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Deuteronomy 32:46 - Teach Torah to future generations

Deuteronomy 32:46 - דברים 32:46

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אֲלֵהֶם שִׂימוּ לְבַבְכֶם לְכָל־הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מֵעִיד בָּכֶם הַיּוֹם אֲשֶׁר תְּצַוֻּם אֶת־בְּנֵיכֶם לִשְׁמֹר לַעֲשׂוֹת אֶת־כָּל־דִּבְרֵי הַתּוֹרָה הַזֹּאת׃

English Translation

and he said to them, Set your hearts to all the words which I testify among you this day, which you shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this Tora.

Transliteration

Va'yomer alehem simu levavchem le'kol ha'devarim asher anochi me'id bachem ha'yom asher tzavum et b'neichem lishmor la'asot et kol divrei ha'torah hazot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֲלֵהֶם֙ שִׂ֣ימוּ לְבַבְכֶ֔ם לְכׇ֨ל־הַדְּבָרִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֧ר אָנֹכִ֛י מֵעִ֥יד בָּכֶ֖ם הַיּ֑וֹם אֲשֶׁ֤ר תְּצַוֻּם֙ אֶת־בְּנֵיכֶ֔ם לִשְׁמֹ֣ר לַעֲשׂ֔וֹת אֶת־כׇּל־דִּבְרֵ֖י הַתּוֹרָ֥ה הַזֹּֽאת׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֲלֵהֶם֙ שִׂ֣ימוּ לְבַבְכֶ֔ם לְכׇ֨ל־הַדְּבָרִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֧ר אָנֹכִ֛י מֵעִ֥יד בָּכֶ֖ם הַיּ֑וֹם אֲשֶׁ֤ר תְּצַוֻּם֙ אֶת־בְּנֵיכֶ֔ם לִשְׁמֹ֣ר לַעֲשׂ֔וֹת אֶת־כׇּל־דִּבְרֵ֖י הַתּוֹרָ֥ה הַזֹּֽאת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy 32:46), where Moshe Rabbeinu addresses Bnei Yisrael before his passing. He urges them to internalize the words of the Torah and transmit them faithfully to future generations. The emphasis on "setting their hearts" and commanding their children underscores the perpetual obligation of Torah study and observance.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi interprets "שִׂימוּ לְבַבְכֶם" ("Set your hearts") as a call for deep contemplation and commitment. He explains that merely hearing the words is insufficient—one must engrave them upon the heart to ensure proper fulfillment. Additionally, Rashi highlights the phrase "אֲשֶׁר תְּצַוֻּם אֶת־בְּנֵיכֶם" ("which you shall command your children") as a reminder of the mitzvah of chinuch (educating children in Torah and mitzvos), a foundational responsibility for every generation.

Rambam's Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchos Talmud Torah 1:1-3), the Rambam derives from this verse the obligation for parents to teach their children Torah. He emphasizes that this mitzvah is not limited to fathers but extends to all who are capable of teaching, ensuring the continuity of Torah knowledge. The phrase "לִשְׁמֹר לַעֲשׂוֹת" ("to observe to do") reinforces that Torah must be studied with the intent of practical application.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Sifrei (Devarim 306) teaches that "setting the heart" implies removing distractions and focusing entirely on Torah wisdom. Just as one cannot build without a foundation, one cannot properly observe mitzvos without internalizing Torah study.
  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Haazinu 3) connects this verse to the idea that Torah is a "witness" between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael—those who uphold it merit divine protection, while neglecting it leads to consequences.

Practical Implications

This verse serves as a timeless directive for:

  • Personal Commitment: Torah must be studied with sincerity and emotional engagement, not as mere intellectual exercise.
  • Generational Transmission: Parents and educators bear the sacred duty of instilling Torah values in children, ensuring its perpetuation.
  • Action-Oriented Study: Learning must lead to ma'aseh (deeds), as Torah is a guide for righteous living.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Set your hearts to all the words' mean in Deuteronomy 32:46?
A: Rashi explains that this means we must direct our full attention and intention to the words of the Torah. It's not enough to just hear or read them - we must internalize them with sincerity and focus, making Torah study and observance a central priority in our lives.
Q: Why does the verse mention teaching this to our children?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:1) teaches that this verse establishes the mitzvah of teaching Torah to the next generation. The Talmud (Kiddushin 30a) explains that parents have an obligation to educate their children in Torah observance, ensuring the continuity of Jewish tradition.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 32:46 today?
A: The Sforno teaches that this verse reminds us Torah must be both studied and practiced. It's not enough to know Torah intellectually - we must 'observe to do' the commandments. This applies today by making Torah learning meaningful through actual observance in daily life.
Q: Why does the verse say 'all the words of this Torah' specifically?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains that we must accept the entire Torah - not picking and choosing which commandments to follow. This includes both the written Torah and oral Torah traditions that explain how to properly observe the commandments.
Q: How can we fulfill 'set your hearts' in modern times?
A: The Chofetz Chaim teaches that we fulfill this by setting fixed times for Torah study each day (even just a few minutes), removing distractions during learning, and approaching Torah with enthusiasm. Many observe this through daily study of Chumash with Rashi or Mishnah study.