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Deuteronomy 10:22 - From seventy to stars?

Deuteronomy 10:22 - דברים 10:22

Hebrew Text

בְּשִׁבְעִים נֶפֶשׁ יָרְדוּ אֲבֹתֶיךָ מִצְרָיְמָהּ וְעַתָּה שָׂמְךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ כְּכוֹכְבֵי הַשָּׁמַיִם לָרֹב׃

English Translation

Thy fathers went down to Miżrayim with seventy persons; and now the Lord thy God has made thee as the stars of heaven for multitude.

Transliteration

B'shiv'im nefesh yar'du avotecha Mitzrayma v'ata samcha Adonai Elohecha k'kohkvei hashamayim larov.

Hebrew Leining Text

בְּשִׁבְעִ֣ים נֶ֔פֶשׁ יָרְד֥וּ אֲבֹתֶ֖יךָ מִצְרָ֑יְמָה וְעַתָּ֗ה שָֽׂמְךָ֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ כְּכוֹכְבֵ֥י הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם לָרֹֽב׃
בְּשִׁבְעִ֣ים נֶ֔פֶשׁ יָרְד֥וּ אֲבֹתֶ֖יךָ מִצְרָ֑יְמָה וְעַתָּ֗ה שָֽׂמְךָ֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ כְּכוֹכְבֵ֥י הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם לָרֹֽב׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 10:22) appears in Moshe's speech to Bnei Yisrael, reminding them of Hashem's faithfulness in multiplying their numbers despite their humble beginnings as a small family in Mitzrayim. This serves as a testament to the fulfillment of the covenant with Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 10:22) emphasizes the contrast between the original descent of Yaakov's family—only 70 souls—and their current status as a vast nation. He notes that this growth was promised to the Avot (Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov), particularly referencing Bereshit 15:5, where Hashem compares Avraham's descendants to the stars.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:50), Rambam discusses the significance of numerical growth as a sign of divine blessing. He explains that the comparison to stars highlights both physical proliferation and spiritual elevation—just as stars illuminate the world, Klal Yisrael is meant to be a "light unto the nations" (Yeshayahu 42:6).

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tisa 9) teaches that the stars symbolize eternity and resilience—just as stars endure, so too will Bnei Yisrael endure as a nation under Hashem's protection.
  • Sifrei Devarim (Piska 43) connects this verse to the mitzvah of loving the ger (convert), as the growth of Klal Yisrael includes those who join the nation spiritually.

Symbolism of the Number Seventy

The Baal HaTurim (Devarim 10:22) notes that 70 represents the foundational nations of the world (based on Bereshit 10). The growth from 70 to countless stars signifies that Bnei Yisrael's destiny transcends national boundaries, fulfilling the promise that all families of the earth will be blessed through them (Bereshit 12:3).

Practical Lesson

The Kli Yakar (Devarim 10:22) teaches that this verse reminds us of gratitude (hakarat hatov). Just as Hashem multiplied our ancestors despite oppression, we must recognize His hand in our continued survival and prosperity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 12a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the growth of the Jewish people from a small group to a large nation, highlighting God's promise to Abraham about his descendants being as numerous as the stars.
📖 Berakhot 32a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the merits of the Jewish people and how their numbers have increased as a fulfillment of divine promises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that our fathers went down to Egypt with seventy souls?
A: This refers to the seventy descendants of Yaakov (Jacob) who went down to Egypt, as listed in Genesis 46. Rashi explains that this small number emphasizes how Hashem multiplied Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel) from a small family into a great nation.
Q: Why does the Torah compare the Jewish people to the stars of heaven?
A: The comparison to stars teaches that just as stars are countless and shine brightly, so too the Jewish people will be numerous and illuminate the world with Torah and mitzvos (commandments). The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah) also says that like stars, even when not visible, the Jewish people always exist and have a divine purpose.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: This verse reminds us of Hashem's promise to Avraham (Genesis 15:5) that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars. Despite starting as a small family facing exile, we see how Hashem fulfills His promises. Today, it encourages us to trust in Hashem's providence even in difficult times.
Q: Why is the growth from seventy people to a vast nation significant?
A: The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that this shows Hashem's direct involvement in Jewish history. From a small group in Egypt, Hashem built a nation to receive the Torah and serve as a 'light unto nations' (Yeshayahu 42:6). This demonstrates that Jewish survival and growth are miraculous.
Q: How does this verse connect to the Jewish people's mission?
A: The Sforno explains that being 'as the stars' isn't just about numbers—it's about purpose. Just as stars guide travelers, the Jewish people are meant to guide humanity through Torah values. This verse reminds us that our growth is tied to our spiritual mission in the world.