Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 1:34 mean when it says 'the Lord heard the voice of your words'?
A: This verse refers to the incident of the spies (Meraglim) in the Torah (Numbers 13-14), when the Israelites spoke negatively about entering the Land of Israel. Rashi explains that Hashem heard their lack of faith and complaints, which led to His anger. The 'voice of your words' refers not just to what they said, but to their rebellious attitude.
Q: Why was Hashem angry in Deuteronomy 1:34?
A: Hashem was angry because the Israelites, after hearing the negative report of the spies, doubted His promise to bring them into the Land of Israel. The Rambam teaches that this lack of trust in Hashem was a serious sin, leading to consequences for that generation. Their fear and complaints showed ingratitude after all the miracles they had witnessed.
Q: What is the significance of Hashem making an oath in this verse?
A: When Hashem swears ('vayishava'), it emphasizes the seriousness of His decree. The Talmud (Berachot 32a) explains that an oath from Hashem means the judgment is final—the generation that left Egypt would not enter the Land. This teaches how severe it is to speak against Hashem's plans and distrust His promises.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 1:34 apply to us today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of bitachon (trust in Hashem) and avoiding lashon hara (negative speech). Just as the Israelites' lack of faith had consequences, we must strengthen our trust in Hashem's guidance, especially during challenges. The Chofetz Chaim emphasizes that words have power, and complaining can lead to spiritual harm.
Q: What was the result of Hashem's anger in this verse?
A: As a result of their lack of faith, Hashem decreed that the generation who left Egypt would wander in the desert for 40 years and not enter the Land of Israel (as explained in the next verses). Only their children, along with Yehoshua (Joshua) and Calev (Caleb), who kept their faith, would merit entering the Land.
Context of the Verse
This verse (Devarim 1:34) appears in Moshe's recounting of the events at Ma'amad Har Sinai and the subsequent sin of the Meraglim (spies). The Jewish people had expressed fear and lack of faith in Hashem's ability to bring them into Eretz Yisrael, despite witnessing His miracles in Egypt and the wilderness.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi explains that "וַיִּשְׁמַע יְהוָה אֶת־קוֹל דִּבְרֵיכֶם" refers to Hashem hearing the Jewish people's complaints and lack of faith when they said, "Because Hashem hates us, He took us out of Egypt to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites to destroy us" (Devarim 1:27). Their words demonstrated ingratitude and a fundamental lack of trust in Hashem after all the miracles they had witnessed.
The Nature of Hashem's Anger
The Ramban notes that the phrase "וַיִּקְצֹף" indicates a measured, justified response from Hashem. Unlike human anger which can be irrational, Hashem's anger here was a direct consequence of the people's rejection of His providence after experiencing the Exodus and receiving the Torah.
The Significance of the Oath
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash Tanchuma (Shelach 7) compares this to a king who prepared a banquet for his son, but the son spoke disrespectfully. The king then swore that the son would not partake of the feast. Similarly, Hashem had prepared Eretz Yisrael for the Jewish people, but their lack of faith caused them to lose that privilege.
Contemporary Lesson
The Kli Yakar emphasizes that this episode teaches the gravity of speaking against Hashem's kindness and doubting His providence, especially after experiencing open miracles. The punishment was severe because their words revealed a fundamental flaw in their emunah (faith) that needed correction before they could inherit the Land.