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Deuteronomy 10:13 - Commandments bring goodness?

Deuteronomy 10:13 - דברים 10:13

Hebrew Text

לִשְׁמֹר אֶת־מִצְוֺת יְהוָה וְאֶת־חֻקֹּתָיו אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוְּךָ הַיּוֹם לְטוֹב לָךְ׃

English Translation

to keep the commandments of the Lord, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?

Transliteration

Lishmor et-mitzvot Adonai ve'et-chukotav asher anochi metzavecha hayom letov lach.

Hebrew Leining Text

לִשְׁמֹ֞ר אֶת־מִצְוֺ֤ת יְהֹוָה֙ וְאֶת־חֻקֹּתָ֔יו אֲשֶׁ֛ר אָנֹכִ֥י מְצַוְּךָ֖ הַיּ֑וֹם לְט֖וֹב לָֽךְ׃
לִשְׁמֹ֞ר אֶת־מִצְוֺ֤ת יְהֹוָה֙ וְאֶת־חֻקֹּתָ֔יו אֲשֶׁ֛ר אָנֹכִ֥י מְצַוְּךָ֖ הַיּ֑וֹם לְט֖וֹב לָֽךְ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Nature of the Commandments

The verse emphasizes the dual aspect of mitzvot (commandments) and chukim (statutes). Rashi (Devarim 10:13) explains that mitzvot are commandments whose rationale is understandable, such as honoring parents or giving charity, while chukim are decrees whose reasons are not immediately apparent, such as the laws of kashrut or the red heifer. Both are equally binding, as they originate from divine wisdom.

For Your Good

The phrase "לְטוֹב לָךְ" ("for your good") underscores that the commandments are ultimately beneficial. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 9:1) teaches that observing mitzvot leads to true happiness and spiritual fulfillment in this world and the next. The Sforno adds that even when the benefit is not immediately apparent, adherence to Torah brings long-term goodness, aligning a person with divine will.

The Role of Today

The verse specifies "הַיּוֹם" ("this day"), which the Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 11:13) interprets as a call to treat Torah as fresh and relevant every day. The Baal Shem Tov teaches that one should serve Hashem with renewed enthusiasm daily, as if receiving the commandments anew.

Practical Implications

  • Acceptance of Mitzvot: The Talmud (Makkot 23b) teaches that every Jew is obligated to fulfill all 613 commandments, whether they understand their reasoning or not.
  • Trust in Divine Wisdom: The Chofetz Chaim emphasizes that even when mitzvot seem challenging, one must trust that they are "for your good," as Hashem knows what is truly beneficial.
  • Daily Commitment: The Vilna Gaon notes that the phrase "this day" reminds us that Torah observance requires constant dedication, not just occasional fulfillment.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 5a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the benefits of observing God's commandments and the idea that suffering can be a form of divine love.
📖 Eruvin 54a
The verse is cited to emphasize the importance of studying and keeping the commandments for one's own good.
📖 Kiddushin 39b
The verse is used to discuss the concept of reward for fulfilling commandments and the inherent goodness in following God's statutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 10:13 mean when it says 'to keep the commandments of the Lord'?
A: The verse emphasizes the importance of observing all the mitzvot (commandments) and chukim (statutes) given by Hashem. According to Rashi, this includes both the rational commandments (mishpatim) and the decrees (chukim) that may not have an obvious reason. Keeping them is for our ultimate benefit ('for your good').
Q: Why does the verse say the commandments are 'for your good'?
A: The Rambam (Maimonides) explains in the Mishneh Torah that even when we don't understand the reasons behind certain mitzvot, following them leads to spiritual and often physical benefits. The Talmud (Eruvin 100b) teaches that Hashem only commands what is ultimately for our welfare, even if we don't always see it immediately.
Q: How can we apply Deuteronomy 10:13 in daily life?
A: This verse reminds us to approach mitzvah observance with the understanding that each commandment - whether between man and G-d (bein adam laMakom) or between people (bein adam lachaveiro) - is for our benefit. The Midrash Tanchuma teaches that keeping mitzvot refines our character and connects us to Hashem's wisdom.
Q: What's the difference between 'commandments' and 'statutes' mentioned in this verse?
A: Traditional Jewish sources explain that 'commandments' (mitzvot) generally refer to laws with understandable reasons (like honoring parents), while 'statutes' (chukim) are divine decrees whose reasons may not be obvious to us (like kashrut laws). The Talmud (Yoma 67b) notes that both categories are equally binding as expressions of Hashem's will.
Q: Why does the verse say 'which I command you this day'?
A: Rashi explains that the Torah should always feel as fresh and relevant as if it was given today. The Sifrei (a halachic midrash) adds that this phrase teaches us that we must approach Torah study and mitzvah observance with renewed enthusiasm every single day, not treating it as an ancient tradition but as a living guide for life.