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Deuteronomy 26:9 - Divine gift of promised land

Deuteronomy 26:9 - דברים 26:9

Hebrew Text

וַיְבִאֵנוּ אֶל־הַמָּקוֹם הַזֶּה וַיִּתֶּן־לָנוּ אֶת־הָאָרֶץ הַזֹּאת אֶרֶץ זָבַת חָלָב וּדְבָשׁ׃

English Translation

and he brought us to this place, and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey.

Transliteration

Vayvienu el-hamakom hazeh vayiten-lanu et-ha'aretz hazot eretz zavat chalav udvash.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְבִאֵ֖נוּ אֶל־הַמָּק֣וֹם הַזֶּ֑ה וַיִּתֶּן־לָ֙נוּ֙ אֶת־הָאָ֣רֶץ הַזֹּ֔את אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּדְבָֽשׁ׃
וַיְבִאֵ֖נוּ אֶל־הַמָּק֣וֹם הַזֶּ֑ה וַיִּתֶּן־לָ֙נוּ֙ אֶת־הָאָ֣רֶץ הַזֹּ֔את אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּדְבָֽשׁ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy)

The verse (Devarim 26:9) appears in the context of the mitzvah of Bikkurim (first fruits), where a Jew brings the first fruits of the Land of Israel to the Beit HaMikdash and recites a declaration acknowledging Hashem's kindness in bringing the Jewish people out of Egypt and granting them Eretz Yisrael.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that "this place" refers to the Beit HaMikdash, emphasizing that the ultimate purpose of entering the Land was to serve Hashem in His chosen sanctuary. The phrase "a land flowing with milk and honey" is interpreted literally by Rashi - the land produces abundant milk from goats and honey from dates, symbolizing its exceptional fertility and bounty.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Bikkurim (3:1), Rambam discusses how this declaration expresses gratitude for both the Exodus and the gift of the Land, showing that both are fundamental to Jewish identity. The description of the Land's quality serves to increase our appreciation for the divine gift.

Talmudic Insights

  • The Talmud (Ketubot 111b) elaborates on the superlative qualities of Eretz Yisrael, explaining that "milk and honey" represent the Land's ability to produce exceptional quality even from seemingly modest sources (like goats and dates rather than cows and bees).
  • In Sota 11b, the Sages connect this description to the merit of righteous women who raised children under Egyptian oppression, comparing their devotion to the nurturing qualities of milk and honey.

Midrashic Interpretations

The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 301) notes that "flowing" (זבת) implies constant abundance - the Land's blessings are not sporadic but continuously available to its inhabitants. The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tavo 3) adds that this description was given to motivate the Israelites to value the Land properly.

Kabbalistic Dimension

The Zohar (III 15a) interprets "milk and honey" as representing the harmonious blending of divine attributes - chesed (kindness) and gevurah (strength) - that characterize the spiritual nature of the Land.

Halachic Significance

The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 208) cites this verse as the source for the bracha "al ha'aretz v'al hamilin" recited on milk and honey, demonstrating how the Torah's description influences our daily blessings and recognition of Hashem's kindness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 38b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the blessings over food, particularly in the context of acknowledging God's gift of the land of Israel.
📖 Ketubot 111b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the virtues of the land of Israel and its divine promise to the Jewish people.
📖 Sotah 11b
The verse is mentioned in the context of the Exodus narrative, emphasizing God's fulfillment of His promise to bring the Israelites to a land flowing with milk and honey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'a land flowing with milk and honey' mean in Deuteronomy 26:9?
A: The phrase 'a land flowing with milk and honey' describes the fertility and abundance of the Land of Israel. Rashi explains that 'milk' refers to the richness of livestock, while 'honey' refers to the sweetness of fruits like dates and figs. This imagery highlights the blessings of the land that God gave to the Jewish people.
Q: Why is the Land of Israel called 'a land flowing with milk and honey'?
A: The Torah uses this description to emphasize the exceptional quality of the Land of Israel. According to the Midrash (Sifrei Devarim), even though Israel is not naturally the most fertile land, God made it uniquely prosperous for the Jewish people. The phrase symbolizes both physical and spiritual sustenance, showing God's kindness in providing for His nation.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 26:9 relate to gratitude?
A: This verse is part of the declaration made when bringing the first fruits (Bikkurim) to the Temple. It reminds us to acknowledge God's role in bringing us to the Land of Israel and sustaining us. The Rambam (Hilchot Bikkurim 3:1) teaches that expressing gratitude for these blessings is a fundamental Jewish value.
Q: Does 'milk and honey' have a deeper spiritual meaning?
A: Yes, Jewish tradition sees 'milk and honey' as symbols of Torah wisdom and divine kindness. The Zohar teaches that 'milk' represents the nurturing quality of Torah study, while 'honey' signifies the sweetness of mitzvot. Thus, the Land of Israel is not only physically abundant but also spiritually nourishing.
Q: How can we connect to this verse today?
A: Even today, Jews recite this verse in prayers and Torah readings to remember God's covenant and the gift of the Land of Israel. The Talmud (Berachot 5a) teaches that reflecting on these blessings strengthens our faith and gratitude. Many also see modern Israel's agricultural success as a fulfillment of this biblical promise.