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Deuteronomy 1:26 - Fear overrides faith?

Deuteronomy 1:26 - דברים 1:26

Hebrew Text

וְלֹא אֲבִיתֶם לַעֲלֹת וַתַּמְרוּ אֶת־פִּי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם׃

English Translation

Yet you would not go up, but rebelled against the commandment of the Lord your God:

Transliteration

Velo avitem la'alot vatamru et-pi Adonai Eloheichem

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלֹ֥א אֲבִיתֶ֖ם לַעֲלֹ֑ת וַתַּמְר֕וּ אֶת־פִּ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃
וְלֹ֥א אֲבִיתֶ֖ם לַעֲלֹ֑ת וַתַּמְר֕וּ אֶת־פִּ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 1:26) appears in Moshe's recounting of the episode of the Meraglim (the Spies), where Bnei Yisrael, upon hearing the negative report from the spies, refused to enter Eretz Yisrael. This rebellion led to their punishment of wandering in the wilderness for forty years.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 1:26) explains that the phrase "וְלֹא אֲבִיתֶם לַעֲלֹת" ("Yet you would not go up") refers to the people's unwillingness to ascend into Eretz Yisrael despite Hashem's command. The term "אֲבִיתֶם" (from the root א.ב.ה) implies a deliberate refusal, not mere hesitation. Rashi further notes that "וַתַּמְרוּ" ("but rebelled") indicates outright defiance against Hashem's word, as the people rejected His promise of victory and protection.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 3:3) discusses how the sin of the Meraglim stemmed from a lack of trust (bitachon) in Hashem. Their refusal to ascend was not just disobedience but a fundamental failure in emunah (faith), as they doubted Hashem's ability to fulfill His promise to bring them into the land.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 25) emphasizes that the phrase "אֶת־פִּי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם" ("the commandment of the Lord your God") underscores the severity of their sin—they were not merely rejecting Moshe's leadership but directly defying Hashem Himself.
  • Another Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 16:20) compares their rebellion to a child who refuses to heed a parent's instruction, illustrating the intimate relationship between Hashem and Klal Yisrael and the pain caused by their defiance.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Sefat Emet (Devarim 1:26) teaches that the refusal to "go up" symbolizes a spiritual stagnation. Eretz Yisrael represents a higher level of kedushah (holiness), and their unwillingness to ascend reflected a reluctance to grow in avodat Hashem (divine service). This teaches the importance of striving for spiritual elevation rather than remaining complacent.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 35a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the sin of the spies and the Israelites' refusal to enter the Land of Israel, highlighting their rebellion against God's command.
📖 Sanhedrin 110a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the consequences of rebelling against God's commandments, particularly in relation to the generation of the wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 1:26 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 1:26 refers to the incident when the Israelites, after hearing the report of the spies, refused to enter the Land of Israel despite God's command. The verse highlights their lack of faith and rebellion against Hashem's direct instruction. Rashi explains that this was a grave sin, as they rejected the gift of the Land that God had promised to their ancestors.
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse is important because it teaches about the consequences of lacking faith in God and disobeying His commandments. The Talmud (Sotah 34b) discusses how this rebellion led to the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. It serves as a timeless lesson about trusting in God's promises and the dangers of complaining against divine providence.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 1:26 today?
A: We learn the importance of having faith in God's plan even when challenges seem overwhelming. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:3) teaches that we must cultivate trust in God and not let fear prevent us from fulfilling mitzvot. This verse reminds us to overcome our doubts and embrace opportunities to grow spiritually and fulfill God's will.
Q: How does this verse connect to the Jewish people's relationship with the Land of Israel?
A: This verse marks a critical moment in Jewish history when the generation that left Egypt forfeited their right to enter Eretz Yisrael. The Midrash (Tanchuma Shelach 7) explains that their refusal showed ingratitude for God's gift of the Land. It established a pattern that Jewish tradition sees as repeating throughout history - the importance of valuing and settling the Land of Israel when given the opportunity.
Q: What does 'you rebelled against the commandment' refer to specifically?
A: The rebellion refers specifically to the Israelites' refusal to conquer the Land of Israel after the spies' negative report (Numbers 13-14). Rashi explains that this was a rejection of God's explicit command to enter and inherit the Land (Deuteronomy 1:21). Their fear and lack of faith constituted a rebellion against God's direct instruction and covenant with them.