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Deuteronomy 11:8 - Commandments bring strength, land

Deuteronomy 11:8 - דברים 11:8

Hebrew Text

וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם אֶת־כָּל־הַמִּצְוָה אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוְּךָ הַיּוֹם לְמַעַן תֶּחֶזְקוּ וּבָאתֶם וִירִשְׁתֶּם אֶת־הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר אַתֶּם עֹבְרִים שָׁמָּה לְרִשְׁתָּהּ׃

English Translation

Therefore shall you keep all the commandments which I command you this day, that you may be strong, and go in and possess the land, into which you go to possess it;

Transliteration

Ushmartem et kol hamitzvah asher anochi metzavecha hayom lema'an techezk'u uvatem virishtem et ha'aretz asher atem ovrim shamah lirishtah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם֙ אֶת־כׇּל־הַמִּצְוָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֛ר אָנֹכִ֥י מְצַוְּךָ֖ הַיּ֑וֹם לְמַ֣עַן תֶּחֶזְק֗וּ וּבָאתֶם֙ וִֽירִשְׁתֶּ֣ם אֶת־הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר אַתֶּ֛ם עֹבְרִ֥ים שָׁ֖מָּה לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ׃
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם֙ אֶת־כׇּל־הַמִּצְוָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֛ר אָנֹכִ֥י מְצַוְּךָ֖ הַיּ֑וֹם לְמַ֣עַן תֶּחֶזְק֗וּ וּבָאתֶם֙ וִֽירִשְׁתֶּ֣ם אֶת־הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר אַתֶּ֛ם עֹבְרִ֥ים שָׁ֖מָּה לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy)

The verse appears in Devarim 11:8, part of Moshe's exhortation to Bnei Yisrael before entering Eretz Yisrael. It emphasizes the connection between observing mitzvot and successfully inheriting the land. Rashi explains that "keeping the commandments" is not merely about passive observance but involves diligent study and understanding to ensure proper fulfillment.

The Link Between Mitzvot and Strength

The phrase "לְמַעַן תֶּחֶזְקוּ" ("that you may be strong") is interpreted by Ramban (Nachmanides) as both physical and spiritual strength. Fulfilling mitzvot fortifies the nation, ensuring their ability to conquer and settle the land. The Sforno adds that this strength comes from Divine assistance granted to those who uphold Torah.

Possession of the Land as Conditional

The Talmud (Ketubot 110b) derives from this verse that dwelling in Eretz Yisrael is intrinsically tied to mitzvah observance. The Midrash Tanchuma (Re'eh 8) states that the land responds to the deeds of its inhabitants—rewarding righteousness with prosperity and punishing transgression with exile.

Practical Implications

  • Collective Responsibility: The plural language ("וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם") teaches that mitzvot are a national obligation, not just individual (Malbim).
  • Continuity: Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 8:11) cites this verse to prove that settling the land remains a perpetual mitzvah for all generations.
  • Spiritual Conquest: The Kli Yakar notes that "וִירִשְׁתֶּם" implies both physical possession and spiritual mastery—overcoming challenges to create a sanctified society.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 44a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the importance of observing commandments as a prerequisite for inheriting the land of Israel.
📖 Sanhedrin 110b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the consequences of not adhering to the commandments and its impact on the possession of the land.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 11:8 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 11:8 teaches that observing all the mitzvot (commandments) strengthens the Jewish people and enables them to successfully enter and inherit the Land of Israel. Rashi explains that keeping the commandments gives spiritual and physical strength to fulfill G-d's will.
Q: Why is keeping the commandments connected to inheriting the land?
A: According to Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Melachim), the mitzvot are intrinsically tied to the Jewish people's relationship with the Land of Israel. The Torah promises that observing commandments leads to merit, which in turn allows the Jewish nation to dwell securely in the land, as emphasized in this verse.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today?
A: The Sages teach (Sifrei Devarim) that the principle of this verse applies in all generations: observing mitzvot strengthens the Jewish people spiritually and physically. Even today, keeping Torah and mitzvot maintains our connection to the Land of Israel and ensures Jewish continuity.
Q: What does 'being strong' mean in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 32b) explains that 'being strong' refers to both spiritual strength (to resist temptation) and physical strength (to conquer the land). Rashi adds that keeping mitzvot gives the Jewish people the moral and divine assistance needed to succeed in their mission.
Q: Why does the verse say 'all the commandments' and not just some?
A: The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah) teaches that the Torah emphasizes 'all the commandments' to show that partial observance isn't sufficient - the complete Torah way of life is required to merit the land. Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva) explains that every mitzvah contributes to perfecting the individual and the nation.