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Deuteronomy 27:10 - Obey divine commandments today?

Deuteronomy 27:10 - דברים 27:10

Hebrew Text

וְשָׁמַעְתָּ בְּקוֹל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ וְעָשִׂיתָ אֶת־מִצְוֺתָו וְאֶת־חֻקָּיו אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוְּךָ הַיּוֹם׃

English Translation

Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the Lord thy God, and do his commandments and his statutes, which I command thee this day.

Transliteration

V'shamata b'kol Adonai Elohecha v'asita et-mitzvotav v'et-chukav asher anochi m'tzav'cha hayom.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשָׁ֣מַעְתָּ֔ בְּק֖וֹל יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ וְעָשִׂ֤יתָ אֶת־מִצְוֺתָו֙ וְאֶת־חֻקָּ֔יו אֲשֶׁ֛ר אָנֹכִ֥י מְצַוְּךָ֖ הַיּֽוֹם׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וְשָׁ֣מַעְתָּ֔ בְּק֖וֹל יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ וְעָשִׂ֤יתָ אֶת־מִצְוֺתָו֙ וְאֶת־חֻקָּ֔יו אֲשֶׁ֛ר אָנֹכִ֥י מְצַוְּךָ֖ הַיּֽוֹם׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Devarim 27:10) emphasizes the obligation to listen to Hashem's voice and fulfill His commandments. Rashi explains that this is a continuation of the covenant at Har Sinai, reinforcing the eternal bond between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael. The phrase "וְשָׁמַעְתָּ בְּקוֹל יְהוָה" ("thou shalt obey the voice of the Lord") implies not merely passive hearing but active acceptance and implementation of the divine will.

The Dual Nature of Mitzvot: "מִצְוֺתָיו" and "חֻקָּיו"

The verse distinguishes between "מִצְוֺתָיו" (commandments) and "חֻקָּיו" (statutes). Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:7) explains that "מִצְוֺתָיו" refers to mitzvot whose reasons are understandable (e.g., honoring parents), while "חֻקָּיו" are decrees whose reasons are beyond human comprehension (e.g., kashrut or para aduma). The inclusion of both teaches that we must observe all mitzvot, whether we understand their rationale or not.

The Significance of "הַיּוֹם" (This Day)

The Sifrei (Devarim 41) interprets "הַיּוֹם" as a reminder that Torah must be approached daily as if it were given anew. The Ramban adds that this language instills urgency—mitzvot should not be delayed, as each day presents fresh opportunities for spiritual growth.

Practical Implications from the Talmud

  • Kabbalat Ol Malchut Shamayim: The Talmud (Berachot 13a) links "שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל" with this verse, teaching that accepting mitzvot requires full submission to Hashem's sovereignty.
  • Torah Study and Action: The Gemara (Kiddushin 40b) derives from "וְשָׁמַעְתָּ... וְעָשִׂיתָ" that study must lead to action—knowledge of mitzvot is meaningless without implementation.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Tanchuma (Nitzavim 3) compares this verse to a king who issues decrees: just as a servant obeys without questioning, so too must Bnei Yisrael fulfill mitzvot with trust. The Or HaChayim highlights that "אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוְּךָ" emphasizes Moshe's role as the faithful transmitter of Hashem's word, reinforcing the authenticity of the Oral Torah.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 40a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of obeying God's commandments and the connection between hearing God's voice and performing His commandments.
📖 Sotah 37a
The verse is cited in the context of the covenant at Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, emphasizing the obligation to follow God's commandments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'obey the voice of the Lord thy God' mean in Deuteronomy 27:10?
A: The phrase 'obey the voice of the Lord thy God' means to listen and adhere to Hashem's commandments as given in the Torah. Rashi explains that this includes both the written Torah and the oral traditions passed down through our sages. It emphasizes complete devotion to fulfilling Hashem's will in all aspects of life.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 27:10 important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it encapsulates the foundational Jewish principle of accepting and observing the mitzvot (commandments). The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that this verse reinforces the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people, obligating us to follow both the obvious commandments (mitzvot) and the less understood statutes (chukim) with equal commitment.
Q: What is the difference between 'commandments' and 'statutes' in this verse?
A: The 'commandments' (mitzvot) refer to laws whose reasons are more easily understood, like giving charity or honoring parents. The 'statutes' (chukim) are commandments whose reasons are not as clear, like the laws of kashrut or sha'atnez (mixing wool and linen). The Talmud (Yoma 67b) explains that both must be observed equally, even when we don't understand their purpose.
Q: How can we apply Deuteronomy 27:10 in daily life?
A: We apply this verse by committing to observe both the mitzvot between man and Hashem (like prayer and Shabbat) and between man and man (like honesty and kindness). The Midrash teaches that the words 'this day' remind us that Torah observance must feel fresh and relevant every single day, not just as a historical tradition.
Q: What does 'which I command thee this day' teach us?
A: The phrase 'which I command thee this day' teaches that Torah must be approached as if it was given anew each day (as explained in Rashi). The Sifrei emphasizes that this freshness of commitment prevents our mitzvah observance from becoming routine or mechanical, keeping our service of Hashem vibrant and meaningful.