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Deuteronomy 1:30 - Divine warrior leads Israel's battles

Deuteronomy 1:30 - דברים 1:30

Hebrew Text

יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם הַהֹלֵךְ לִפְנֵיכֶם הוּא יִלָּחֵם לָכֶם כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה אִתְּכֶם בְּמִצְרַיִם לְעֵינֵיכֶם׃

English Translation

The Lord your God who goes before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Miżrayim before your eyes;

Transliteration

Adonai Eloheikhem haholekh lifneikhem hu yilakhem lakhem kekhol asher asah itkhem beMitzrayim le'eineikhem.

Hebrew Leining Text

יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶם֙ הַהֹלֵ֣ךְ לִפְנֵיכֶ֔ם ה֖וּא יִלָּחֵ֣ם לָכֶ֑ם כְּ֠כֹ֠ל אֲשֶׁ֨ר עָשָׂ֧ה אִתְּכֶ֛ם בְּמִצְרַ֖יִם לְעֵינֵיכֶֽם׃
יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶם֙ הַהֹלֵ֣ךְ לִפְנֵיכֶ֔ם ה֖וּא יִלָּחֵ֣ם לָכֶ֑ם כְּ֠כֹ֠ל אֲשֶׁ֨ר עָשָׂ֧ה אִתְּכֶ֛ם בְּמִצְרַ֖יִם לְעֵינֵיכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Divine Protection and Leadership

The verse (Devarim 1:30) emphasizes Hashem's role as the protector and leader of Bnei Yisrael. Rashi explains that "הַהֹלֵךְ לִפְנֵיכֶם" ("who goes before you") refers to Hashem guiding the nation through the wilderness, just as He did during the Exodus from Mitzrayim. This demonstrates His constant presence and involvement in their journey.

Historical Context and Reassurance

The Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that this verse serves as a reassurance to Bnei Yisrael as they prepare to enter Eretz Yisrael. By recalling the miracles in Mitzrayim, Moshe reminds them that just as Hashem fought for them against Pharaoh, He will continue to do so against the Canaanite nations. The phrase "לְעֵינֵיכֶם" ("before your eyes") underscores that these were witnessed miracles, reinforcing emunah (faith).

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash Tanchuma (Devarim 3) elaborates that Hashem's protection is likened to a king who walks before his people to clear the path of dangers. Similarly, Hashem removes obstacles and adversaries, ensuring Bnei Yisrael's safety. This metaphor highlights the intimate care of the Divine King for His nation.

Practical Lessons for Trust in Hashem

  • Bitachon (Trust): The Sforno teaches that this verse instills bitachon—trust in Hashem's ongoing providence, even in unfamiliar territories.
  • Zechut Avot (Merit of the Forefathers): The Ohr HaChaim adds that the reference to Mitzrayim invokes the zechut of Yetziat Mitzrayim, reminding Bnei Yisrael that their redemption was rooted in divine promise, not human strength.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 42a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing God's protection and intervention for the Israelites, particularly in battles, drawing a parallel to His actions in Egypt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'The Lord your God who goes before you' mean in Deuteronomy 1:30?
A: This means that Hashem (God) leads and protects the Jewish people, just as He did during the Exodus from Egypt. Rashi explains that this refers to how God guided the Israelites with the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night (Shemot 13:21).
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse is important because it reassures the Jewish people of God's constant protection and involvement in their lives. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that trusting in God's providence is a fundamental principle of Jewish faith, as seen in His miracles in Egypt and the wilderness.
Q: How does this verse apply to our lives today?
A: The verse teaches us to trust in Hashem's guidance and protection in all circumstances, just as our ancestors did. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) emphasizes that just as God fought for the Israelites, He continues to support those who follow His ways.
Q: What does 'He shall fight for you' mean in a spiritual sense?
A: On a spiritual level, this means that Hashem helps us overcome challenges, both physical and spiritual. The Talmud (Berachot 33b) teaches that God assists those who strive to fulfill mitzvot (commandments) and live righteously.
Q: How did God fight for the Jewish people in Egypt according to this verse?
A: The verse refers to the miracles and plagues God performed in Egypt, such as the splitting of the Red Sea (Shemot 14) and the ten plagues. Rashi notes that these acts demonstrated God's power and love for His people, ensuring their deliverance.