share torah logo

Deuteronomy 26:15 - Divine gaze from holy heights?

Deuteronomy 26:15 - דברים 26:15

Hebrew Text

הַשְׁקִיפָה מִמְּעוֹן קָדְשְׁךָ מִן־הַשָּׁמַיִם וּבָרֵךְ אֶת־עַמְּךָ אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאֵת הָאֲדָמָה אֲשֶׁר נָתַתָּה לָנוּ כַּאֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּעְתָּ לַאֲבֹתֵינוּ אֶרֶץ זָבַת חָלָב וּדְבָשׁ׃

English Translation

Look down from thy holy habitation, from heaven, and bless thy people Yisra᾽el, and the land which thou hast given us, as thou didst swear to our fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey.

Transliteration

Hashkifa mim'meon kodshekha min-hashamayim uvarekh et-amekha et-Yisra'el ve'et ha'adama asher natata lanu ka'asher nishba'ta la'avoteinu eretz zavat chalav u'devash.

Hebrew Leining Text

הַשְׁקִ֩יפָה֩ מִמְּע֨וֹן קׇדְשְׁךָ֜ מִן־הַשָּׁמַ֗יִם וּבָרֵ֤ךְ אֶֽת־עַמְּךָ֙ אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְאֵת֙ הָאֲדָמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר נָתַ֖תָּה לָ֑נוּ כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר נִשְׁבַּ֙עְתָּ֙ לַאֲבֹתֵ֔ינוּ אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּדְבָֽשׁ׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
הַשְׁקִ֩יפָה֩ מִמְּע֨וֹן קׇדְשְׁךָ֜ מִן־הַשָּׁמַ֗יִם וּבָרֵ֤ךְ אֶֽת־עַמְּךָ֙ אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְאֵת֙ הָאֲדָמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר נָתַ֖תָּה לָ֑נוּ כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר נִשְׁבַּ֙עְתָּ֙ לַאֲבֹתֵ֔ינוּ אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּדְבָֽשׁ׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 26:15 as part of the declaration made when bringing bikkurim (first fruits) to the Beit HaMikdash. The worshipper acknowledges Hashem's blessings and requests continued divine favor for the Jewish people and the Land of Israel.

Explanation of "Hashkifah" (Look Down)

Rashi explains that "Hashkifah" implies looking with mercy and compassion, as in Bereishit (Genesis) 19:28, where Hashem "looked down" upon Sodom before its destruction. Here, the petitioner asks Hashem to gaze upon Bnei Yisrael with favor from His holy abode.

Heavenly and Earthly Connection

The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tavo 1) teaches that this verse highlights the relationship between the heavenly and earthly realms. By bringing bikkurim, the Jewish people demonstrate their commitment to Hashem, and in return, they ask for His blessings to flow from shamayim (heaven) to the land.

The Blessing of the Land

The Rambam (Hilchot Bikkurim 3:1-4) emphasizes that this declaration reinforces the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people regarding Eretz Yisrael. The phrase "a land flowing with milk and honey" (ארץ זבת חלב ודבש) is not merely poetic but signifies the land's inherent spiritual and physical abundance when the mitzvot are observed.

The Oath to the Forefathers

  • Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that the mention of the oath to the Avot (forefathers) serves as a reminder of the eternal promise, reinforcing that the land's fertility is contingent upon the Jewish people's faithfulness.
  • The Sifrei (Devarim 301) connects this to the broader theme of zechut Avot (merit of the ancestors), suggesting that divine blessings are sustained in part due to the righteousness of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov.

Practical Implications

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 606) explains that this declaration instills gratitude and humility, reminding the Jewish people that their prosperity comes from Hashem. The mitzvah of bikkurim thus serves as a tangible expression of thanks and a plea for continued divine benevolence.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ta'anit 26b
The verse is referenced in the context of prayers for rain, where the Sages discuss the appropriate times and manners to pray for divine blessing upon the land and the people.
📖 Sotah 38a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the priestly blessings and the importance of looking towards the Temple while reciting certain prayers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Look down from thy holy habitation' mean in Deuteronomy 26:15?
A: This phrase is a prayer asking Hashem to observe His people from His holy dwelling in heaven and bless them. Rashi explains that it reflects the Jewish people's request for divine attention and blessing, especially after fulfilling mitzvot like bringing the first fruits (Bikkurim) to the Temple.
Q: Why does the verse mention 'a land flowing with milk and honey'?
A: The phrase 'a land flowing with milk and honey' describes the fertility and abundance of Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel). The Talmud (Ketubot 111b) teaches that milk symbolizes the land's richness in livestock, while honey (often date honey) represents its sweet fruits. This was part of Hashem's promise to our forefathers.
Q: When is this verse recited in Jewish practice?
A: This verse is part of the declaration made when bringing the first fruits (Bikkurim) to the Beit HaMikdash (Temple), as described in Deuteronomy 26. Today, it is also included in the Shemoneh Esrei (Amidah) during the holiday prayers, asking Hashem to bless the Jewish people and the land.
Q: What can we learn from this verse about our relationship with Hashem?
A: This verse teaches us to recognize Hashem's blessings and express gratitude for the land He gave us. The Rambam (Hilchot Bikkurim 3:1) emphasizes that bringing the first fruits is an act of humility and thanks, acknowledging that everything comes from Hashem.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today?
A: Even without the Temple, we can internalize this verse's message by appreciating Eretz Yisrael's holiness and praying for its prosperity. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) connects this prayer to all mitzvot, reminding us to always seek Hashem's blessing in our lives and the land.