Deuteronomy 11:25 - Divine protection ensures victory.

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Hebrew Text

לֹא־יִתְיַצֵּב אִישׁ בִּפְנֵיכֶם פַּחְדְּכֶם וּמוֹרַאֲכֶם יִתֵּן יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם עַל־פְּנֵי כָל־הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר תִּדְרְכוּ־בָהּ כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר לָכֶם׃

English Translation

There shall no man be able to stand against you: for the Lord your God shall lay the fear of you and the dread of you upon all the land that you shall tread upon, as he has spoken to you.

Transliteration

Lo-yityatzev ish bifneichem pachd'chem umora'chem yiten Adonai Eloheichem al-pnei kol-ha'aretz asher tidrechu-bah ka'asher diber lachem.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹא־יִתְיַצֵּ֥ב אִ֖ישׁ בִּפְנֵיכֶ֑ם פַּחְדְּכֶ֨ם וּמוֹרַֽאֲכֶ֜ם יִתֵּ֣ן ׀ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֗ם עַל־פְּנֵ֤י כׇל־הָאָ֙רֶץ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּדְרְכוּ־בָ֔הּ כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּ֥ר לָכֶֽם׃ {ס}

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 11:25) is part of Moshe Rabbeinu's exhortation to Bnei Yisrael before their entry into Eretz Yisrael. It reassures them of Hashem's protection and the supernatural fear their enemies will experience, ensuring their success in conquering the land.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that "לֹא־יִתְיַצֵּב אִישׁ בִּפְנֵיכֶם" ("no man shall stand before you") means that no enemy will be able to assemble an army against Israel. He further clarifies that "פַּחְדְּכֶם וּמוֹרַאֲכֶם" ("your fear and your dread") refers to the terror that will seize the hearts of their adversaries, causing them to flee without battle. This aligns with the promise in Shemot 23:27, where Hashem declares He will send His fear ahead of Bnei Yisrael.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Melachim (Laws of Kings 7:15), Rambam emphasizes that this divine assistance was contingent upon Bnei Yisrael's adherence to Torah and mitzvot. The fear instilled in their enemies was a miraculous intervention, demonstrating Hashem's direct involvement in their conquest.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Tanchuma (Eikev 3) states that even distant nations trembled upon hearing of Bnei Yisrael's approach, fulfilling the words "עַל־פְּנֵי כָל־הָאָרֶץ" ("upon all the land").
Another Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 4:4) compares this fear to the panic that struck the Canaanites when they heard of the splitting of the Yam Suf, reinforcing that Hashem's promises are irrevocable.

Ibn Ezra's Commentary

Ibn Ezra notes that the phrase "כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר לָכֶם" ("as He has spoken to you") refers back to earlier assurances in the Torah (e.g., Shemot 23:27, Bamidbar 14:9), highlighting the consistency of Hashem's word.

Practical Implications

The Sforno teaches that this verse serves as a timeless lesson: when Klal Yisrael walks in Hashem's ways, their enemies' hearts are delivered into their hands without struggle. This principle applies not only to military conquest but to all challenges faced by the Jewish people throughout history.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 11:25 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 11:25 is a promise from Hashem to the Jewish people that no enemy will be able to stand against them when they enter the Land of Israel. Hashem will instill fear and awe of the Jewish people in the hearts of their enemies, ensuring their success in conquering the land, as He promised.

Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it reinforces the idea of divine protection and fulfillment of Hashem's promises. It reminds us that success comes from Hashem's help, not just human effort. The Talmud (Berachot 20a) teaches that miracles and divine assistance are connected to our merits and faithfulness to Torah.

Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today?
A: While this verse specifically refers to the conquest of the Land of Israel, the principle applies today: when Jews follow Hashem's commandments with sincerity, He grants them protection and success. The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 7:15) explains that divine assistance depends on our spiritual commitment.

Q: What can we learn from 'no man shall stand against you'?
A: We learn that true strength comes from Hashem's support. Rashi explains that this promise was conditional on the Jewish people keeping the Torah. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 43) teaches that when Jews are united in serving Hashem, no enemy can prevail against them.

Q: What does 'fear and dread' refer to in this verse?
A: The 'fear and dread' refer to the supernatural terror that Hashem would place in the hearts of the Canaanite nations, making them unable to fight effectively against Israel. The Ibn Ezra explains that this was a miraculous intervention to ensure Israel's victory in conquering the land.