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Deuteronomy 17:16 - Kings: avoid Egypt's temptations?

Deuteronomy 17:16 - דברים 17:16

Hebrew Text

רַק לֹא־יַרְבֶּה־לּוֹ סוּסִים וְלֹא־יָשִׁיב אֶת־הָעָם מִצְרַיְמָה לְמַעַן הַרְבּוֹת סוּס וַיהוָה אָמַר לָכֶם לֹא תֹסִפוּן לָשׁוּב בַּדֶּרֶךְ הַזֶּה עוֹד׃

English Translation

But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Miżrayim, to the end that he should multiply horses: since the Lord has said to you, You shall henceforth return no more that way.

Transliteration

Rak lo-yarbe-lo susim ve-lo-yashiv et-ha'am mitzrayma lema'an harbot sus va-Adonai amar lakhem lo tosifun lashuv ba-derekh ha-zeh od.

Hebrew Leining Text

רַק֮ לֹא־יַרְבֶּה־לּ֣וֹ סוּסִים֒ וְלֹֽא־יָשִׁ֤יב אֶת־הָעָם֙ מִצְרַ֔יְמָה לְמַ֖עַן הַרְבּ֣וֹת ס֑וּס וַֽיהֹוָה֙ אָמַ֣ר לָכֶ֔ם לֹ֣א תֹסִפ֗וּן לָשׁ֛וּב בַּדֶּ֥רֶךְ הַזֶּ֖ה עֽוֹד׃
רַק֮ לֹא־יַרְבֶּה־לּ֣וֹ סוּסִים֒ וְלֹֽא־יָשִׁ֤יב אֶת־הָעָם֙ מִצְרַ֔יְמָה לְמַ֖עַן הַרְבּ֣וֹת ס֑וּס וַֽיהֹוָה֙ אָמַ֣ר לָכֶ֔ם לֹ֣א תֹסִפ֗וּן לָשׁ֛וּב בַּדֶּ֥רֶךְ הַזֶּ֖ה עֽוֹד׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition Against Multiplying Horses

The verse (Devarim 17:16) prohibits a Jewish king from amassing an excessive number of horses for himself. Rashi explains that this restriction serves two purposes:

  • To prevent the king from relying on military might rather than trust in Hashem (see also Rambam, Hilchot Melachim 3:1).
  • Because horses were primarily imported from Egypt, acquiring many would necessitate increased contact with Egypt, potentially leading the people back to Egyptian influence.

The Danger of Returning to Egypt

The Torah explicitly warns against returning to Egypt, as doing so would reverse the redemption from slavery. The Sifri (Devarim 17:16) emphasizes that this prohibition applies both physically and spiritually - one must not adopt Egyptian customs or seek their protection. The Ramban adds that Egypt represents a place of moral corruption, and returning there would undermine the spiritual purpose of Yetziat Mitzrayim.

Historical Context from Talmudic Sources

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 21b) cites King Solomon's violation of this prohibition as the beginning of his spiritual decline. Despite his wisdom, his accumulation of horses (Melachim I 10:26-29) led to the very consequences the Torah warned against - increased Egyptian influence and eventual idolatry among his wives.

Theological Implications

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 497) explains this commandment as reinforcing the principle of bitachon (trust in Hashem). A Jewish leader must demonstrate that security comes from divine protection, not military strength. The prohibition against returning to Egypt serves as a perpetual reminder that our destiny as a nation is tied to Torah values, not the ways of our former oppressors.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 21b
The verse is discussed in the context of the limitations placed on a king, specifically the prohibition against multiplying horses, as part of the broader discussion on the laws pertaining to kingship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah prohibit a king from having too many horses?
A: The Torah prohibits a king from multiplying horses (Devarim 17:16) to prevent arrogance and reliance on military strength rather than trust in Hashem. Rashi explains that excessive horses could lead the king to send people back to Egypt to trade for more horses, which would spiritually endanger the nation by reconnecting them with Egyptian influences.
Q: What is the connection between horses and returning to Egypt in this verse?
A: Egypt was known for its strong cavalry, and the verse warns that seeking many horses might tempt the king to re-establish ties with Egypt for trade or alliances. Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 1:1-2) teaches that this could lead the people back to Egypt's corrupt ways, violating the Torah's command to distance themselves from Egyptian practices after the Exodus.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish leaders today?
A: While we currently have no Jewish monarchy, the principle applies to all leaders: they must avoid excessive materialism or dependence on foreign powers that could compromise Torah values. The Sforno notes that leaders should prioritize spiritual guidance over military or political strength, ensuring the nation remains faithful to Hashem.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the warning 'You shall not return that way again'?
A: The Talmud (Sukkah 52b) derives from this verse that one must not return to past negative influences. Just as Bnei Yisrael were commanded to leave Egypt behind physically and spiritually, we must avoid reverting to old habits or environments that distance us from Torah ideals.
Q: Why is Egypt specifically mentioned as a forbidden place to return to?
A: Egypt represents the epitome of spiritual impurity (tumah) and oppression. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:1) teaches that returning to Egypt symbolizes regression into slavery—both physical and spiritual. The verse emphasizes that redemption from Egypt was permanent, and returning would negate the purpose of the Exodus.