share torah logo

Deuteronomy 11:5 - Divine wilderness trials remembered?

Deuteronomy 11:5 - דברים 11:5

Hebrew Text

וַאֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה לָכֶם בַּמִּדְבָּר עַד־בֹּאֲכֶם עַד־הַמָּקוֹם הַזֶּה׃

English Translation

and what he did to you in the wilderness, until you came to this place;

Transliteration

Va'asher asah lachem bamidbar ad-bo'achem ad-hamakom hazeh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשָׂ֛ה לָכֶ֖ם בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר עַד־בֹּאֲכֶ֖ם עַד־הַמָּק֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה׃
וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשָׂ֛ה לָכֶ֖ם בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר עַד־בֹּאֲכֶ֖ם עַד־הַמָּק֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Devarim

This verse appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 1:31, where Moshe recounts Hashem's providence during Bnei Yisrael's journey through the wilderness. The phrase emphasizes divine care from Yetziat Mitzrayim (Exodus) until their arrival at the threshold of Eretz Yisrael.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi interprets "asher asah lachem bamidbar" as referring to Hashem's miracles and sustenance:

  • Protection: The Clouds of Glory (Ananei HaKavod) shielded them from enemies and harsh conditions (based on Mechilta).
  • Sustenance: The manna (mon) and the Well of Miriam (Be'er Miriam) provided food and water (Ta'anit 9a).

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:32), Rambam highlights this verse as a lesson in divine hashgacha pratit (providence)—demonstrating how Hashem guided the nation through trials to prepare them for entering the Land.

Midrashic Insights

The Sifrei (Devarim 26) expands on "ad-bo'achem ad-hamakom hazeh":

  • The "wilderness" symbolizes spiritual refinement, where Bnei Yisrael developed emunah (faith) before receiving the Land.
  • "This place" (hamakom hazeh) alludes to Arvot Moav, where they were poised to accept the covenant anew (Devarim 29).

Halachic Implication

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 606) derives from this verse an obligation to recount Hashem's kindness during Yetziat Mitzrayim and the midbar—a foundation for the mitzvah of sippur yetzi'at mitzrayim at the Pesach Seder.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 11:5 mean when it mentions 'what He did to you in the wilderness'?
A: This verse refers to the miracles and kindnesses that Hashem performed for the Jewish people during their 40 years in the wilderness, such as the manna, the well of Miriam, and the clouds of glory that protected them (Rashi on Deuteronomy 11:5). It reminds us of G-d's constant care even in difficult circumstances.
Q: Why is it important to remember what happened in the wilderness?
A: Remembering the wilderness experiences is a fundamental part of Jewish faith. The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:1) teaches that recognizing G-d's miracles in the wilderness helps strengthen our belief in His providence and our gratitude for His constant protection.
Q: How does the wilderness experience apply to our lives today?
A: Just as G-d sustained our ancestors in the wilderness, we must trust that He provides for us in our personal 'wilderness' situations. The Midrash (Mechilta Beshalach) compares the wilderness to life's challenges, teaching that G-d is with us in difficult times just as He was in the desert.
Q: What specific miracles is this verse referring to?
A: Traditional sources identify several miracles: the manna that fell daily (Exodus 16), Miriam's well that provided water (Taanit 9a), and the Clouds of Glory that protected them from enemies and extreme weather (Rashi on Numbers 10:34). These showed G-d's constant care during their journey.
Q: Why does the Torah emphasize 'until you came to this place'?
A: Rashi explains that this teaches the miracles didn't stop when they entered Israel - G-d's providence continues in the Land just as in the wilderness. The Sifrei (Devarim 41) adds that remembering past miracles strengthens us to face new challenges with faith.