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Deuteronomy 27:8 - Torah engraved on stones forever

Deuteronomy 27:8 - דברים 27:8

Hebrew Text

וְכָתַבְתָּ עַל־הָאֲבָנִים אֶת־כָּל־דִּבְרֵי הַתּוֹרָה הַזֹּאת בַּאֵר הֵיטֵב׃

English Translation

And thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this Tora very plainly.

Transliteration

Vechatafta al-ha'avanim et-kol-divrei hatorah hazot ba'er heitev.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכָתַבְתָּ֣ עַל־הָאֲבָנִ֗ים אֶֽת־כׇּל־דִּבְרֵ֛י הַתּוֹרָ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את בַּאֵ֥ר הֵיטֵֽב׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וְכָתַבְתָּ֣ עַל־הָאֲבָנִ֗ים אֶֽת־כׇּל־דִּבְרֵ֛י הַתּוֹרָ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את בַּאֵ֥ר הֵיטֵֽב׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Devarim 27:8) appears in the context of the mitzvah to erect large stones upon entering Eretz Yisrael, coat them with plaster, and inscribe the words of the Torah upon them. This was to serve as a public declaration of the covenant between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 27:8) explains that the phrase "בַּאֵר הֵיטֵב" ("very plainly") means the Torah was to be written in seventy languages. This ensured that all nations could understand the Torah's message, emphasizing its universal accessibility. The stones were placed at Mount Eival as part of the covenant ceremony (Yehoshua 8:30-32).

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Melachim (8:11), the Rambam discusses this mitzvah as part of the obligations upon entering Eretz Yisrael. He emphasizes that the writing was not merely symbolic but a full transcription of the Torah, serving as a national testimony to the Jewish people's commitment to Torah law.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • The Sifrei (Devarim 27:8) states that the stones were inscribed with the entire Torah, not just selected portions, reinforcing the completeness of the Jewish people's acceptance of divine law.
  • The Talmud Yerushalmi (Sotah 7:5) notes that the stones were coated with plaster to ensure the words remained legible, highlighting the importance of clarity in Torah transmission.
  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tavo 1) connects this mitzvah to the idea of publicizing Torah knowledge, as the stones stood in a prominent location where all could see them.

Halachic Significance

This mitzvah underscores the principle that Torah must be accessible and understandable to all. The requirement to write it "very plainly" teaches that Torah leaders have an obligation to explain the Torah clearly, without obscurity, so that even those unfamiliar with its depth can grasp its teachings.

Symbolism of the Stones

Some commentators, like the Kli Yakar, suggest the stones represent the durability of Torah—just as stone endures, so too does the Torah's truth. The public nature of the inscription symbolizes that Torah is not a private wisdom but a national heritage for all of Klal Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 32a
The verse is discussed in the context of the commandment to write the Torah on stones when entering the Land of Israel, particularly focusing on the requirement to write it 'very plainly' (ba'er heitev).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to write the Torah 'very plainly' on the stones?
A: The phrase 'very plainly' (בַּאֵר הֵיטֵב) means the Torah should be written clearly and understandably on the stones. Rashi explains that this refers to writing the Torah in all 70 languages of the world (based on Talmud Sotah 32a), so that everyone could understand it. This emphasizes the universal accessibility of Torah wisdom.
Q: Why were the words of the Torah written on stones?
A: According to the Talmud (Sotah 32a), this commandment refers to the stones set up when the Jewish people entered Israel (Joshua 8:30-35). The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 9:1) explains this public display served as a testimony to God's covenant with Israel and made Torah teachings accessible to all.
Q: What lesson can we learn from writing the Torah on stones?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) teaches that just as stones endure forever, so too must our commitment to Torah be permanent and unwavering. The public display also teaches that Torah values should guide our society as a whole, not just private individuals.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: While we don't literally write Torah on stones today, the principle remains that Torah must be made accessible to all people. This inspires us to teach Torah clearly (like Rashi's commentary does) and ensure Jewish education is available to everyone regardless of background or language.
Q: What's the significance of writing 'all the words of this Torah'?
A: The Ramban explains that writing the complete Torah shows we must accept and observe all mitzvot equally, not selecting only certain commandments. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 99a) teaches that one who says some Torah laws no longer apply denies the entire Torah.