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Deuteronomy 12:1 - Divine laws for promised land

Deuteronomy 12:1 - דברים 12:1

Hebrew Text

אֵלֶּה הַחֻקִּים וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִים אֲשֶׁר תִּשְׁמְרוּן לַעֲשׂוֹת בָּאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר נָתַן יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי אֲבֹתֶיךָ לְךָ לְרִשְׁתָּהּ כָּל־הַיָּמִים אֲשֶׁר־אַתֶּם חַיִּים עַל־הָאֲדָמָה׃

English Translation

These are the statutes and judgments, which you shall observe to do in the land, which the Lord God of thy fathers gives thee to possess it, all the days that you live upon the earth.

Transliteration

Eleh hachukim vehamishpatim asher tishmerun la'asot ba'aretz asher natan Adonai Elohei avoteicha lecha lirishtah kol-hayamim asher-atem chayim al-ha'adamah.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֵ֠לֶּה הַֽחֻקִּ֣ים וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִים֮ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּשְׁמְר֣וּן לַעֲשׂוֹת֒ בָּאָ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁר֩ נָתַ֨ן יְהֹוָ֜ה אֱלֹהֵ֧י אֲבֹתֶ֛יךָ לְךָ֖ לְרִשְׁתָּ֑הּ כׇּ֨ל־הַיָּמִ֔ים אֲשֶׁר־אַתֶּ֥ם חַיִּ֖ים עַל־הָאֲדָמָֽה׃
אֵ֠לֶּה הַֽחֻקִּ֣ים וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִים֮ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּשְׁמְר֣וּן לַעֲשׂוֹת֒ בָּאָ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁר֩ נָתַ֨ן יְהֹוָ֜ה אֱלֹהֵ֧י אֲבֹתֶ֛יךָ לְךָ֖ לְרִשְׁתָּ֑הּ כׇּ֨ל־הַיָּמִ֔ים אֲשֶׁר־אַתֶּ֥ם חַיִּ֖ים עַל־הָאֲדָמָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Introduction to the Verse

This verse, found in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 12:1, introduces a section of laws that the Jewish people are commanded to observe upon entering the Land of Israel. The phrasing emphasizes the divine origin of these statutes (chukim) and judgments (mishpatim), as well as their eternal applicability while dwelling in the land.

Distinction Between Chukim and Mishpatim

Rashi (Devarim 6:20) explains the difference between these two categories of mitzvot:

  • Chukim (חֻקִּים): These are decrees from Hashem that may not have an apparent rationale, such as the prohibition of mixing wool and linen (shaatnez) or the laws of the red heifer (parah adumah). Their observance is an act of submission to divine will.
  • Mishpatim (מִשְׁפָּטִים): These are laws with logical foundations, such as prohibitions against theft or murder, which human intellect would dictate even without divine command.

The Land as a Prerequisite for Full Torah Observance

The Ramban (Nachmanides, Devarim 4:5) emphasizes that many mitzvot are intrinsically tied to the Land of Israel. The phrase "בָּאָרֶץ" (in the land) underscores that certain commandments—such as agricultural laws (terumot, ma'aserot) and the sanctity of the Temple service—can only be fully observed in Eretz Yisrael. This teaches that the land is not merely a geographic location but a spiritual conduit for divine service.

Eternal Observance: "All the Days That You Live Upon the Earth"

The Sifrei (Devarim 43) interprets the phrase "כָּל־הַיָּמִים אֲשֶׁר־אַתֶּם חַיִּים עַל־הָאֲדָמָה" as a reminder that Torah observance is binding in all circumstances—whether in the land or in exile. The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 8:11) derives from this that even when Jews are outside Israel, they must keep mitzvot in preparation for their eventual return.

The Role of Divine Inheritance

The verse states that the land was given by "ה' אֱלֹהֵי אֲבֹתֶיךָ" (Hashem, the God of your fathers), linking the promise to the Avot (Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 44:23) teaches that the merit of the forefathers is intertwined with the Jewish people's right to the land, reinforcing the covenantal relationship between Hashem and Israel.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 14a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of observing commandments in the land of Israel.
📖 Kiddushin 37b
Cited in a debate about which commandments are specifically tied to the land of Israel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 12:1 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 12:1 introduces the laws and commandments that the Jewish people are obligated to observe when they enter and live in the Land of Israel. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes that these mitzvot (commandments) are specifically tied to living in the land given by Hashem to our ancestors.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 12:1 important?
A: This verse is important because it establishes the connection between the Jewish people, the Torah's commandments, and the Land of Israel. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that many mitzvot can only be fully observed in the land of Israel, highlighting the special relationship between the Jewish people and their homeland.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 12:1 today?
A: We learn that observing Torah commandments is deeply connected to the Land of Israel. Even today, Orthodox Jews recognize the unique spiritual significance of living in and fulfilling mitzvot in Israel, as the verse states 'all the days that you live upon the earth.' The Talmud (Ketubot 110b) emphasizes the importance of living in Israel for spiritual growth.
Q: What are 'chukim' and 'mishpatim' mentioned in this verse?
A: 'Chukim' (statutes) are commandments whose reasons are not easily understood, like kosher laws, while 'mishpatim' (judgments) are logical laws like ethical and civil statutes. Rashi explains that both types of commandments must be observed with equal commitment, whether we understand them or not, as they come from Hashem.
Q: Does this verse apply to Jews living outside Israel?
A: Yes, but with differences. While many commandments apply everywhere, some (like agricultural laws) only apply in Israel. The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 5:12) teaches that living outside Israel doesn't exempt Jews from Torah observance, but the ideal is to fulfill all commandments in the land as stated in this verse.