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Deuteronomy 13:5 - Wholeheartedly follow Hashem's commandments

Deuteronomy 13:5 - דברים 13:5

Hebrew Text

אַחֲרֵי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם תֵּלֵכוּ וְאֹתוֹ תִירָאוּ וְאֶת־מִצְוֺתָיו תִּשְׁמֹרוּ וּבְקֹלוֹ תִשְׁמָעוּ וְאֹתוֹ תַעֲבֹדוּ וּבוֹ תִדְבָּקוּן׃

English Translation

You shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and you shall serve him, and hold fast to him.

Transliteration

Acharei Adonai Eloheichem telechu ve'oto tira'u ve'et-mitzvotav tishmeru uvekolo tishma'u ve'oto ta'avodu uvo tidbakun.

Hebrew Leining Text

אַחֲרֵ֨י יְהֹוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֛ם תֵּלֵ֖כוּ וְאֹת֣וֹ תִירָ֑אוּ וְאֶת־מִצְוֺתָ֤יו תִּשְׁמֹ֙רוּ֙ וּבְקֹל֣וֹ תִשְׁמָ֔עוּ וְאֹת֥וֹ תַעֲבֹ֖דוּ וּב֥וֹ תִדְבָּקֽוּן׃
אַחֲרֵ֨י יְהֹוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֛ם תֵּלֵ֖כוּ וְאֹת֣וֹ תִירָ֑אוּ וְאֶת־מִצְוֺתָ֤יו תִּשְׁמֹ֙רוּ֙ וּבְקֹל֣וֹ תִשְׁמָ֔עוּ וְאֹת֥וֹ תַעֲבֹ֖דוּ וּב֥וֹ תִדְבָּקֽוּן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Walking After Hashem

The phrase "אַחֲרֵי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם תֵּלֵכוּ" ("You shall walk after the Lord your God") is interpreted by Rashi (Devarim 13:5) as meaning that one should follow the ways of Hashem—just as He is compassionate and merciful, so too should we be compassionate and merciful. The Sifrei (Devarim 49) expands on this, teaching that walking after Hashem involves emulating His attributes of kindness and righteousness.

Fear of Hashem

The command "וְאֹתוֹ תִירָאוּ" ("and fear Him") is foundational in Jewish thought. Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 2:1-2) explains that fear of Hashem entails recognizing His greatness and being in awe of His presence, which naturally leads to adherence to His commandments. The Talmud (Berachot 33b) emphasizes that true fear of Heaven is the prerequisite for acquiring Torah wisdom.

Keeping the Mitzvot

"וְאֶת־מִצְוֺתָיו תִּשְׁמֹרוּ" ("and keep His commandments") refers to the meticulous observance of mitzvot. The Ramban (Devarim 13:5) notes that this includes both positive and negative commandments, and the Talmud (Makkot 23b) teaches that the 613 mitzvot are the framework for a life devoted to Hashem.

Listening to Hashem's Voice

The phrase "וּבְקֹלוֹ תִשְׁמָעוּ" ("and obey His voice") is understood by the Sifrei (ibid.) as heeding the words of the prophets, who convey Hashem's will. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 89a) warns against disregarding prophetic guidance, as it is tantamount to rejecting the Divine word itself.

Serving Hashem

"וְאֹתוֹ תַעֲבֹדוּ" ("and you shall serve Him") encompasses both avodah shebalev (service of the heart, i.e., prayer—as per Ta'anit 2a) and physical acts of service, such as sacrifices in the Beit HaMikdash (Rambam, Hilchot Avodah 1:1). The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 41) teaches that service of Hashem must be wholehearted and sincere.

Cleaving to Hashem

The final clause, "וּבוֹ תִדְבָּקוּן" ("and hold fast to Him"), is interpreted by Rashi as attaching oneself to talmidei chachamim (Torah scholars) and their teachings. The Talmud (Ketubot 111b) elaborates that this includes supporting Torah scholars and marrying one's children into their families, thereby ensuring closeness to Hashem through His representatives.

  • Walking: Emulate Hashem's attributes of kindness and justice.
  • Fearing: Cultivate awe of Hashem as the foundation of Torah observance.
  • Keeping Mitzvot: Fulfill all commandments with precision.
  • Listening: Heed the words of the prophets and sages.
  • Serving: Engage in prayer and Divine service with devotion.
  • Cleaving: Attach oneself to Torah scholars and their teachings.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 14a
The verse is discussed in the context of how one can 'walk after God,' with the Talmud explaining that this means to emulate God's attributes of kindness and mercy.
📖 Yoma 86a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of fearing God and keeping His commandments as part of repentance and atonement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to 'walk after the Lord your God'?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Sotah 14a), 'walking after God' means emulating His ways—just as He is compassionate and kind, we should also strive to be compassionate and kind to others. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:6) explains that this verse teaches us to imitate God's attributes of mercy and righteousness in our daily lives.
Q: Why does the Torah command us to both fear and serve God?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 33b) teaches that fearing God (יראה) means having awe and reverence for His greatness, while serving Him (עבודה) refers to fulfilling His commandments with love. The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 2:2) explains that both fear and love are necessary—fear prevents sin, while love inspires us to serve wholeheartedly.
Q: How can we 'hold fast' to God today?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 49) explains that 'holding fast' to God means attaching ourselves to Torah scholars and learning from their ways. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:2) adds that we should also surround ourselves with righteous communities to strengthen our connection to God and His commandments.
Q: What is the significance of 'obeying His voice' in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that 'obeying His voice' refers to listening to the words of the prophets who speak in God's name, as long as their message aligns with Torah. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 89a) teaches that this verse emphasizes the importance of heeding authentic Torah leadership and remaining faithful to God's commandments.
Q: Why are all these instructions grouped together in one verse?
A: The Sifrei (Devarim 49) teaches that this verse outlines the complete relationship with God—walking in His ways (moral behavior), fearing Him (awe), keeping commandments (action), obeying His voice (spiritual attentiveness), serving Him (devotion), and clinging to Him (loyalty). Together, they form a holistic approach to serving God in all aspects of life.