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Deuteronomy 33:7 - Judah's prayer for divine protection

Deuteronomy 33:7 - דברים 33:7

Hebrew Text

וְזֹאת לִיהוּדָה וַיֹּאמַר שְׁמַע יְהוָה קוֹל יְהוּדָה וְאֶל־עַמּוֹ תְּבִיאֶנּוּ יָדָיו רָב לוֹ וְעֵזֶר מִצָּרָיו תִּהְיֶה׃

English Translation

And this is the blessing of Yehuda: and he said, Hear, Lord, the voice of Yehuda, and bring him to his people: let his hands be sufficient for him; and be thou a help to him from his enemies.

Transliteration

V'zot liYehuda vayomar shema Adonai kol Yehuda v'el amo t'vienu yadav rav lo v'ezer mitzarav tihyeh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְזֹ֣את לִיהוּדָה֮ וַיֹּאמַר֒ שְׁמַ֤ע יְהֹוָה֙ ק֣וֹל יְהוּדָ֔ה וְאֶל־עַמּ֖וֹ תְּבִיאֶ֑נּוּ יָדָיו֙ רָ֣ב ל֔וֹ וְעֵ֥זֶר מִצָּרָ֖יו תִּהְיֶֽה׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וְזֹ֣את לִיהוּדָה֮ וַיֹּאמַר֒ שְׁמַ֤ע יְהֹוָה֙ ק֣וֹל יְהוּדָ֔ה וְאֶל־עַמּ֖וֹ תְּבִיאֶ֑נּוּ יָדָיו֙ רָ֣ב ל֔וֹ וְעֵ֥זֶר מִצָּרָ֖יו תִּהְיֶֽה׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

This verse is part of Moshe's blessings to the tribes of Israel before his passing (Devarim 33:7). It is addressed specifically to the tribe of Yehuda (Judah), emphasizing divine protection, strength in battle, and leadership among the tribes.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "שְׁמַע יְהוָה קוֹל יְהוּדָה" ("Hear, Lord, the voice of Yehuda") refers to Yehuda's prayer in times of war. He connects this to the historical role of Yehuda as a leader in battle, particularly during the conquest of Eretz Yisrael (see Yehoshua 10). Rashi also interprets "וְאֶל־עַמּוֹ תְּבִיאֶנּוּ" ("and bring him to his people") as a request that Yehuda's warriors return safely from battle to their families.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 12:5) alludes to Yehuda's role as the royal tribe, from which the Davidic dynasty emerges. The phrase "יָדָיו רָב לוֹ" ("let his hands be sufficient for him") can be understood as Yehuda's strength in upholding Torah leadership and governance, ensuring justice and unity among Bnei Yisrael.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:8) elaborates that Yehuda's blessing includes both physical and spiritual strength. "וְעֵזֶר מִצָּרָיו תִּהְיֶה" ("and be Thou a help to him from his enemies") is seen as a promise of divine assistance against all adversaries, whether external enemies or internal strife. The Midrash also links this to Yehuda's earlier repentance (e.g., in the story of Tamar), showing that his leadership is rooted in humility and teshuvah.

Key Themes

  • Leadership in War: Yehuda is entrusted with military leadership, ensuring the safety of Bnei Yisrael.
  • Divine Assistance: The verse highlights that Yehuda's success depends on Hashem's help.
  • Royal Legacy: The blessing foreshadows Yehuda's future role as the tribe of kings, particularly through David and Mashiach.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the blessing for Yehuda in Deuteronomy 33:7 mean?
A: This verse is part of Moshe's blessings to the tribes of Israel before his passing. For Yehuda (Judah), it is a prayer that Hashem should hear his voice, unite him with his people, grant him strength ('his hands be sufficient for him'), and protect him from enemies. Rashi explains that 'his hands be sufficient' refers to Yehuda's ability to fight his own battles with Divine assistance.
Q: Why is Yehuda's blessing important in Jewish tradition?
A: Yehuda's blessing is significant because he became the leading tribe of Israel—kingship (through David) and leadership came from Yehuda. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) connects this to Yehuda's earlier repentance (after the incident with Tamar), showing how teshuva (repentance) leads to greatness. This blessing reinforces Yehuda's future role in Jewish history.
Q: How does 'bring him to his people' apply to Yehuda?
A: Rashi explains that this phrase refers to Yehuda's role in uniting the Jewish people. Historically, Yehuda's descendants (like King David) brought unity to the tribes. On a deeper level, the Sforno says it means Yehuda's prayers should inspire his people to return to Hashem. This highlights leadership through spiritual connection.
Q: What can we learn from Yehuda's blessing today?
A: We learn that true strength comes from reliance on Hashem ('a help from his enemies') combined with personal effort ('his hands be sufficient'). The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim) ties this to the idea that Jewish leaders must both act and pray for success. It also teaches that unity ('bring him to his people') is a key Jewish value.
Q: Why does the verse mention Yehuda's 'voice' specifically?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 7a) connects this to the power of prayer—Yehuda's voice represents crying out to Hashem in times of need. Additionally, the Midrash (Sifrei) notes that Yehuda's voice is linked to Torah study and leadership, as his descendants (like King David) were known for both prayer and Torah wisdom.