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Deuteronomy 1:28 - Fear or faith before giants?

Deuteronomy 1:28 - דברים 1:28

Hebrew Text

אָנָה אֲנַחְנוּ עֹלִים אַחֵינוּ הֵמַסּוּ אֶת־לְבָבֵנוּ לֵאמֹר עַם גָּדוֹל וָרָם מִמֶּנּוּ עָרִים גְּדֹלֹת וּבְצוּרֹת בַּשָּׁמָיִם וְגַם־בְּנֵי עֲנָקִים רָאִינוּ שָׁם׃

English Translation

Whither shall we go up? our brethren have made our heart faint, saying, The people are greater and taller than we; the cities are great and fortified up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the ῾Anaqim there.

Transliteration

Ana anakhnu olim acheinu hemasu et-levavenu lemor am gadol varam mimenu arim gedolot uvetzurot bashamayim vegam-bnei anakim ra'inu sham.

Hebrew Leining Text

אָנָ֣ה <b>׀</b> אֲנַ֣חְנוּ עֹלִ֗ים אַחֵ֩ינוּ֩ הֵמַ֨סּוּ אֶת־לְבָבֵ֜נוּ לֵאמֹ֗ר עַ֣ם גָּד֤וֹל וָרָם֙ מִמֶּ֔נּוּ עָרִ֛ים גְּדֹלֹ֥ת וּבְצוּרֹ֖ת בַּשָּׁמָ֑יִם וְגַם־בְּנֵ֥י עֲנָקִ֖ים רָאִ֥ינוּ שָֽׁם׃
אָנָ֣ה ׀ אֲנַ֣חְנוּ עֹלִ֗ים אַחֵ֩ינוּ֩ הֵמַ֨סּוּ אֶת־לְבָבֵ֜נוּ לֵאמֹ֗ר עַ֣ם גָּד֤וֹל וָרָם֙ מִמֶּ֔נּוּ עָרִ֛ים גְּדֹלֹ֥ת וּבְצוּרֹ֖ת בַּשָּׁמָ֑יִם וְגַם־בְּנֵ֥י עֲנָקִ֖ים רָאִ֥ינוּ שָֽׁם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Devarim 1:28) is part of Moshe Rabbeinu's recounting of the episode of the Meraglim (the spies) in Sefer Devarim. The people express fear and hesitation about entering Eretz Yisrael after hearing the negative report from the spies.

Phrase-by-Phrase Analysis

  • "אָנָה אֲנַחְנוּ עֹלִים" (Whither shall we go up?) – Rashi explains that this reflects the people's despair, as if they had no direction or hope. The question is rhetorical, expressing their sense of helplessness.
  • "אַחֵינוּ הֵמַסּוּ אֶת־לְבָבֵנוּ" (our brethren have made our heart faint) – The term "הֵמַסּוּ" (made faint) suggests that the spies weakened their resolve. Ramban notes that this was a deliberate act of discouragement, undermining their trust in Hashem.
  • "עַם גָּדוֹל וָרָם מִמֶּנּוּ" (The people are greater and taller than we) – The spies exaggerated the physical stature of the inhabitants, instilling fear. The Midrash (Sifrei) compares this to a person who sees giants and feels like a grasshopper in comparison.
  • "עָרִים גְּדֹלֹת וּבְצוּרֹת בַּשָּׁמָיִם" (the cities are great and fortified up to heaven) – The description is hyperbolic, emphasizing their intimidation. Ibn Ezra explains that "up to heaven" is a metaphor for seemingly impregnable defenses.
  • "וְגַם־בְּנֵי עֲנָקִים רָאִינוּ שָׁם" (and moreover we have seen the sons of the ῾Anaqim there) – The Anaqim were known as fearsome giants (Bamidbar 13:33). The mention of them further demoralized Bnei Yisrael.

Spiritual Lessons

The verse highlights the dangers of lashon hara (evil speech) and lack of bitachon (trust in Hashem). The spies' report caused the people to focus on physical obstacles rather than remembering Hashem's promises. The Talmud (Sotah 35a) teaches that this failure of faith led to the decree of wandering in the desert for 40 years.

Contrast with Yehoshua and Kalev

Unlike the other spies, Yehoshua and Kalev responded with faith, declaring, "Hashem is with us; do not fear them" (Bamidbar 14:9). Their steadfastness serves as a model of proper emunah (faith) in the face of challenges.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 1:28 mean?
A: In Deuteronomy 1:28, the Israelites express fear and doubt after hearing the negative report of the spies about the land of Canaan. They say, 'The people are greater and taller than we; the cities are great and fortified up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakim there.' Rashi explains that this reflects their lack of faith in Hashem's promise to give them the land, despite witnessing His miracles in Egypt and the wilderness.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 1:28 important?
A: This verse is important because it teaches us about the consequences of fear and lack of trust in Hashem. The Israelites' reaction led to their punishment of wandering in the desert for 40 years. The Talmud (Sotah 35a) discusses how their exaggerated description ('fortified up to heaven') showed ingratitude and disbelief in Hashem's power.
Q: Who were the 'sons of the Anakim' mentioned in Deuteronomy 1:28?
A: The 'sons of the Anakim' (Bnei Anakim) were a race of giants who lived in Canaan. According to the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 16:11), they were descendants of the Nephilim and were known for their immense size and strength. Their presence intimidated the spies and contributed to the Israelites' fear of conquering the land.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 1:28 today?
A: The verse teaches us to trust in Hashem even when facing challenges that seem insurmountable. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 3:1) emphasizes that faith in Hashem means recognizing that He controls all circumstances. Just as the Israelites' fear prevented them from entering the land, we must avoid letting fear paralyze us from fulfilling our spiritual missions.
Q: How did Moshe respond to the Israelites' fear in Deuteronomy 1:28?
A: In the following verses (Deuteronomy 1:29-30), Moshe reassures the people, saying, 'Do not fear them, for Hashem your G-d is the One Who fights for you.' Rashi explains that Moshe reminded them of Hashem's past miracles to strengthen their faith. This shows the importance of leaders guiding people with emunah (faith) during difficult times.