share torah logo

Deuteronomy 11:12 - Divinely watched holy land

Deuteronomy 11:12 - דברים 11:12

Hebrew Text

אֶרֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ דֹּרֵשׁ אֹתָהּ תָּמִיד עֵינֵי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ בָּהּ מֵרֵשִׁית הַשָּׁנָה וְעַד אַחֲרִית שָׁנָה׃

English Translation

a land which the Lord thy God cares for: the eyes of the Lord thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year to the end of the year.

Transliteration

Eretz asher-Adonai Eloheicha doresh otah tamid einei Adonai Eloheicha bah meireishit hashanah ve'ad acharit shanah.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֶ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ דֹּרֵ֣שׁ אֹתָ֑הּ תָּמִ֗יד עֵינֵ֨י יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ בָּ֔הּ מֵֽרֵשִׁית֙ הַשָּׁנָ֔ה וְעַ֖ד אַחֲרִ֥ית שָׁנָֽה׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
אֶ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ דֹּרֵ֣שׁ אֹתָ֑הּ תָּמִ֗יד עֵינֵ֨י יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ בָּ֔הּ מֵֽרֵשִׁית֙ הַשָּׁנָ֔ה וְעַ֖ד אַחֲרִ֥ית שָׁנָֽה׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Divine Providence Over Eretz Yisrael

The verse (Devarim 11:12) describes Eretz Yisrael as a land that Hashem constantly oversees with divine providence. Rashi explains that this means Hashem does not delegate the supervision of the land to an angel or intermediary, but watches over it directly—unlike other lands, which are overseen through appointed heavenly ministers (Rashi on Devarim 11:12, based on Sifrei). This reflects the unique kedushah (holiness) of Eretz Yisrael as the chosen land for the Jewish people.

Continuous Supervision from Rosh Hashanah

The phrase "from the beginning of the year to the end of the year" is interpreted by the Sifrei and Ramban (Nachmanides) as emphasizing that Hashem's providence is uninterrupted, particularly in matters of rainfall and agricultural blessing. The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 16a) connects this to the judgment of Rosh Hashanah, when the year's sustenance is decreed. The Kli Yakar adds that this constant supervision ensures that the land responds to the spiritual state of its inhabitants—rewarding righteousness with abundance and withholding blessing for transgression.

Practical Implications of Divine Providence

  • Agricultural Reliance on Hashem: Unlike Egypt, which relied on the Nile's predictable flooding, Eretz Yisrael depends on rain—a direct manifestation of divine will (Rambam, Hilchot Teshuva 9:1).
  • Moral Accountability: The land's fertility is tied to mitzvah observance (see Devarim 11:13-17), teaching that material success is contingent on spiritual fidelity (Sforno).
  • Comfort in Exile: The Malbim notes that this promise assures the Jewish people of Hashem's enduring bond with the land, even during galut (exile), ensuring its ultimate redemption.

Eretz Yisrael as a Microcosm of Hashgacha Pratit

The Ohr HaChaim highlights that the land's special status reflects a broader principle: just as Hashem's eyes are "always upon it," so too does individual divine providence (hashgacha pratit) operate more intensely for those who dwell in Eretz Yisrael and live according to Torah. This idea is echoed in the Zohar (III, 53a), which describes the land as a conduit for shefa (divine flow) to the entire world.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

The verse is referenced in the context of discussing God's constant providence over the Land of Israel, particularly in relation to the agricultural cycle and divine judgment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 11:12 mean when it says 'the eyes of the Lord are always upon it'?
A: This verse teaches that Hashem constantly watches over the Land of Israel with special divine providence (hashgacha pratit). Rashi explains that unlike other lands which receive rain only at certain times, Israel is under Hashem's direct care year-round, ensuring its needs are met continuously.
Q: Why is the Land of Israel described as special in this verse?
A: The Torah emphasizes the unique relationship between Hashem and Eretz Yisrael. The Ramban explains that this land responds differently to mitzvot - when Jews follow Torah, the land flourishes, and when they don't, it suffers (as warned later in the parsha). This shows Israel's spiritual sensitivity.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 11:12 apply to Jews today?
A: The Sforno teaches that this verse reminds us of our special responsibility toward Eretz Yisrael. Even today, we must recognize its holiness and pray for its welfare. The Talmud (Berachot 35a) connects this to blessings before eating - acknowledging that all sustenance ultimately comes from Hashem's watchful care of the land.
Q: What does 'from the beginning of the year to the end of the year' mean in this context?
A: The Kli Yakar explains this refers to the complete agricultural cycle in Israel - from when seeds are planted after Sukkot (beginning) through harvest time before the next year's rains (end). Hashem oversees every stage, unlike other lands where nature follows more predictable patterns.
Q: Why does the Torah emphasize Hashem's constant care for Israel?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei) explains this comes right after the command to love Hashem (Deut. 11:13) to show that loving G-d includes appreciating how He specially provides for His chosen land. This creates a reciprocal relationship - as we cherish the land, Hashem continues to bless it.