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Deuteronomy 17:10 - Obey Torah sages' rulings?

Deuteronomy 17:10 - דברים 17:10

Hebrew Text

וְעָשִׂיתָ עַל־פִּי הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר יַגִּידוּ לְךָ מִן־הַמָּקוֹם הַהוּא אֲשֶׁר יִבְחַר יְהוָה וְשָׁמַרְתָּ לַעֲשׂוֹת כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר יוֹרוּךָ׃

English Translation

and thou shalt do according to the sentence, which they of that place which the Lord shall choose shall tell thee; and thou shalt observe to do according to all that they inform thee:

Transliteration

Ve'asita al-pi hadavar asher yagidu lecha min-hamakom hahu asher yivchar Adonai veshamarta la'asot kechol asher yorucha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעָשִׂ֗יתָ עַל־פִּ֤י הַדָּבָר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יַגִּ֣ידֽוּ לְךָ֔ מִן־הַמָּק֣וֹם הַה֔וּא אֲשֶׁ֖ר יִבְחַ֣ר יְהֹוָ֑ה וְשָׁמַרְתָּ֣ לַעֲשׂ֔וֹת כְּכֹ֖ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר יוֹרֽוּךָ׃
וְעָשִׂ֗יתָ עַל־פִּ֤י הַדָּבָר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יַגִּ֣ידֽוּ לְךָ֔ מִן־הַמָּק֣וֹם הַה֔וּא אֲשֶׁ֖ר יִבְחַ֣ר יְהֹוָ֑ה וְשָׁמַרְתָּ֣ לַעֲשׂ֔וֹת כְּכֹ֖ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר יוֹרֽוּךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Obligation to Follow the Sanhedrin's Rulings

The verse (Devarim 17:10) commands the Jewish people to adhere to the rulings of the Sanhedrin (the supreme rabbinical court) situated in the place that Hashem chooses—referring to the Beit Hamikdash (Temple) in Jerusalem. Rashi explains that this establishes the binding authority of the Sanhedrin in halachic matters, emphasizing that their rulings must be followed even if they seem to contradict one's personal understanding of the Torah.

The Authority of the Sanhedrin

Rambam (Hilchot Mamrim 1:1) elaborates that this verse establishes the principle of lo tasur—not deviating from the rulings of the Sanhedrin, as derived from the continuation of this passage (Devarim 17:11). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 86b) states that even if the Sanhedrin instructs against what appears to be written in the Torah, one must obey their interpretation, as they are the authorized transmitters of the Oral Torah.

The Role of the Chosen Place

The phrase "מִן־הַמָּקוֹם הַהוּא אֲשֶׁר יִבְחַר יְהוָה" ("from that place which Hashem shall choose") underscores the centrality of Jerusalem and the Beit Hamikdash in halachic authority. The Sifri (Devarim 154) explains that this refers to the Lishkat Hagazit (Chamber of Hewn Stone), where the Sanhedrin convened, highlighting the divine appointment of their judicial role.

Practical Implications

  • One must submit to the rulings of the Sanhedrin even if they appear incorrect (Rambam, Hilchot Mamrim 1:2).
  • This principle extends to later Torah scholars who derive halachic rulings based on the mesorah (tradition) (Talmud, Rosh Hashanah 25b).
  • Rebellion against the Sanhedrin is considered a severe transgression (Devarim 17:12).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 88b
The verse is discussed in the context of the authority of the Sanhedrin and the obligation to follow their rulings.
📖 Horayot 2a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the responsibility of the high court and the consequences of their erroneous rulings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 17:10 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 17:10 teaches that we must follow the rulings of the Torah scholars and judges who sit in the place that Hashem chooses (later understood as the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem). Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes obedience to the authorized Torah authorities in matters of halacha (Jewish law).
Q: Why is listening to Torah scholars important according to this verse?
A: This verse establishes the authority of the Sanhedrin and later Torah sages to interpret and apply Torah law. The Rambam (Hilchot Mamrim 1:1) derives from here that we must follow the rulings of the Great Sanhedrin, as they represent the highest Torah authority. Disregarding their rulings would lead to chaos in Jewish practice.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 17:10 apply today without the Sanhedrin?
A: While we no longer have the Sanhedrin, Orthodox Judaism maintains that this commandment applies to following today's recognized Torah authorities. The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 25b) explains that each generation must follow its Torah scholars, as they continue the chain of tradition from Mount Sinai through proper semicha (ordination).
Q: What's the connection between this verse and the Temple?
A: The 'place which Hashem shall choose' refers primarily to the Temple in Jerusalem, where the Sanhedrin sat in the Lishkat Hagazit (Chamber of Hewn Stone). The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) connects this to the idea that major halachic decisions must come from this central spiritual location.
Q: Does this mean we must follow rabbis blindly?
A: No - the Talmud (Horayot 2a) discusses that this obligation applies specifically to qualified Torah scholars who properly transmit the tradition. The Rambam (Hilchot Mamrim) adds that we must verify that rulings align with Torah principles. However, once verified, we must follow them even if we don't fully understand the reasoning.