Deuteronomy 11:21 - Torah brings eternal earthly blessing.

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Hebrew Text

לְמַעַן יִרְבּוּ יְמֵיכֶם וִימֵי בְנֵיכֶם עַל הָאֲדָמָה אֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּע יְהוָה לַאֲבֹתֵיכֶם לָתֵת לָהֶם כִּימֵי הַשָּׁמַיִם עַל־הָאָרֶץ׃

English Translation

that your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth.

Transliteration

Lema'an yirbu yemeichem vimei veneichem al ha'adama asher nishba Adonai la'avoteichem latet lahem kimei hashamayim al ha'aretz.

Hebrew Leining Text

לְמַ֨עַן יִרְבּ֤וּ יְמֵיכֶם֙ וִימֵ֣י בְנֵיכֶ֔ם עַ֚ל הָֽאֲדָמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר נִשְׁבַּ֧ע יְהֹוָ֛ה לַאֲבֹתֵיכֶ֖ם לָתֵ֣ת לָהֶ֑ם כִּימֵ֥י הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם עַל־הָאָֽרֶץ^*(בספרי תימן הָאָֽרֶץ בצד״י גדולה)׃ {ס}

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Devarim 11:21) appears in the second paragraph of the Shema, emphasizing the reward for fulfilling mitzvot—particularly the mitzvah of Torah study and teaching it to one's children. The promise of long life in the Land of Israel is contingent upon loyalty to Hashem's commandments.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 11:21) interprets "that your days may be multiplied" as referring to the World to Come (Olam Haba), where time is eternal. However, "the days of your children" refers to longevity in this world (Olam Hazeh). The dual promise signifies that observance of mitzvot brings both material and spiritual blessings.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Teshuva (9:1), Rambam explains that the reward for mitzvot is not merely physical longevity but also the merit to dwell in Eretz Yisrael, the land where one can best serve Hashem. The phrase "as the days of heaven upon the earth" suggests that a life of Torah in Eretz Yisrael elevates earthly existence to a heavenly quality.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 47) connects this verse to the mitzvah of mezuzah, which is mentioned earlier in the passage. It teaches that the fulfillment of this mitzvah safeguards the home and ensures continuity for future generations in the Land.

Symbolism of "Days of Heaven Upon Earth"

Ibn Ezra: Compares the stability of heaven to the enduring presence of the Jewish people in their land when they follow Torah.
Kli Yakar: Suggests that "heaven" represents the spiritual realm, implying that Torah observance brings divine providence into the physical world.

Practical Implications

The verse underscores the inseparable bond between Torah observance, the Land of Israel, and Jewish continuity. As taught in Pirkei Avot (2:7), one who learns Torah in Eretz Yisrael merits a portion in both this world and the next, fulfilling the dual promise of the verse.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Kiddushin 39b

The verse is cited in a discussion about the rewards for fulfilling commandments, particularly the commandment of honoring one's parents, and how it leads to long life in the land.

📖 Sotah 11a

The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the merits of the Israelites in Egypt and how their adherence to certain practices contributed to their longevity and inheritance of the land.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 11:21 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 11:21 is a promise from Hashem that if the Jewish people keep the Torah and its commandments, they will live long and prosperous lives in the Land of Israel, which was sworn to their ancestors. Rashi explains that 'as the days of heaven upon the earth' means an everlasting blessing, like the heavens which endure forever.

Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it connects the observance of mitzvot (commandments) with the Jewish people's right to dwell securely in the Land of Israel. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that this verse emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between our actions and divine blessings, reinforcing the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish nation.

Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 11:21 today?
A: We learn that Torah observance brings blessings, both spiritually and physically. The Sforno explains that living according to Torah values ensures not only personal fulfillment but also the continuity of the Jewish people in their homeland. Today, this teaches us the importance of keeping mitzvot and passing down Jewish traditions to future generations.

Q: How does 'as the days of heaven upon the earth' apply to us?
A: The phrase 'as the days of heaven upon the earth' (Deuteronomy 11:21) symbolizes eternity and divine providence. The Midrash teaches that just as the heavens are constant and unchanging, so too will the Jewish people's bond with the Land of Israel be everlasting when they follow Hashem's commandments. This reminds us of the eternal nature of our covenant with G-d.

Q: Does this verse only refer to physical longevity in Israel?
A: While the verse mentions long life in the Land of Israel, the Talmud (Kiddushin 39b) teaches that the true reward for mitzvot is primarily in the World to Come (Olam Haba). However, this verse also highlights the tangible blessings of a righteous life, including stability and prosperity in this world, as explained by traditional Jewish commentaries like the Ramban (Nachmanides).