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Deuteronomy 11:10 - Egypt's toil vs. Israel's blessing

Deuteronomy 11:10 - דברים 11:10

Hebrew Text

כִּי הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר אַתָּה בָא־שָׁמָּה לְרִשְׁתָּהּ לֹא כְאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם הִוא אֲשֶׁר יְצָאתֶם מִשָּׁם אֲשֶׁר תִּזְרַע אֶת־זַרְעֲךָ וְהִשְׁקִיתָ בְרַגְלְךָ כְּגַן הַיָּרָק׃

English Translation

For the land, into which thou goest to possess it, is not as the land of Miżrayim, from whence you came out, where thou didst sow thy seed, and didst water it with thy foot, like a garden of vegetables:

Transliteration

Ki ha'aretz asher ata ba-shamah l'rishtah lo k'eretz mitzrayim hi asher y'tza'tem misham asher tizra et-zar'akha v'hishkita b'raglekha k'gan hayarak.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּ֣י הָאָ֗רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֨ר אַתָּ֤ה בָא־שָׁ֙מָּה֙ לְרִשְׁתָּ֔הּ לֹ֣א כְאֶ֤רֶץ מִצְרַ֙יִם֙ הִ֔וא אֲשֶׁ֥ר יְצָאתֶ֖ם מִשָּׁ֑ם אֲשֶׁ֤ר תִּזְרַע֙ אֶֽת־זַרְעֲךָ֔ וְהִשְׁקִ֥יתָ בְרַגְלְךָ֖ כְּגַ֥ן הַיָּרָֽק׃
כִּ֣י הָאָ֗רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֨ר אַתָּ֤ה בָא־שָׁ֙מָּה֙ לְרִשְׁתָּ֔הּ לֹ֣א כְאֶ֤רֶץ מִצְרַ֙יִם֙ הִ֔וא אֲשֶׁ֥ר יְצָאתֶ֖ם מִשָּׁ֑ם אֲשֶׁ֤ר תִּזְרַע֙ אֶֽת־זַרְעֲךָ֔ וְהִשְׁקִ֥יתָ בְרַגְלְךָ֖ כְּגַ֥ן הַיָּרָֽק׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Contrast Between Eretz Yisrael and Mitzrayim

The verse (Devarim 11:10) contrasts the agricultural nature of Eretz Yisrael with that of Mitzrayim (Egypt). Rashi explains that in Mitzrayim, irrigation was entirely dependent on human effort—"watering with your foot" refers to manually operating water wheels or digging channels to divert the Nile's waters. In contrast, Eretz Yisrael relies on rainfall, symbolizing direct divine providence (גשמי ברכה). This teaches that settling the Land requires faith in Hashem’s sustenance.

Spiritual vs. Physical Reliance

The Ramban (Nachmanides) expands on this idea, noting that Mitzrayim’s irrigation system represents self-reliance and human control, whereas Eretz Yisrael’s dependence on rain reflects submission to divine will. The land responds to the spiritual state of its inhabitants—rain is a reward for mitzvah observance (as stated in Devarim 11:13-14). Thus, the verse underscores that dwelling in Eretz Yisrael demands a higher level of spiritual commitment.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 38) compares Mitzrayim to a "garden of vegetables" (גן הירק), implying transient, easily spoiled produce. Eretz Yisrael, however, yields enduring blessings when its people follow Torah. The Sifrei further explains that Mitzrayim’s fertility was artificial (requiring constant labor), while Eretz Yisrael’s fertility is natural but contingent on righteousness.

Halachic Implications

  • Birkat Ha'aretz: The Mishnah (Berachot 5:8) teaches that in Eretz Yisrael, one recites a special blessing for rain, highlighting its spiritual significance.
  • Agricultural Mitzvot: The Talmud (Kiddushin 36b) ties many mitzvot (e.g., terumot, ma’aserot) exclusively to Eretz Yisrael, emphasizing its sanctity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ketubot 112a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the fertility of the Land of Israel compared to Egypt, emphasizing the divine providence in the agricultural conditions of Israel.
📖 Sotah 11b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the differences between the Land of Israel and Egypt, particularly in terms of agricultural practices and divine blessing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 11:10 mean when it says the Land of Israel is not like Egypt?
A: The verse contrasts the agricultural conditions of Egypt with the Land of Israel. In Egypt, the Nile River provided consistent water, allowing people to irrigate crops manually ('watering with your foot'). In contrast, the Land of Israel depends on rainfall (Devarim 11:11), teaching us to rely on Hashem's blessings (Rashi).
Q: Why does the Torah mention 'watering with your foot' in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that in Egypt, farmers used their feet to operate irrigation systems (like water wheels or canals) to water crops. This highlights the difference between Egypt's human-dependent agriculture and Israel's reliance on divine rain—emphasizing faith in Hashem’s providence.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 11:10 today?
A: The verse teaches that living in the Land of Israel requires trust in Hashem, as its sustenance comes from rainfall—a direct blessing from Above (Rambam, Hilchot Ta'anit 1:1-2). This reminds us to recognize divine providence in our lives, especially in matters of livelihood.
Q: How is the Land of Israel different from Egypt according to this verse?
A: Egypt’s fertility came from the predictable Nile, while Israel’s depends on rainfall, which is controlled by Hashem (Sifrei Devarim 11:10). This difference underscores that Israel is a 'land that Hashem your God cares for' (Devarim 11:12), requiring spiritual merit for its bounty.
Q: Why is this comparison important in the Torah?
A: The contrast prepares the Israelites for a new relationship with the land—one based on mitzvot and divine reward (Talmud, Ta'anit 2a). Unlike Egypt, where water was guaranteed, Israel’s prosperity depends on obedience to Hashem, linking physical sustenance to spiritual conduct.