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Deuteronomy 27:9 - Israel's covenant moment

Deuteronomy 27:9 - דברים 27:9

Hebrew Text

וַיְדַבֵּר מֹשֶׁה וְהַכֹּהֲנִים הַלְוִיִּם אֶל כָּל־יִשְׂרָאֵל לֵאמֹר הַסְכֵּת וּשְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה נִהְיֵיתָ לְעָם לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ׃

English Translation

And Moshe and the priests the Levites spoke to all Yisra᾽el saying, Take heed, and hearken, O Yisra᾽el; this day thou art become the people of the Lord thy God.

Transliteration

Vayedaber Moshe vehakohanim halevi'im el kol-Yisrael lemor hasket ushma Yisrael hayom hazeh nihiyeta le'am la'Hashem Eloheicha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר מֹשֶׁה֙ וְהַכֹּהֲנִ֣ים הַלְוִיִּ֔ם אֶ֥ל כׇּל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לֵאמֹ֑ר הַסְכֵּ֤ת <small>׀</small> וּשְׁמַע֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל הַיּ֤וֹם הַזֶּה֙ נִהְיֵ֣יתָֽ לְעָ֔ם לַיהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃
וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר מֹשֶׁה֙ וְהַכֹּהֲנִ֣ים הַלְוִיִּ֔ם אֶ֥ל כׇּל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לֵאמֹ֑ר הַסְכֵּ֤ת ׀ וּשְׁמַע֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל הַיּ֤וֹם הַזֶּה֙ נִהְיֵ֣יתָֽ לְעָ֔ם לַיהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Context of the Verse

This verse appears in Devarim 27:9, where Moshe, along with the Kohanim and Levi'im, addresses Klal Yisrael as they prepare to enter Eretz Yisrael. Rashi explains that this proclamation emphasizes the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people, reinforcing their unique status as Am Hashem (the people of God). The phrase "הַסְכֵּת וּשְׁמַע" ("Take heed and hearken") underscores the need for attentive listening and internalizing the Torah's teachings.

The Role of Moshe and the Kohanim

The verse highlights the joint leadership of Moshe and the Kohanim in transmitting the Torah. The Kli Yakar notes that Moshe represents the Torah Shebichtav (Written Torah), while the Kohanim and Levi'im symbolize the Torah Sheba'al Peh (Oral Torah). Their unified message signifies the inseparable nature of both aspects of Torah.

"הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה נִהְיֵיתָ לְעָם לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ"

The declaration "This day you have become the people of Hashem your God" is interpreted in multiple ways:

  • Rashi explains that this reaffirms the covenant at Har Sinai, as entering Eretz Yisrael would solidify their national identity as God's chosen people.
  • Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 8:10) connects this to the mitzvah of Hakhel, where the entire nation gathers to hear the Torah read, reinforcing their bond with Hashem.
  • The Sforno teaches that this verse emphasizes the continuous renewal of their commitment—every day is an opportunity to reaffirm their relationship with Hashem.

The Call to "Hasket u’Shema"

The phrase "Hasket u’Shema" (be silent and listen) appears only twice in Tanach—here and in Devarim 6:4 (Shema Yisrael). The Meshech Chochmah explains that silence is a prerequisite for true understanding. Just as kabbalas haTorah at Har Sinai required stillness ("kol gadol v’lo yasaf"), so too must Klal Yisrael approach Torah study and mitzvah observance with humility and focus.

The Significance of "Today"

The emphasis on "הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה" (this day) is expounded upon in the Midrash Tanchuma, which teaches that Torah should always feel fresh, as if given today. The Alshich adds that this teaches that every generation must personally accept the Torah anew, ensuring its eternal relevance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 63b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of listening and heeding the words of Torah, emphasizing the covenantal relationship between God and Israel.
📖 Sotah 37a
The verse is cited in the context of the blessings and curses at Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, illustrating the moment when Israel became God's people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Hasket ushma Yisrael' mean in Deuteronomy 27:9?
A: The phrase 'Hasket ushma Yisrael' means 'Be silent and listen, Israel.' According to Rashi, this is a call for the Jewish people to pay close attention to the covenant they are entering with Hashem. Silence is necessary to properly absorb and internalize the Torah's teachings.
Q: Why does the verse say 'this day you have become a people to Hashem'?
A: The Midrash explains that every day, the Torah should feel as fresh and new as if it were given 'this day.' Rambam teaches that this verse emphasizes the ongoing, living relationship between the Jewish people and Hashem, renewing our commitment daily through Torah and mitzvot.
Q: What is the significance of Moshe speaking together with the Kohanim and Leviim in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 37b) explains that this shows unity in leadership when transmitting Torah. Moshe, representing prophecy, joined with the Kohanim and Leviim, representing Torah teaching, to demonstrate that both are essential for the Jewish people's connection to Hashem.
Q: How does 'being a people to Hashem' apply to Jews today?
A: The Sforno explains that this status is eternal. Just as our ancestors stood at Har Sinai and became Hashem's people, we maintain this relationship through keeping Torah and mitzvot. The Chofetz Chaim teaches that every Jew should feel this personal connection daily through Torah study and observance.
Q: Why does the verse emphasize listening after saying to be silent?
A: The Kli Yakar explains that true listening requires first silencing external distractions and our own preconceptions. Only through this silence can we properly hear and understand Torah. This teaches us the proper approach to Torah study - with humility and complete focus.