Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 23:7 mean when it says 'Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity'?
A: This verse refers to the prohibition against forming alliances or showing excessive favor to certain nations (specifically Ammon and Moab) who acted hostilely toward the Jewish people. Rashi explains that this means we should not initiate peaceful relations or economic partnerships with them, as they showed ingratitude and hostility when the Israelites left Egypt (Rashi on Deuteronomy 23:7).
Q: Why does the Torah prohibit seeking peace with Ammon and Moab?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 41b) and Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 6:5-6) explain that Ammon and Moab demonstrated extreme ingratitude—despite the kindness Avraham showed to their ancestor Lot, they hired Balaam to curse the Jewish people and later tried to harm them. The Torah teaches that we must recognize and distance ourselves from those who consistently act with hostility toward the Jewish nation.
Q: Does this verse still apply today?
A: According to Halacha (Jewish law), the nations of Ammon and Moab no longer exist as distinct peoples, so the specific prohibition does not apply in the same way. However, the principle remains—we must be cautious about forming close alliances with those who historically or currently seek to harm the Jewish people (see Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Melachim 6:1).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 23:7?
A: This verse teaches the importance of discernment in relationships. While the Torah values peace, it also warns against pursuing peace at all costs—especially with those who have proven themselves enemies of the Jewish people. The Midrash (Tanchuma, Ki Teitzei 2) connects this to the idea that some conflicts are inevitable when standing for Torah values.
Q: How does this verse relate to the mitzvah of 'Love your neighbor'?
A: The mitzvah to love others applies primarily to fellow Jews and righteous converts (Rambam, Hilchot De'ot 6:4). This verse shows that while we strive for kindness, we must also recognize when others pose a threat to Jewish survival. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 32b) discusses balancing kindness with wisdom in dealing with hostile nations.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Devarim 23:7) appears in the context of laws concerning the exclusion of certain nations—specifically Ammon and Moav—from entering the congregation of Hashem. The prohibition extends to not seeking their peace or prosperity. This is understood as a restriction on forming alliances or showing favor to these nations due to their historical hostility toward Bnei Yisrael.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Devarim 23:7) clarifies that the prohibition applies specifically to Ammon and Moav, as they demonstrated ingratitude and hostility toward Bnei Yisrael during their travels in the wilderness. Ammon and Moav refused to provide bread and water (Devarim 23:5) and hired Bilam to curse Israel (Bamidbar 22-24). Therefore, the Torah forbids seeking their welfare or forming treaties with them.
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 6:5-6) expands on this prohibition, stating that it is forbidden to make peace with Ammon and Moav or to spare them in war. However, he notes that this applies only to the original nations of Ammon and Moav, which no longer exist in their identifiable form. Thus, the prohibition is not applicable in later generations.
Talmudic and Midrashic Insights
Halachic Application
Poskim discuss whether this prohibition applies in contemporary times. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 157:1) rules that since the nations of Ammon and Moav have assimilated among other peoples, the prohibition no longer applies. However, the principle remains as a moral lesson about distancing oneself from those who exhibit enmity toward the Jewish people.
Moral and Ethical Lessons
While the literal prohibition may not apply today, the verse teaches the importance of discernment in relationships. It underscores that kindness and peace should not be extended to those who actively seek harm against Klal Yisrael, aligning with the broader Torah value of lo techanem (not showing them favor).