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Deuteronomy 27:1 - Elders uphold divine commandments together

Deuteronomy 27:1 - דברים 27:1

Hebrew Text

וַיְצַו מֹשֶׁה וְזִקְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת־הָעָם לֵאמֹר שָׁמֹר אֶת־כָּל־הַמִּצְוָה אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוֶּה אֶתְכֶם הַיּוֹם׃

English Translation

And Moshe with the elders of Yisra᾽el commanded the people, saying, Keep all the commandments which I command you this day.

Transliteration

Vayetzav Moshe veziknei Yisrael et-ha'am lemor shamor et-kol-hamitzvah asher anochi metzaveh etchem hayom.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְצַ֤ו מֹשֶׁה֙ וְזִקְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֶת־הָעָ֖ם לֵאמֹ֑ר שָׁמֹר֙ אֶת־כׇּל־הַמִּצְוָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֧ר אָנֹכִ֛י מְצַוֶּ֥ה אֶתְכֶ֖ם הַיּֽוֹם׃
וַיְצַ֤ו מֹשֶׁה֙ וְזִקְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֶת־הָעָ֖ם לֵאמֹ֑ר שָׁמֹר֙ אֶת־כׇּל־הַמִּצְוָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֧ר אָנֹכִ֛י מְצַוֶּ֥ה אֶתְכֶ֖ם הַיּֽוֹם׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Command to Observe All Mitzvot

The verse (Devarim 27:1) states: "And Moshe with the elders of Yisra᾽el commanded the people, saying, Keep all the commandments which I command you this day." This instruction emphasizes the collective responsibility of the Jewish people to uphold the Torah's mitzvot in their entirety.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi notes that Moshe included the elders in this command to teach that Torah leadership requires collaboration. The elders, as representatives of the people, reinforced Moshe's authority and ensured the transmission of Torah to future generations. Their presence also signifies that Torah observance is not limited to a select few but is the obligation of the entire nation.

Rambam's Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:1), Rambam explains that the phrase "all the commandments" includes both positive and negative mitzvot, as well as the oral tradition. The inclusion of "this day" implies that the mitzvot are eternally binding and not subject to change.

Midrashic Insights

  • Sifrei Devarim teaches that the mention of "this day" suggests that one should view the mitzvot as newly given each day, renewing one's commitment to them with fresh enthusiasm.
  • Midrash Tanchuma highlights that Moshe and the elders together symbolize the unity of written and oral Torah, as the elders were entrusted with transmitting the oral tradition.

Practical Implications

The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 3a) derives from this verse that one must study Torah diligently, as neglecting even a single mitzvah can lead to a weakening of one's overall commitment. The Sages also teach (Makkot 23b-24a) that the 613 mitzvot are interconnected, and observing one properly strengthens the observance of others.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe and the elders command the people together in Deuteronomy 27:1?
A: Rashi explains that Moshe included the elders to show unity and authority in transmitting the commandments. This teaches that Torah leadership involves both the primary leader (Moshe) and the collective wisdom of the elders (Sanhedrin).
Q: What does 'keep all the commandments' mean in this verse?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:1) teaches that this includes both positive and negative commandments. 'Keeping' implies both performing mitzvot and guarding against transgressions, as the Talmud (Chagigah 10a) states that one mitzvah leads to another.
Q: Why does the verse say 'which I command you this day'? Isn't Torah eternal?
A: The Sifrei (Devarim 29) explains 'this day' means the commandments should feel new and relevant every day. The Midrash Tanchuma (Vaetchanan 6) compares this to receiving fresh manna daily - we must approach Torah with daily renewal.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 419) derives from here that every generation must view themselves as receiving the Torah anew. Just as Moshe and the elders transmitted it, today's rabbinic leaders continue this chain of authentic Torah transmission.
Q: What's the significance of mentioning both Moshe and the elders?
A: The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 25b) learns from here the principle of 'Moshe and his court' - that Torah authority operates through both individual leadership and collective rabbinic courts. This establishes the model for halachic decision-making throughout Jewish history.