share torah logo

Deuteronomy 29:5 - Divine sustenance in wilderness.

Deuteronomy 29:5 - דברים 29:5

Hebrew Text

לֶחֶם לֹא אֲכַלְתֶּם וְיַיִן וְשֵׁכָר לֹא שְׁתִיתֶם לְמַעַן תֵּדְעוּ כִּי אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם׃

English Translation

You have not eaten bread, neither have you drunk wine or strong drink: that you might know that I am the Lord your God.

Transliteration

Lechem lo achaltem v'yayin v'shechar lo shetitem l'maan teidu ki ani Adonai Eloheichem.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֶ֚חֶם לֹ֣א אֲכַלְתֶּ֔ם וְיַ֥יִן וְשֵׁכָ֖ר לֹ֣א שְׁתִיתֶ֑ם לְמַ֙עַן֙ תֵּֽדְע֔וּ כִּ֛י אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃
לֶ֚חֶם לֹ֣א אֲכַלְתֶּ֔ם וְיַ֥יִן וְשֵׁכָ֖ר לֹ֣א שְׁתִיתֶ֑ם לְמַ֙עַן֙ תֵּֽדְע֔וּ כִּ֛י אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Devarim

The verse (Devarim 29:5) appears in Moshe's final address to Bnei Yisrael before his passing. It references the 40 years in the wilderness, during which the people miraculously subsisted without normal sustenance.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the verse highlights the supernatural nature of their sustenance:

  • No bread: They ate the heavenly manna which required no preparation like regular bread
  • No wine/strong drink: They drank water from Miriam's well rather than fermented beverages

Rashi emphasizes that these miracles demonstrated God's constant care and providence.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:32), Rambam views this as part of God's educational process - removing physical distractions to allow focus on spiritual development and recognition of Divine providence.

Talmudic Insights

Chagigah 12b connects this to the idea that the manna had special spiritual qualities - it was completely absorbed by the body with no waste, symbolizing purity of purpose.

Midrashic Interpretation

Midrash Tanchuma (Eikev 7) teaches that the lack of normal food and drink served to:

  • Make them completely dependent on God
  • Purify them from physical desires
  • Prepare them to receive the Torah in a state of spiritual elevation

Sforno's Commentary

Sforno explains that by removing normal sustenance, God ensured they would recognize that their survival came directly from Him, not through natural means.

Contemporary Application

Modern commentators like Rav Hirsch note this teaches that true recognition of God comes when we acknowledge our complete dependence on Him, even in physical needs.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 29:5 mean when it says 'You have not eaten bread, neither have you drunk wine'?
A: This verse refers to the miraculous way the Israelites were sustained in the wilderness for 40 years. According to Rashi, they did not need regular bread or wine because Hashem provided them with manna from heaven and water from Miriam's well. This was to teach them complete reliance on Hashem.
Q: Why is it important that the Israelites didn't eat bread or drink wine in the wilderness?
A: The Rambam explains that this demonstrates Hashem's complete care for the Jewish people. By providing supernatural sustenance (manna and water), Hashem showed that He could meet all their needs directly, without natural means. This reinforced their faith and dependence on Him.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from Deuteronomy 29:5?
A: The Sforno teaches that this verse reminds us to recognize Hashem's hand in our daily sustenance. Even when we eat regular bread today, we should remember that all nourishment ultimately comes from Hashem, just as the manna did in the wilderness. This is why we say blessings before eating.
Q: How does this verse connect to knowing 'that I am the Lord your God'?
A: The Talmud (Berachos 48b) explains that experiencing miraculous sustenance in the wilderness gave the Israelites clear proof of Hashem's existence and providence. When basic needs are met in extraordinary ways, it removes doubt and strengthens faith in the Divine presence in our lives.
Q: Why does the verse mention specifically bread and wine?
A: Rashi notes that bread and wine represent basic human sustenance. By withholding these normal staples and providing miracles instead, Hashem demonstrated that He controls all aspects of nature and can provide for His people in any circumstance. This established an eternal lesson about Divine providence.