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Deuteronomy 26:17 - Israel's eternal covenant declaration

Deuteronomy 26:17 - דברים 26:17

Hebrew Text

אֶת־יְהוָה הֶאֱמַרְתָּ הַיּוֹם לִהְיוֹת לְךָ לֵאלֹהִים וְלָלֶכֶת בִּדְרָכָיו וְלִשְׁמֹר חֻקָּיו וּמִצְוֺתָיו וּמִשְׁפָּטָיו וְלִשְׁמֹעַ בְּקֹלוֹ׃

English Translation

Thou hast avouched the Lord this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken to his voice:

Transliteration

Et-Adonai he'emarta hayom lihyot lekha lelohim velalechet bidrakhav velishmor chukav umitzvotav umishpatav velishmoa bekolo.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֶת־יְהֹוָ֥ה הֶאֱמַ֖רְתָּ הַיּ֑וֹם לִהְיוֹת֩ לְךָ֨ לֵֽאלֹהִ֜ים וְלָלֶ֣כֶת בִּדְרָכָ֗יו וְלִשְׁמֹ֨ר חֻקָּ֧יו וּמִצְוֺתָ֛יו וּמִשְׁפָּטָ֖יו וְלִשְׁמֹ֥עַ בְּקֹלֽוֹ׃
אֶת־יְהֹוָ֥ה הֶאֱמַ֖רְתָּ הַיּ֑וֹם לִהְיוֹת֩ לְךָ֨ לֵֽאלֹהִ֜ים וְלָלֶ֣כֶת בִּדְרָכָ֗יו וְלִשְׁמֹ֨ר חֻקָּ֧יו וּמִצְוֺתָ֛יו וּמִשְׁפָּטָ֖יו וְלִשְׁמֹ֥עַ בְּקֹלֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy)

This verse appears in Devarim 26:17, part of Moshe Rabbeinu's final address to Bnei Yisrael before entering Eretz Yisrael. It follows the mitzvah of bikkurim (first fruits) and serves as a declaration of the covenant between Hashem and Klal Yisrael.

Key Phrases and Their Meanings

  • "אֶת־יְהוָה הֶאֱמַרְתָּ הַיּוֹם" (Thou hast avouched the Lord this day) - Rashi explains that this refers to the mutual acceptance of the covenant: just as Bnei Yisrael accepted Hashem as their God, Hashem accepted them as His people. The term "הֶאֱמַרְתָּ" implies a public declaration, as noted by the Ibn Ezra.
  • "לִהְיוֹת לְךָ לֵאלֹהִים" (to be thy God) - The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:6) teaches that this establishes Hashem's exclusive sovereignty over Israel, obligating them to serve no other powers.
  • "וְלָלֶכֶת בִּדְרָכָיו" (and to walk in His ways) - The Sifrei interprets this as emulating Hashem's attributes of kindness and mercy, as stated in Devarim 13:5 ("אחרי ה' אלקיכם תלכו").

Obligations of the Covenant

The verse lists four commitments:

  • חֻקָּיו (chukim - statutes): Laws whose reasons are not revealed, such as kashrut or shaatnez, as discussed in Yoma 67b.
  • מִצְוֺתָיו (mitzvot - commandments): Rational laws like honoring parents, as noted by the Sefer HaChinuch.
  • מִשְׁפָּטָיו (mishpatim - judgments): Civil laws, such as those in Parshat Mishpatim.
  • וְלִשְׁמֹעַ בְּקֹלוֹ (and to hearken to His voice): The Ohr HaChaim emphasizes that this includes both written and oral Torah, as well as prophetic guidance.

Theological Implications

The Malbim highlights that this verse encapsulates the entirety of Torah observance—accepting Hashem's sovereignty (kabbalat ol malchut shamayim) and committing to practical mitzvot (kabbalat ol mitzvot). The phrase "הַיּוֹם" (this day) teaches, as the Kli Yakar explains, that the covenant must be renewed daily, echoing the declaration in Shema.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 26:17 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 26:17 is part of Moses' final address to the Israelites before they enter the Land of Israel. It describes the mutual covenant between God and the Jewish people—where the Jews accept God as their Lord and commit to following His commandments, statutes, and laws, while God, in turn, takes them as His chosen nation. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes the importance of both verbal declaration ('Thou hast avouched') and practical commitment ('to walk in His ways').
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 26:17 important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it encapsulates the foundational relationship between God and the Jewish people. The Talmud (Kiddushin 30a) teaches that accepting God’s commandments is a lifelong obligation. The Rambam (Maimonides) also highlights in his writings that this verse reinforces the idea of willingly accepting Torah observance, not just as a historical event at Mount Sinai, but as a daily reaffirmation of faith and practice.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 26:17 today?
A: We learn that Judaism is not just about belief but also action—walking in God’s ways, keeping His laws, and listening to His voice. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains that 'walking in His ways' refers to emulating God’s attributes, such as being merciful and kind. This verse reminds us that our relationship with God requires daily commitment to Torah study, mitzvot (commandments), and ethical behavior.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 26:17 apply to daily Jewish life?
A: This verse applies to daily Jewish life by serving as a reminder that our connection to God is active, not passive. The phrase 'to hearken to His voice' (וְלִשְׁמֹעַ בְּקֹלוֹ) implies both listening to Torah teachings and responding with action. The Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law) bases many practical halachic (legal) obligations on this principle, showing that every mitzvah we perform strengthens our covenant with God.
Q: What does 'to walk in His ways' mean in Deuteronomy 26:17?
A: The phrase 'to walk in His ways' (וְלָלֶכֶת בִּדְרָכָיו) means to imitate God’s attributes of kindness, justice, and holiness. Rashi explains that just as God is compassionate, we must be compassionate; just as He is righteous, we must pursue righteousness. The Talmud (Sotah 14a) gives examples, such as visiting the sick and comforting mourners, as practical ways to 'walk in His ways' in everyday life.