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Deuteronomy 2:25 - Divine awe strikes nations

Deuteronomy 2:25 - דברים 2:25

Hebrew Text

הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה אָחֵל תֵּת פַּחְדְּךָ וְיִרְאָתְךָ עַל־פְּנֵי הָעַמִּים תַּחַת כָּל־הַשָּׁמָיִם אֲשֶׁר יִשְׁמְעוּן שִׁמְעֲךָ וְרָגְזוּ וְחָלוּ מִפָּנֶיךָ׃

English Translation

This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations that are under the whole heaven, who shall hear report of thee, and shall tremble, and quake because of thee.

Transliteration

Hayom haze achel tet pachdecha veyiratecha al-pnei ha'amim tachat kol-hashamayim asher yishme'un shim'acha veragzu vechalu mipanecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֗ה אָחֵל֙ תֵּ֤ת פַּחְדְּךָ֙ וְיִרְאָ֣תְךָ֔ עַל־פְּנֵי֙ הָֽעַמִּ֔ים תַּ֖חַת כׇּל־הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם אֲשֶׁ֤ר יִשְׁמְעוּן֙ שִׁמְעֲךָ֔ וְרָגְז֥וּ וְחָל֖וּ מִפָּנֶֽיךָ׃
הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֗ה אָחֵל֙ תֵּ֤ת פַּחְדְּךָ֙ וְיִרְאָ֣תְךָ֔ עַל־פְּנֵי֙ הָֽעַמִּ֔ים תַּ֖חַת כׇּל־הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם אֲשֶׁ֤ר יִשְׁמְעוּן֙ שִׁמְעֲךָ֔ וְרָגְז֥וּ וְחָל֖וּ מִפָּנֶֽיךָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy)

The verse (Devarim 2:25) appears in Moshe's recounting of Hashem's promise to Bnei Yisrael as they prepared to enter Eretz Yisrael. It emphasizes the divine intervention that would instill fear in the surrounding nations, facilitating the conquest of the land.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that "הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה" ("this day") refers to the moment when Bnei Yisrael began their journey toward Eretz Yisrael after defeating Sichon and Og. The "fear" described is not merely psychological but a supernatural terror instilled by Hashem, as seen in the miracles of Yetziat Mitzrayim and the victories in battle. Rashi cites Yehoshua 2:9-11, where Rachav testifies to the fear that had already gripped the Canaanites.

Rambam on Divine Providence

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 7:15) discusses how Hashem orchestrates events to ensure the success of Bnei Yisrael when they follow His commandments. The "fear" in this verse reflects a broader principle of divine providence—when Klal Yisrael acts righteously, Hashem manipulates the perceptions and emotions of their enemies to fulfill His will.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • Sanhedrin 105a: The Gemara notes that the fear of Bnei Yisrael was so profound that even distant nations trembled, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of Hashem's miracles.
  • Midrash Devarim Rabbah (2:13): Expounds that the fear was twofold: "פַּחְדְּךָ" (dread) referred to immediate terror in battle, while "יִרְאָתְךָ" (fear) indicated a lasting reverence for Hashem's name.

Ibn Ezra's Linguistic Analysis

Ibn Ezra highlights the distinction between "פַּחְדְּךָ" (sudden dread) and "יִרְאָתְךָ" (sustained awe). The former is a visceral reaction to Bnei Yisrael's military prowess, while the latter stems from recognition of their divine protection—a theme echoed in Shir HaShirim Rabbah regarding the nations' acknowledgment of Hashem's sovereignty.

Practical Implications

The verse underscores a recurring theme in Tanach: when Bnei Yisrael align with ratzon Hashem, their enemies' hearts are "given into their hands" (as in Yehoshua 11:20). This serves as a reminder of the power of emunah and the tangible effects of divine intervention in Jewish history.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 2:25 mean when it says 'put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations'?
A: This verse means that Hashem would instill fear and awe of the Jewish people in the hearts of the surrounding nations as they entered the Land of Israel. According to Rashi, this was a divine intervention to weaken the enemies' morale, making it easier for Bnei Yisrael to conquer the land. The 'dread' refers to the psychological impact that would cause nations to tremble upon hearing about the Jews' victories.
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse is important because it demonstrates Hashem's active role in ensuring the success of Bnei Yisrael as they prepared to enter Eretz Yisrael. The Rambam explains that such miracles were meant to strengthen the people's faith in Hashem's protection and justice. It also sets a precedent for how divine providence operates in Jewish history—favoring those who follow Torah and mitzvot.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 2:25 today?
A: We learn that Hashem protects and empowers the Jewish people when they fulfill His will. The Midrash teaches that this 'fear' was not just for that generation but serves as a reminder of how divine intervention can manifest in different ways throughout history. Today, we see this principle in how the Jewish nation continues to survive against all odds, guided by Torah values.
Q: How does this verse apply to the concept of Jewish strength in the face of enemies?
A: The verse teaches that true Jewish strength comes from Hashem’s support, not merely military power. The Talmud (Berachot 20a) explains that when Jews are worthy, their enemies fear them without physical confrontation. This idea remains relevant today, emphasizing that spiritual merit—through Torah study and mitzvot—brings divine protection.
Q: Who are the 'nations under the whole heaven' mentioned in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that this refers to all the surrounding nations who would hear of the miracles performed for Bnei Yisrael, particularly the defeat of Sichon and Og (as described later in Deuteronomy). The Ramban adds that this was a universal phenomenon—any nation that opposed the Jewish people would experience this fear, showing Hashem’s dominion over all nations.