share torah logo

Deuteronomy 12:7 - Sacred joy in divine blessings

Deuteronomy 12:7 - דברים 12:7

Hebrew Text

וַאֲכַלְתֶּם־שָׁם לִפְנֵי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם וּשְׂמַחְתֶּם בְּכֹל מִשְׁלַח יֶדְכֶם אַתֶּם וּבָתֵּיכֶם אֲשֶׁר בֵּרַכְךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ׃

English Translation

and there you shall eat before the Lord your God, and you shall rejoice in all that to which you put your hand, you and your households, wherein the Lord thy God has blessed thee.

Transliteration

Va'achaltem-sham lifnei Adonai Eloheichem us'machtem bechol mishlach yedchem atem uvateichem asher beirachecha Adonai Eloheicha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַאֲכַלְתֶּם־שָׁ֗ם לִפְנֵי֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם וּשְׂמַחְתֶּ֗ם בְּכֹל֙ מִשְׁלַ֣ח יֶדְכֶ֔ם אַתֶּ֖ם וּבָתֵּיכֶ֑ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר בֵּֽרַכְךָ֖ יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃
וַאֲכַלְתֶּם־שָׁ֗ם לִפְנֵי֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם וּשְׂמַחְתֶּ֗ם בְּכֹל֙ מִשְׁלַ֣ח יֶדְכֶ֔ם אַתֶּ֖ם וּבָתֵּיכֶ֑ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר בֵּֽרַכְךָ֖ יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Eating Before Hashem

The phrase "וַאֲכַלְתֶּם־שָׁם לִפְנֵי יְהוָה" ("and there you shall eat before the Lord your God") refers to the mitzvah of eating sacrificial offerings (קרבנות) in the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple). Rashi (Devarim 12:7) explains that this specifically includes the meat of peace offerings (שלמים) and second tithes (מעשר שני), which were to be consumed in Jerusalem in a state of purity and joy. The act of eating before Hashem signifies that even physical sustenance should be elevated to a spiritual experience when done in His presence.

Rejoicing in Divine Blessings

The verse continues with "וּשְׂמַחְתֶּם בְּכֹל מִשְׁלַח יֶדְכֶם" ("and you shall rejoice in all that to which you put your hand"). The Rambam (Hilchot Yom Tov 6:17–18) teaches that this rejoicing includes eating meat, drinking wine, and sharing with others, particularly during the pilgrimage festivals (שלוש רגלים). The Sifrei (Devarim 12:7) emphasizes that this joy must be connected to mitzvot, not frivolity, as true simcha (joy) comes from serving Hashem with gratitude.

Inclusion of Households in Blessing

The phrase "אַתֶּם וּבָתֵּיכֶם" ("you and your households") highlights the communal nature of divine blessing. The Talmud (Chagigah 7a) explains that one’s household includes family, servants, and even converts, all of whom partake in the joy of mitzvot. The Midrash (Tanchuma Re’eh 10) adds that a person’s home is blessed when they use their wealth for sacred purposes, such as supporting Torah scholars and performing acts of kindness.

Divine Blessing as the Source of Prosperity

The concluding words, "אֲשֶׁר בֵּרַכְךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ" ("wherein the Lord thy God has blessed thee"), teach that all material success comes from Hashem. The Kli Yakar (Devarim 12:7) notes that recognizing this prevents arrogance—one must remember that wealth is a divine gift to be used responsibly. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 360) connects this to the mitzvah of giving tithes, as acknowledging Hashem’s blessing leads to further prosperity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chagigah 7a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the joy associated with eating sacrifices before the Lord during festivals.
📖 Pesachim 109a
The verse is cited in relation to the commandment to rejoice during the festivals, emphasizing the joy in eating and celebrating before God.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 12:7 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 12:7 teaches that when the Jewish people bring offerings to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, they should eat their sacrifices there joyfully before Hashem, together with their families. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in the mitzvah (commandment) of bringing offerings, recognizing that all blessings come from Hashem.
Q: Why is rejoicing before Hashem important in this verse?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Chagigah 1:1) explains that rejoicing before Hashem is a mitzvah (commandment) in itself. This verse teaches that our worship shouldn't be solemn or sad, but rather filled with gratitude and joy for the blessings Hashem has given us. The Talmud (Pesachim 109a) states that true joy comes from sharing our blessings with family and recognizing the Divine source of our prosperity.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 12:7 apply to Jewish life today?
A: While we currently don't have the Holy Temple, the principle remains that we should celebrate Jewish holidays and mitzvot with joy and gratitude. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains that this verse teaches us to include our entire household in religious celebrations. Today, this applies to making Shabbat and holidays joyful family experiences where we recognize Hashem's blessings.
Q: What does 'all that to which you put your hand' refer to?
A: Rashi explains this phrase refers to the fruits of one's labor - the produce, livestock, and material blessings that Hashem has granted. The Talmud (Berachos 8a) teaches that true blessing only comes to things 'hidden from the eye' (not constantly counted or measured), reminding us that all success ultimately comes from Hashem's blessing on our efforts.
Q: Why does the verse mention eating before Hashem?
A: The Ramban explains that eating before Hashem in the Temple courtyard was a way to sanctify ordinary acts like eating by doing them in a holy place with proper intentions. This teaches us that even mundane activities can become spiritual when done with awareness of Hashem's presence. The Sforno adds that this shared sacred meal strengthened the bond between the Jewish people and Hashem.