share torah logo

Deuteronomy 1:18 - Divine commands guide life.

Deuteronomy 1:18 - דברים 1:18

Hebrew Text

וָאֲצַוֶּה אֶתְכֶם בָּעֵת הַהִוא אֵת כָּל־הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר תַּעֲשׂוּן׃

English Translation

And I commanded you at that time all the things which you should do.

Transliteration

Va'atzaveh etkhem ba'et hahi et kol-hadevarim asher ta'asun.

Hebrew Leining Text

וָאֲצַוֶּ֥ה אֶתְכֶ֖ם בָּעֵ֣ת הַהִ֑וא אֵ֥ת כׇּל־הַדְּבָרִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר תַּעֲשֽׂוּן׃
וָאֲצַוֶּ֥ה אֶתְכֶ֖ם בָּעֵ֣ת הַהִ֑וא אֵ֥ת כׇּל־הַדְּבָרִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר תַּעֲשֽׂוּן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

The verse (Devarim 1:18) appears in Moshe Rabbeinu's recounting of the events at Har Sinai and the subsequent journey through the wilderness. Rashi explains that this refers to the commandments given at Sinai, emphasizing that Moshe is reminding Bnei Yisrael of their covenantal obligations.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments that "all the things which you should do" refers to the mitzvot that were taught at that time, including both positive and negative commandments. He notes that Moshe is stressing the immediacy and urgency of fulfilling these commandments, as they were given directly by Hashem.

Rambam's Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 9:1), Rambam explains that the phrase underscores the divine origin of the mitzvot. The commandments are not Moshe's own directives but were transmitted directly from Hashem to Bnei Yisrael, reinforcing their binding nature.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash Tanchuma (Devarim 3) elaborates that "all the things" includes not only the written Torah but also the oral traditions and halachic details later expounded by the Sages. This aligns with the principle of Torah She'baal Peh as an integral part of the divine command.

Practical Implications

  • Timeless Obligation: The verse teaches that the mitzvot given at Sinai remain binding for all generations.
  • Comprehensive Scope: "All the things" implies that every detail of halacha, whether major or minor, is included in the divine command.
  • Moshe's Role: Moshe emphasizes his role as the faithful transmitter of Hashem's will, not as an independent legislator.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 1:18 mean when it says 'I commanded you at that time all the things which you should do'?
A: This verse refers to the commandments and instructions that Hashem gave to the Jewish people through Moshe (Moses) at Mount Sinai and during their journey in the wilderness. Rashi explains that this includes both the written Torah and the oral traditions (Oral Torah) that guide how to properly observe the mitzvot.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 1:18 important in Judaism?
A: This verse emphasizes that Torah observance is not just about general principles but includes detailed instructions for every aspect of life. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that this shows the completeness of Torah - it provides guidance for all situations and times.
Q: What can we learn from 'I commanded you at that time all the things which you should do'?
A: The Midrash teaches that this teaches us the eternal relevance of Torah - the commandments given 'at that time' apply for all generations. The Talmud (Eruvin 54b) derives from this that one must study Torah diligently to properly understand all the mitzvot.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 1:18 apply to Jewish life today?
A: This verse reminds us that Torah provides complete guidance for Jewish living. As the Sifrei explains, 'all the things' means both obvious commandments and subtle details. Today, we continue this tradition through careful study of halacha (Jewish law) to properly observe all mitzvot.
Q: Who is speaking in Deuteronomy 1:18 and to whom?
A: Moshe is speaking to the generation of Jews about to enter Israel, reminding them of the commandments given to their parents at Sinai. Ibn Ezra notes that this emphasizes the continuity of Torah transmission - each generation must receive and observe the complete Torah.