Deuteronomy 13:18 - Destroy evil, earn divine compassion.

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Hebrew Text

וְלֹא־יִדְבַּק בְּיָדְךָ מְאוּמָה מִן־הַחֵרֶם לְמַעַן יָשׁוּב יְהוָה מֵחֲרוֹן אַפּוֹ וְנָתַן־לְךָ רַחֲמִים וְרִחַמְךָ וְהִרְבֶּךָ כַּאֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּע לַאֲבֹתֶיךָ׃

English Translation

And nothing of that which was devoted to destruction shall remain in your hand: that the Lord may turn from the fierceness of his anger, and show thee mercy, and have compassion upon thee, and multiply thee, as he has sworn to thy fathers;

Transliteration

Ve-lo yidbak be-yadekha me'uma min ha-herem lema'an yashuv Adonai me-charon apo ve-natan lekha rachamim ve-richamekha ve-hirbekha ka'asher nishba la-avotekha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלֹֽא־יִדְבַּ֧ק בְּיָדְךָ֛ מְא֖וּמָה מִן־הַחֵ֑רֶם לְמַ֩עַן֩ יָשׁ֨וּב יְהֹוָ֜ה מֵחֲר֣וֹן אַפּ֗וֹ וְנָֽתַן־לְךָ֤ רַחֲמִים֙ וְרִֽחַמְךָ֣ וְהִרְבֶּ֔ךָ כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר נִשְׁבַּ֖ע לַאֲבֹתֶֽיךָ׃

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Prohibition of Taking from the Herem

The verse (Devarim 13:18) commands the Israelites not to take anything from the cherem (that which is devoted to destruction) for personal benefit. Rashi explains that this prohibition ensures that no trace of idolatry or its spoils remain among the Jewish people, as taking such items could lead to spiritual contamination. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 7:1-2) elaborates that the cherem must be utterly destroyed to eradicate any influence of idolatry, reinforcing the severity of this commandment.

The Connection to Divine Mercy

The verse links abstaining from the cherem to Hashem's mercy: "that the Lord may turn from the fierceness of His anger." The Sforno teaches that distancing oneself from the spoils of idolatry demonstrates complete rejection of evil, thereby invoking divine compassion. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 43b) similarly states that avoiding any association with forbidden items brings atonement and appeases divine wrath.

Divine Promise of Multiplication

The conclusion of the verse—"and multiply thee, as He has sworn to thy fathers"—highlights the covenantal relationship. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 4:3) connects this to Avraham Avinu’s merit, emphasizing that adherence to Hashem’s commandments ensures the fulfillment of His oath to the patriarchs. The Ramban adds that this multiplication is both physical (numerous descendants) and spiritual (growth in Torah and mitzvot).

Practical Lessons from the Verse

Separation from Evil: Just as the cherem must be avoided, one must distance oneself from all spiritual contaminants in every generation (based on the principle of lehavdil bein kodesh lechol).
Trust in Divine Reward: Forsaking material gain for the sake of mitzvot invites Hashem’s compassion and blessing, as seen in the promise of multiplication.
Collective Responsibility: The verse addresses the entire nation, teaching that individual actions impact the collective merit and divine relationship (as discussed in the Sefer HaChinuch, Mitzvah 425).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 13:18 mean when it says 'nothing of that which was devoted to destruction shall remain in your hand'?
A: This verse refers to the prohibition against keeping any spoils or possessions from a city that was condemned as 'irredeemable' (חֵרֶם) due to idolatry. Rashi explains that taking anything from such a city would bring spiritual contamination and prevent G-d's mercy. The Torah commands complete destruction to avoid any association with idolatry.

Q: Why is it important to avoid keeping items from an idolatrous city?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 7:1-2) teaches that anything connected to idolatry has a spiritually corrupting influence. By not keeping anything from such a city, we demonstrate complete rejection of idolatry and trust in G-d’s commandments. This ensures we remain spiritually pure and merit divine compassion.

Q: What can we learn from the promise 'that the Lord may turn from the fierceness of His anger' in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 86a) explains that sincere repentance and strict adherence to G-d’s commandments can avert harsh decrees. This verse teaches that when we fully separate from evil (symbolized by destroying the חֵרֶם), G-d responds with mercy, as He swore to our forefathers.

Q: How does the concept of 'חֵרֶם' (devoted to destruction) apply today?
A: While the literal law applies only in specific biblical circumstances, the Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 96) derives a moral lesson: we must completely eradicate negative influences in our lives, whether harmful behaviors or ideologies contrary to Torah values. This ensures spiritual growth and divine blessing.

Q: What is the connection between destroying the חֵרֶם and G-d's promise to multiply us?
A: The Ohr HaChaim explains that removing all traces of evil (חֵרֶם) creates a vessel for blessing. By upholding this commandment, we align ourselves with the covenant G-d made with our ancestors (Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov), allowing His promise of multiplication and compassion to be fulfilled.