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Deuteronomy 10:12 - Fear, love, serve: Divine demands?

Deuteronomy 10:12 - דברים 10:12

Hebrew Text

וְעַתָּה יִשְׂרָאֵל מָה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ שֹׁאֵל מֵעִמָּךְ כִּי אִם־לְיִרְאָה אֶת־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ לָלֶכֶת בְּכָל־דְּרָכָיו וּלְאַהֲבָה אֹתוֹ וְלַעֲבֹד אֶת־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ בְּכָל־לְבָבְךָ וּבְכָל־נַפְשֶׁךָ׃

English Translation

And now, Yisra᾽el, what does the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,

Transliteration

Ve'ata Yisrael mah Adonai Elohecha sho'el me'imach ki im-l'yira et-Adonai Elohecha lalechet bechol-drachav ul'ahavah oto v'la'avod et-Adonai Elohecha bechol-levavcha uvchol-nafshecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעַתָּה֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל מָ֚ה יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ שֹׁאֵ֖ל מֵעִמָּ֑ךְ כִּ֣י אִם־לְ֠יִרְאָ֠ה אֶת־יְהֹוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֶ֜יךָ לָלֶ֤כֶת בְּכׇל־דְּרָכָיו֙ וּלְאַהֲבָ֣ה אֹת֔וֹ וְלַֽעֲבֹד֙ אֶת־יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ בְּכׇל־לְבָבְךָ֖ וּבְכׇל־נַפְשֶֽׁךָ׃
וְעַתָּה֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל מָ֚ה יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ שֹׁאֵ֖ל מֵעִמָּ֑ךְ כִּ֣י אִם־לְ֠יִרְאָ֠ה אֶת־יְהֹוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֶ֜יךָ לָלֶ֤כֶת בְּכׇל־דְּרָכָיו֙ וּלְאַהֲבָ֣ה אֹת֔וֹ וְלַֽעֲבֹד֙ אֶת־יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ בְּכׇל־לְבָבְךָ֖ וּבְכׇל־נַפְשֶֽׁךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Devarim 10:12) appears in Moshe Rabbeinu's address to Bnei Yisrael as they prepare to enter Eretz Yisrael. It encapsulates the fundamental obligations of a Jew toward Hashem, summarizing the essence of avodas Hashem (divine service). The phrasing "וְעַתָּה יִשְׂרָאֵל" ("And now, Yisrael") signals a pivotal moment of spiritual reckoning, as Rashi explains: Moshe is urging the people to internalize these principles as they transition to a new phase of national life.

Key Requirements from Hashem

  • Yiras Hashem (Fear of God): The Sforno emphasizes that "לְיִרְאָה" is the foundation of all mitzvos, as it leads to obedience and reverence. The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 2:1-2) distinguishes between "yirah tata'ah" (fear of punishment) and "yirah ila'ah" (awe of Hashem's greatness), with the latter being the ideal.
  • Walking in His Ways ("לָלֶכֶת בְּכָל־דְּרָכָיו"): The Talmud (Sotah 14a) explains this as emulating Hashem's middos (attributes), such as being compassionate and kind, based on the principle of "והלכת בדרכיו" (Vayikra 19:2). Rashi adds that this includes following His commandments in all aspects of life.
  • Ahavas Hashem (Love of God): The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 10:1-3) teaches that love of Hashem is achieved through deep study of Torah and recognition of His greatness. The Mesillas Yesharim (Chap. 19) describes this love as the highest level of spiritual connection.
  • Service with Heart and Soul ("בְּכָל־לְבָבְךָ וּבְכָל־נַפְשֶׁךָ"): The Talmud (Berachos 54a) interprets "with all your heart" as serving Hashem with both inclinations (yetzer tov and yetzer hara), while "with all your soul" implies willingness to sacrifice one's life for kiddush Hashem (sanctification of His name). The Ramban explains that this includes total devotion in thought, speech, and action.

The Significance of "כִּי אִם" ("But Only")

Rashi notes that the term "כִּי אִם" suggests these requirements are not burdensome but foundational—"even these, were they easy, would still require great effort." The Ibn Ezra adds that this phrasing contrasts with human kings who demand many complex obligations, whereas Hashem asks only for sincere devotion.

Practical Application

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 418) derives from this verse that every mitzvah must be performed with the combined intentions of yirah (reverence) and ahavah (love). The Chofetz Chaim (in his commentary on the parsha) emphasizes that these four elements—fear, walking in His ways, love, and wholehearted service—are interdependent and collectively define a Jew's relationship with Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 33b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of fearing God and the essence of divine service.
📖 Megillah 25a
Cited in the context of discussing the proper ways to serve God and the significance of love and fear in religious practice.
📖 Sotah 31a
The verse is used to illustrate the balance between fear and love of God in fulfilling commandments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to 'fear God' in Deuteronomy 10:12?
A: In Orthodox Jewish tradition, 'fearing God' (יראת ה') means having deep reverence and awe for Hashem, recognizing His greatness and authority. Rashi explains that this fear motivates us to avoid sin and follow His commandments. The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 2:1-2) teaches that this fear is the foundation of serving Hashem properly.
Q: Why does the verse say 'walk in all His ways'? What does that mean?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 14a) explains that 'walking in His ways' means emulating Hashem's attributes of kindness and compassion—just as He clothes the naked, visits the sick, and comforts mourners, we should do the same. The Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Deot 1:6) expands on this, teaching that we must cultivate ethical behavior modeled after Hashem's merciful ways.
Q: How can we serve God 'with all our heart and soul' as the verse says?
A: The Sifrei (Devarim 32) explains that serving with 'all your heart' refers to Torah study and prayer with complete focus, while 'all your soul' means being willing to sacrifice even our lives for Hashem if necessary (as in times of persecution). The Talmud (Berachot 54a) also teaches that serving with 'all your soul' includes acknowledging Hashem in all circumstances, both good and challenging.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is central because it summarizes the essence of Jewish service to Hashem: fear, love, and devotion. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 2:16) states that Moshe conveyed these words to inspire Bnei Yisrael before entering Eretz Yisrael. The Rambam (Sefer HaMitzvot) also identifies these concepts as fundamental obligations for every Jew.
Q: How do we balance 'fear' and 'love' of God as mentioned in the verse?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 31a) discusses this balance, comparing it to a servant who both reveres and loves his master. The ideal is 'love with awe'—serving Hashem out of devotion while maintaining reverence for His commandments. The Baal HaTanya (Likutei Amarim 41) explains that love draws us closer to Hashem, while fear prevents us from transgressing His will.