share torah logo

Deuteronomy 1:33 - Divine guidance day and night

Deuteronomy 1:33 - דברים 1:33

Hebrew Text

הַהֹלֵךְ לִפְנֵיכֶם בַּדֶּרֶךְ לָתוּר לָכֶם מָקוֹם לַחֲנֹתְכֶם בָּאֵשׁ לַיְלָה לַרְאֹתְכֶם בַּדֶּרֶךְ אֲשֶׁר תֵּלְכוּ־בָהּ וּבֶעָנָן יוֹמָם׃

English Translation

who went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to show you by what way you should go, and in a cloud by day.

Transliteration

Haholekh lifneikhem baderekh latur lakhem makom lakhanotkhem ba'esh lailah lir'otkhem baderekh asher telekhu-vah uve'anan yomam.

Hebrew Leining Text

הַהֹלֵ֨ךְ לִפְנֵיכֶ֜ם בַּדֶּ֗רֶךְ לָת֥וּר לָכֶ֛ם מָק֖וֹם לַחֲנֹֽתְכֶ֑ם בָּאֵ֣שׁ <b>׀</b> לַ֗יְלָה לַרְאֹֽתְכֶם֙ בַּדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תֵּֽלְכוּ־בָ֔הּ וּבֶעָנָ֖ן יוֹמָֽם׃
הַהֹלֵ֨ךְ לִפְנֵיכֶ֜ם בַּדֶּ֗רֶךְ לָת֥וּר לָכֶ֛ם מָק֖וֹם לַחֲנֹֽתְכֶ֑ם בָּאֵ֣שׁ ׀ לַ֗יְלָה לַרְאֹֽתְכֶם֙ בַּדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תֵּֽלְכוּ־בָ֔הּ וּבֶעָנָ֖ן יוֹמָֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Devarim 1:33) appears in Moshe's recounting of the Exodus journey, emphasizing Hashem's guidance of Bnei Yisrael through the wilderness. The imagery of fire by night and cloud by day refers to the divine manifestations that led the nation during their travels.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "הַהֹלֵךְ לִפְנֵיכֶם" ("who went before you") refers to the Shechinah (Divine Presence) itself, which guided Israel. The fire at night served a dual purpose: to illuminate their path and to provide warmth in the cold desert nights. The cloud by day protected them from the harsh sun (Rashi on Devarim 1:33).

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 3:24), Rambam interprets these phenomena as miraculous signs of divine providence, demonstrating Hashem's constant supervision over Israel. The fire and cloud were not natural occurrences but supernatural manifestations tailored to the needs of the nation.

Midrashic Insights

  • Mechilta (Beshalach 13): The cloud would flatten mountains and raise valleys, creating a smooth path for Israel's journey.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 2): The fire at night would eliminate dangerous creatures and obstacles, ensuring safe passage.
  • Sifrei (Devarim 1:33): The cloud also served as a spiritual guide, indicating when to travel and when to encamp based on its movements.

Symbolism of Fire and Cloud

The Zohar (2:44b) teaches that the fire and cloud represent different aspects of divine guidance: the fire symbolizes strict justice (middat hadin), while the cloud represents mercy (middat harachamim). Together, they reflect the balance of Hashem's attributes in leading His people.

Practical Lessons

The Kli Yakar (Devarim 1:33) derives that just as Hashem provided physical guidance in the wilderness, He continues to guide individuals through life's challenges. The verse reminds us to recognize divine providence in our daily journeys, whether through obvious miracles or subtle signs.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the 'fire by night' and 'cloud by day' in Deuteronomy 1:33 represent?
A: According to Rashi and other traditional Jewish sources, the 'fire by night' and 'cloud by day' were miraculous signs of Hashem's presence guiding the Israelites in the wilderness. The fire provided light and warmth at night, while the cloud protected them from the harsh sun during the day (see Rashi on Exodus 13:21).
Q: Why was it important for Hashem to guide the Israelites in the wilderness?
A: The Talmud (Taanit 9a) explains that this divine guidance demonstrated Hashem's constant care for the Jewish people. The wilderness was a dangerous place, and the visible signs of fire and cloud reassured them that Hashem was leading them to safety and ultimately to the Promised Land.
Q: How does the concept of divine guidance in this verse apply to us today?
A: While we no longer have visible pillars of fire and cloud, the Rambam teaches (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 7:1) that Hashem continues to guide us through Torah and mitzvot. Just as the Israelites trusted in divine guidance, we too must have faith that Hashem directs our paths when we follow His commandments.
Q: Who exactly was 'going before' the Israelites mentioned in this verse?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 28) explains that this refers to the Ark of the Covenant which traveled before the people, with the divine presence resting upon it. The fire and cloud were manifestations of this divine presence that guided them on their journey.
Q: What lesson can we learn from how Hashem guided the Israelites in the wilderness?
A: The Sforno teaches that this shows Hashem's individualized care - He didn't just show them the general direction, but actively sought out the best places for them to camp. This teaches us that Hashem is involved in the details of our lives, guiding us to what's best for us when we follow His ways.