share torah logo

Deuteronomy 17:9 - Seek Torah guidance from sages

Deuteronomy 17:9 - דברים 17:9

Hebrew Text

וּבָאתָ אֶל־הַכֹּהֲנִים הַלְוִיִּם וְאֶל־הַשֹּׁפֵט אֲשֶׁר יִהְיֶה בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם וְדָרַשְׁתָּ וְהִגִּידוּ לְךָ אֵת דְּבַר הַמִּשְׁפָּט׃

English Translation

and thou shalt come to the priests the Levites, and to the judge that shall be in those days, and inquire; and they shall tell thee the sentence of judgment:

Transliteration

U-vata el ha-ko-hanim ha-levi-im ve-el ha-shofet asher yi-hi-ye ba-ya-mim ha-hem ve-darash-ta ve-hi-gi-du le-kha et dvar ha-mish-pat.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבָאתָ֗ אֶל־הַכֹּהֲנִים֙ הַלְוִיִּ֔ם וְאֶ֨ל־הַשֹּׁפֵ֔ט אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִהְיֶ֖ה בַּיָּמִ֣ים הָהֵ֑ם וְדָרַשְׁתָּ֙ וְהִגִּ֣ידוּ לְךָ֔ אֵ֖ת דְּבַ֥ר הַמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃
וּבָאתָ֗ אֶל־הַכֹּהֲנִים֙ הַלְוִיִּ֔ם וְאֶ֨ל־הַשֹּׁפֵ֔ט אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִהְיֶ֖ה בַּיָּמִ֣ים הָהֵ֑ם וְדָרַשְׁתָּ֙ וְהִגִּ֣ידוּ לְךָ֔ אֵ֖ת דְּבַ֥ר הַמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy)

This verse (Devarim 17:9) appears in the context of the Torah's instructions regarding difficult legal matters that arise "between blood and blood, between judgment and judgment, or between plague and plague" (17:8). The Torah establishes a hierarchy of authority, directing the people to bring such complex cases to the Kohanim (priests), Levi'im (Levites), and the presiding judge.

Role of the Kohanim and Levi'im

Rashi explains that the phrase "the priests the Levites" refers specifically to the Kohanim who are also from the tribe of Levi. Their role here is tied to their service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) or Beit HaMikdash (Temple), where the Urim v'Tumim (a form of divine communication) was consulted for particularly difficult questions (Rashi on Devarim 17:9, based on Sifrei). The Rambam (Hilchot Sanhedrin 4:7) notes that this verse establishes the authority of the Sanhedrin (high court), which included both Kohanim and Torah scholars.

The Judge "In Those Days"

The phrase "the judge that shall be in those days" teaches an important principle in halachic decision-making. The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 25b) derives from this that one must follow the rulings of the contemporary sages, even if later generations might have greater wisdom. As Rashi explains, "You have none other but the judge in your days" - we are obligated to heed the Torah authorities of our generation.

The Process of Inquiry

  • Darashta (You Shall Inquire): The verb form indicates an obligation to diligently seek proper halachic guidance rather than relying on one's own understanding (Sifrei Devarim 154).
  • V'Higidu (They Shall Tell You): The authorities have an obligation to clearly explain the ruling, not just pronounce it (Ibn Ezra).
  • Davar HaMishpat (Sentence of Judgment): This refers not just to the verdict but to the full halachic reasoning behind it (Ramban).

Contemporary Application

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 495) explains that this commandment establishes the authority of our Torah sages in every generation. Just as in Temple times people would ascend to Jerusalem for difficult questions, today we turn to recognized halachic authorities. The principle remains that for complex halachic or judicial matters, we must consult those properly qualified to render decisions according to Torah law.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 88b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the authority of judges and the importance of following their rulings, emphasizing the role of the priests and Levites in judicial matters.
📖 Rosh Hashanah 25b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the authority of the Sanhedrin and the obligation to follow the rulings of the judges of each generation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 17:9 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 17:9 teaches that when there is a difficult legal or religious question, one must turn to the authorized Torah scholars and judges of that generation—specifically the Kohanim (priests), Levi'im (Levites), and the appointed judge. They have the authority to clarify the halacha (Jewish law) and provide a ruling. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes the importance of following the Torah leaders of each generation.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is fundamental because it establishes the principle of Torah authority and the chain of tradition. The Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Mamrim 1:1) explains that we must follow the rulings of the Sanhedrin (the supreme rabbinical court) and the Torah scholars of each generation. This ensures consistency in halacha and prevents individuals from interpreting the Torah according to their own understanding.
Q: How does this apply today?
A: Today, this verse teaches that Jews must seek guidance from qualified rabbis and poskim (halachic decisors) for questions regarding Jewish law. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 36a) states that even if later scholars seem less distinguished than earlier ones, their rulings are binding because they represent the Torah authority of their time. This ensures the continuity of Torah tradition.
Q: What can we learn from this verse?
A: We learn the importance of humility and submission to Torah authority. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains that one should not argue against the rulings of the judges of their time, even if they seem different from past rulings. Trusting the sages of each generation ensures the proper transmission and application of Torah law.
Q: Who are the 'priests the Levites and the judge' mentioned in this verse?
A: The 'priests the Levites' refers to the Kohanim and Levi'im, who had special roles in teaching Torah and serving in the Beit Hamikdash (Temple). The 'judge' refers to the Sanhedrin or the leading Torah scholars of the time. Rashi explains that this verse highlights that even though leadership changes with each generation, their Torah authority remains binding.