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Hebrew Text
וּלְמַעַן תַּאֲרִיכוּ יָמִים עַל־הָאֲדָמָה אֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּע יְהוָה לַאֲבֹתֵיכֶם לָתֵת לָהֶם וּלְזַרְעָם אֶרֶץ זָבַת חָלָב וּדְבָשׁ׃
English Translation
and that you may prolong your days in the land, which the Lord swore to your fathers to give to them and to their seed, a land flowing with milk and honey.
Transliteration
Ulema'an ta'arichu yamim al-ha'adama asher nishba Adonai la'avoteichem latet lahem ulzar'am eretz zavat chalav udvash.
Hebrew Leining Text
וּלְמַ֨עַן תַּאֲרִ֤יכוּ יָמִים֙ עַל־הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר֩ נִשְׁבַּ֨ע יְהֹוָ֧ה לַאֲבֹתֵיכֶ֛ם לָתֵ֥ת לָהֶ֖ם וּלְזַרְעָ֑ם אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּדְבָֽשׁ׃ {ס}
Parasha Commentary
📚 Talmud Citations
This verse is quoted in the Talmud.
📖 Kiddushin 39b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the rewards for fulfilling commandments and the promise of long life in the land of Israel.
📖 Sotah 11a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the merits of the ancestors and the divine promise of the land of Israel to their descendants.
Promise of Longevity in the Land
The verse emphasizes that observing the mitzvot leads to prolonged dwelling in Eretz Yisrael, the land promised to our forefathers. Rashi (Devarim 11:9) explains that this refers not only to physical longevity but also to the enduring presence of the Jewish people in the land when they follow Hashem's commandments. The reward is intrinsically tied to the covenant with Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov.
The Significance of "Land Flowing with Milk and Honey"
The description of Eretz Yisrael as "a land flowing with milk and honey" carries deep symbolism. Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 5:11) notes that this phrase highlights the land's natural abundance, making it uniquely suited for spiritual growth. The Talmud (Ketubot 111b) elaborates that "milk" refers to the richness of livestock, while "honey" signifies the sweetness of fruits, demonstrating Hashem's kindness in providing a fertile land for His people.
The Conditional Nature of the Promise
The Sforno (Devarim 11:9) teaches that this promise is conditional upon the Jewish people's adherence to Torah. The phrase "that you may prolong your days" implies that continued residence in the land depends on mitzvah observance. This aligns with the broader theme in Sefer Devarim, where blessings are tied to faithfulness to the covenant.
Connection to the Oath to the Forefathers
The mention of Hashem's oath to the Avot underscores the eternal nature of the promise. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 43) explains that the merit of the forefathers ensures the land's eventual return to their descendants, even if temporary exile occurs due to sin. This reflects the unbreakable bond between Am Yisrael, Eretz Yisrael, and Hakadosh Baruch Hu.