵל" ("And Moshe called to all Yisrael") underscores the inclusivity of this moment, as Moshe sought to reinforce the covenant with the entire nation.

The Emphasis on Eyewitness Testimony

Moshe reminds the people that they personally witnessed "כָּל־אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה ה' לְעֵינֵיכֶם" ("all that the Lord did before your eyes"). The Sforno notes that this serves as a powerful reminder of Hashem's direct intervention in Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus from Egypt). By invoking their firsthand experience, Moshe strengthens their faith and commitment to the covenant, as seeing miracles personally leaves a deeper impression than hearing about them secondhand.

Targets of Divine Judgment: Pharaoh, His Servants, and His Land

The verse specifies three entities affected by Hashem's miracles:

  • Pharaoh: Representing the arrogance of human rulers who defy Hashem's will (Rambam, Hilchot Teshuva 6:5).
  • His Servants: Even those who merely followed Pharaoh's orders were held accountable, teaching that complicity in evil is unacceptable (Midrash Tanchuma, Bo 5).
  • His Land: The plagues devastated Egypt's infrastructure, demonstrating Hashem's dominion over nature (Ibn Ezra).

Lessons for Future Generations

The Ohr HaChaim highlights that Moshe's words were not only for the generation that left Egypt but for all future generations. By framing the Exodus as a witnessed event, the Torah ensures that later generations must see themselves as if they, too, experienced the miracles—a concept central to the Passover Seder (Pesachim 116b).

Connection to the Covenant

This verse introduces Moshe's renewal of the covenant (Devarim 29:9-14). The Netziv explains that recalling the Exodus reinforces why Bnei Yisrael must uphold their end of the covenant: because Hashem redeemed them with undeniable miracles, their loyalty is an obligation of gratitude.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the context of Deuteronomy 29:1?
A: Deuteronomy 29:1 marks the beginning of Moses' final address to the Israelites before they enter the Land of Israel. He reminds them of the miracles they witnessed in Egypt, emphasizing that they saw God's power firsthand. This serves as a foundation for the covenant they are about to reaffirm.
Q: Why does Moses emphasize that the Israelites 'saw' what God did in Egypt?
A: According to Rashi and other commentators, Moses stresses that the Israelites personally witnessed God's miracles in Egypt to reinforce their faith and commitment to the covenant. Seeing these events firsthand made their experience more tangible and obligated them to remain faithful to God's commandments.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 29:1 today?
A: The verse teaches the importance of remembering God's miracles and kindness in our lives. Just as the Israelites were reminded of their experiences in Egypt to strengthen their faith, we too should reflect on past divine interventions to deepen our trust in God and commitment to Torah.
Q: Why does Moses mention Pharaoh, his servants, and the land of Egypt specifically?
A: Moses mentions Pharaoh, his servants, and the land of Egypt to highlight that God's judgment was comprehensive—affecting the ruler, his officials, and the entire nation. The Midrash explains that this demonstrates God's complete justice, punishing each according to their role in oppressing the Israelites.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader theme of Deuteronomy?
A: Deuteronomy 29:1 sets the stage for Moses' final teachings, reinforcing the idea of divine providence and the covenant between God and Israel. The entire book emphasizes remembering God's deeds, obeying His commandments, and maintaining loyalty to Him—themes that are introduced in this verse.