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Deuteronomy 31:20 - Prosperity leads to rebellion?

Deuteronomy 31:20 - דברים 31:20

Hebrew Text

כִּי־אֲבִיאֶנּוּ אֶל־הָאֲדָמָה אֲשֶׁר־נִשְׁבַּעְתִּי לַאֲבֹתָיו זָבַת חָלָב וּדְבַשׁ וְאָכַל וְשָׂבַע וְדָשֵׁן וּפָנָה אֶל־אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים וַעֲבָדוּם וְנִאֲצוּנִי וְהֵפֵר אֶת־בְּרִיתִי׃

English Translation

For when I shall have brought them into the land of which I swore to their fathers, one flowing with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and grown fat; then will they turn to other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my covenant.

Transliteration

Ki-avienu el-ha'adama asher-nishba'ti la'avotav zavat chalav udvash ve'achal vesava vedashen upana el-elohim acherim va'avadum veni'atzuni vehefer et-briti.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּֽי־אֲבִיאֶ֜נּוּ אֶֽל־הָאֲדָמָ֣ה <b>׀</b> אֲשֶׁר־נִשְׁבַּ֣עְתִּי לַאֲבֹתָ֗יו זָבַ֤ת חָלָב֙ וּדְבַ֔שׁ וְאָכַ֥ל וְשָׂבַ֖ע וְדָשֵׁ֑ן וּפָנָ֞ה אֶל־אֱלֹהִ֤ים אֲחֵרִים֙ וַעֲבָד֔וּם וְנִ֣אֲצ֔וּנִי וְהֵפֵ֖ר אֶת־בְּרִיתִֽי׃
כִּֽי־אֲבִיאֶ֜נּוּ אֶֽל־הָאֲדָמָ֣ה ׀ אֲשֶׁר־נִשְׁבַּ֣עְתִּי לַאֲבֹתָ֗יו זָבַ֤ת חָלָב֙ וּדְבַ֔שׁ וְאָכַ֥ל וְשָׂבַ֖ע וְדָשֵׁ֑ן וּפָנָ֞ה אֶל־אֱלֹהִ֤ים אֲחֵרִים֙ וַעֲבָד֔וּם וְנִ֣אֲצ֔וּנִי וְהֵפֵ֖ר אֶת־בְּרִיתִֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy 31:20), where Moshe foretells the future rebellion of Bnei Yisrael after entering Eretz Yisrael. It is part of Shirat Ha'azinu, a prophetic song warning of the consequences of abandoning Hashem's covenant.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "וְדָשֵׁן" ("and grown fat") refers to material prosperity leading to spiritual complacency. When Bnei Yisrael become satiated with physical abundance, they will forget their dependence on Hashem and turn to idolatry. Rashi emphasizes that prosperity itself is not the problem, but rather the human tendency toward arrogance when blessed with comfort.

Rambam on Human Nature

In Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 3:32), Rambam discusses how suffering often leads people to repentance, whereas prosperity can lead to moral decline. This aligns with the verse's warning—abundance in the land may cause Bnei Yisrael to forget their spiritual obligations.

Talmudic Perspective

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 97a) teaches that redemption comes through suffering, not comfort. This verse illustrates the inverse: comfort may distance people from Hashem. The Gemara elsewhere (Berachot 32a) warns that material success can weaken devotion, as seen in King David's plea: "Give me neither poverty nor riches" (Mishlei 30:8).

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Eikev 8) compares Bnei Yisrael to a child who rebels only after being well-fed by their parent, highlighting the irony of rejecting Hashem after receiving His blessings.
  • Sifrei Devarim (312) interprets "זָבַת חָלָב וּדְבַשׁ" as a test—the land's richness could either inspire gratitude or, as the verse warns, lead to arrogance.

Halachic Implications

The Sefer Hachinuch (Mitzvah 437) derives from this verse the obligation to recite Birkat Hamazon after eating. Recognizing Hashem's role in providing sustenance prevents the arrogance described here, reinforcing the covenant even in times of plenty.

Musar Teachings

Rabbi Yisrael Salanter (in Ohr Yisrael, Letter 30) warns that prosperity requires heightened spiritual vigilance. The verse serves as a timeless reminder that physical blessings demand hakarat hatov (gratitude) rather than rebellion.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 32a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the consequences of prosperity leading to idolatry, illustrating how material abundance can sometimes lead to spiritual decline.
📖 Sanhedrin 102b
The verse is cited in a broader discussion about the cyclical nature of Israel's relationship with God, particularly how blessings can lead to complacency and sin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'a land flowing with milk and honey' mean in Deuteronomy 31:20?
A: The phrase 'a land flowing with milk and honey' is a description of the Land of Israel's abundance and fertility. 'Milk' represents the richness of livestock, and 'honey' (understood by Rashi as date honey) symbolizes the sweetness of its fruits. This imagery emphasizes the blessings Hashem promised to the Jewish people when they enter the land.
Q: Why does the verse warn that the people will turn to other gods after becoming prosperous?
A: The Torah warns that prosperity can lead to spiritual complacency. Rashi explains that when people become comfortable and satisfied ('eaten and filled themselves, and grown fat'), they may forget that their blessings come from Hashem and turn to idolatry. This serves as a caution to remain grateful and connected to Hashem even in times of abundance.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 31:20 today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of maintaining faith and gratitude during times of prosperity. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 4:1) emphasizes that one should recognize Hashem's kindness in all circumstances. Material success should not lead to arrogance or forgetfulness of our spiritual obligations.
Q: How does this verse relate to the concept of covenant (brit) in Judaism?
A: The verse highlights the seriousness of breaking the covenant (brit) between Hashem and the Jewish people. The Talmud (Sotah 14a) discusses how the Jewish people are bound to uphold the Torah's commandments, and turning to other gods violates this sacred agreement. The covenant is eternal, but its fulfillment depends on our faithfulness.
Q: What does 'provoke Me' mean in this verse?
A: The term 'provoke Me' (וְנִאֲצוּנִי) refers to the people's rebellion and ingratitude toward Hashem despite His kindness. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 31:20) explains that this provocation includes denying Hashem's miracles and attributing success to their own efforts, which is a grave spiritual failing.