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Deuteronomy 17:20 - King's humility ensures lasting reign.

Deuteronomy 17:20 - דברים 17:20

Hebrew Text

לְבִלְתִּי רוּם־לְבָבוֹ מֵאֶחָיו וּלְבִלְתִּי סוּר מִן־הַמִּצְוָה יָמִין וּשְׂמֹאול לְמַעַן יַאֲרִיךְ יָמִים עַל־מַמְלַכְתּוֹ הוּא וּבָנָיו בְּקֶרֶב יִשְׂרָאֵל׃

English Translation

that his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Yisra᾽el.

Transliteration

L'vilti rum-l'vavo me'echav ul'vilti sur min-hamitzva yamin u'smol l'ma'an ya'arich yamim al-mamlachto hu u'vanav b'kerev Yisrael.

Hebrew Leining Text

לְבִלְתִּ֤י רוּם־לְבָבוֹ֙ מֵֽאֶחָ֔יו וּלְבִלְתִּ֛י ס֥וּר מִן־הַמִּצְוָ֖ה יָמִ֣ין וּשְׂמֹ֑אול לְמַ֩עַן֩ יַאֲרִ֨יךְ יָמִ֧ים עַל־מַמְלַכְתּ֛וֹ ה֥וּא וּבָנָ֖יו בְּקֶ֥רֶב יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
לְבִלְתִּ֤י רוּם־לְבָבוֹ֙ מֵֽאֶחָ֔יו וּלְבִלְתִּ֛י ס֥וּר מִן־הַמִּצְוָ֖ה יָמִ֣ין וּשְׂמֹ֑אול לְמַ֩עַן֩ יַאֲרִ֨יךְ יָמִ֧ים עַל־מַמְלַכְתּ֛וֹ ה֥וּא וּבָנָ֖יו בְּקֶ֥רֶב יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Devarim 17:20) is part of the Torah's instructions regarding the conduct of a Jewish king. The Torah outlines specific laws to ensure the king remains humble, adheres to mitzvot, and does not deviate from the path of righteousness. The verse emphasizes the importance of humility and fidelity to Torah law as prerequisites for a long and stable reign.

Interpretation of "לְבִלְתִּי רוּם־לְבָבוֹ מֵאֶחָיו" (That His Heart Be Not Lifted Above His Brethren)

Rashi explains that the king must not develop arrogance or a sense of superiority over his fellow Jews. Despite his elevated position, he must remember that he is fundamentally equal to his brethren. The Sifrei (a halachic midrash) elaborates that this humility is crucial to prevent the king from exploiting his power or disregarding the needs of the people.

Meaning of "וּלְבִלְתִּי סוּר מִן־הַמִּצְוָה יָמִין וּשְׂמֹאול" (And That He Turn Not Aside from the Commandment, to the Right or to the Left)

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 3:1) interprets this phrase as a directive for the king to strictly follow the Torah's commandments without adding or subtracting from them. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 21b) warns that even well-intentioned deviations—whether being overly lenient ("left") or overly stringent ("right")—can lead to corruption of Torah law. The king must serve as a model of balanced and precise observance.

The Reward: "לְמַעַן יַאֲרִיךְ יָמִים עַל־מַמְלַכְתּוֹ הוּא וּבָנָיו בְּקֶרֶב יִשְׂרָאֵל" (That He May Prolong His Days in His Kingdom, He and His Children, in the Midst of Israel)

The Kli Yakar notes that the longevity of the king's dynasty is contingent upon his adherence to these principles. A humble and Torah-observant ruler ensures stability for himself and his descendants. The phrase "בְּקֶרֶב יִשְׂרָאֵל" (in the midst of Israel) underscores that his legitimacy depends on his connection to and acceptance by the Jewish people.

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Humility in Leadership: A king must never see himself as inherently superior to others, as arrogance leads to moral and spiritual downfall.
  • Strict Adherence to Torah: The king must follow halacha precisely, avoiding personal interpretations that could distort divine law.
  • Longevity Through Righteousness: A stable and enduring reign is a divine reward for just and Torah-true leadership.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 21b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws pertaining to a king, emphasizing the importance of humility and adherence to commandments for a king's longevity and the continuity of his dynasty.
📖 Sotah 41b
Referenced in a discussion about the obligations and prohibitions placed upon a king, highlighting the need for a king to remain humble and not deviate from God's commandments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 17:20 mean when it says 'his heart be not lifted up above his brethren'?
A: This verse warns a Jewish king not to become arrogant or consider himself superior to his fellow Jews. Rashi explains that a king must remain humble and remember that he is part of the nation, not above it. The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 2:6) states that a king must carry himself with humility and treat his subjects with respect.
Q: Why does the Torah instruct a king not to turn aside from the commandment 'to the right or to the left'?
A: The phrase means that a king must follow the Torah's laws precisely without adding or subtracting from them (Sifrei Devarim). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 21b) teaches that even a king is bound by halacha (Jewish law) and must not deviate from it in any direction—whether being overly strict ('right') or overly lenient ('left').
Q: What is the significance of the promise that a king will 'prolong his days' if he follows these rules?
A: This teaches that a king's success and the stability of his dynasty depend on his adherence to Torah. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 5:4) explains that when leaders uphold justice and humility, they merit long-lasting rule. This principle applies to all leadership—those who govern with righteousness bring blessing to their reign.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 17:20 apply to Jewish leaders today?
A: Although we no longer have kings, the verse teaches essential principles for all Jewish leaders—rabbis, teachers, or community figures. The Chofetz Chaim (in his commentary on the Torah) emphasizes that leaders must avoid arrogance, remain connected to the people, and strictly follow halacha. Their influence depends on their commitment to Torah values.
Q: Why does the verse mention the king's children inheriting his kingdom?
A: The Torah promises continuity for a righteous leader's family as a reward for proper conduct. Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that this reflects the principle of 'measure for measure'—if a king ensures his children are raised with Torah values (not arrogance), they will inherit his legacy. The Talmud (Horayot 11b) also links this to the importance of educating future generations in leadership.