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Deuteronomy 28:1 - Obey, rise above nations?

Deuteronomy 28:1 - דברים 28:1

Hebrew Text

וְהָיָה אִם־שָׁמוֹעַ תִּשְׁמַע בְּקוֹל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ לִשְׁמֹר לַעֲשׂוֹת אֶת־כָּל־מִצְוֺתָיו אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוְּךָ הַיּוֹם וּנְתָנְךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ עֶלְיוֹן עַל כָּל־גּוֹיֵי הָאָרֶץ׃

English Translation

And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently to the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all the nations of the earth:

Transliteration

Vehaya im-shamoa tishma bekolo Adonai Elohecha lishmor laasot et-kol-mitzvotav asher anochi metzavecha hayom unetanecha Adonai Elohecha elyon al kol-goei haaretz.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָיָ֗ה אִם־שָׁמ֤וֹעַ תִּשְׁמַע֙ בְּקוֹל֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ לִשְׁמֹ֤ר לַעֲשׂוֹת֙ אֶת־כׇּל־מִצְוֺתָ֔יו אֲשֶׁ֛ר אָנֹכִ֥י מְצַוְּךָ֖ הַיּ֑וֹם וּנְתָ֨נְךָ֜ יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ עֶלְי֔וֹן עַ֖ל כׇּל־גּוֹיֵ֥י הָאָֽרֶץ׃
וְהָיָ֗ה אִם־שָׁמ֤וֹעַ תִּשְׁמַע֙ בְּקוֹל֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ לִשְׁמֹ֤ר לַעֲשׂוֹת֙ אֶת־כׇּל־מִצְוֺתָ֔יו אֲשֶׁ֛ר אָנֹכִ֥י מְצַוְּךָ֖ הַיּ֑וֹם וּנְתָ֨נְךָ֜ יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ עֶלְי֔וֹן עַ֖ל כׇּל־גּוֹיֵ֥י הָאָֽרֶץ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 28:1, introducing the blessings that follow when Bnei Yisrael faithfully observe the mitzvot. It is part of Moshe Rabbeinu's final address to the nation before entering Eretz Yisrael, emphasizing the reciprocal relationship between adherence to Torah and divine reward.

Grammatical and Linguistic Insights

The phrase "שָׁמוֹעַ תִּשְׁמַע" (literally "hearing, you shall hear") employs a doubled verb, a common Hebrew construction indicating intensity or diligence. Rashi explains this repetition as teaching that one must "listen carefully and then fulfill"—first studying Torah thoroughly, then observing its commandments (Rashi on Devarim 28:1). The Sforno adds that this phrasing implies continuous, attentive engagement with mitzvot rather than passive compliance.

Theological Implications

  • Conditional Reward: Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 9:1) notes that this verse establishes the Torah's principle of schar mitzvah—reward for commandments—while emphasizing that the ultimate spiritual rewards transcend physical elevation.
  • National Distinction: The promise of being set "above all nations" is interpreted by the Malbim not as domination, but as Israel becoming a "kingdom of priests" (Shemot 19:6)—a moral and spiritual exemplar to humanity when living according to Torah.

Halachic and Ethical Dimensions

The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 2b) derives from this verse that mitzvah observance requires both kabbalah (acceptance) and kiyum (fulfillment), as reflected in the dual language of "to observe and to do." The Kli Yakar stresses that "observing" refers to internalizing mitzvot intellectually, while "doing" pertains to practical action.

Eschatological Interpretation

Midrash Tanchuma (Re'eh 1) links this verse to the ultimate redemption, teaching that consistent Torah observance will lead to Israel's exaltation in the Messianic era. However, the Ramban cautions (Devarim 28:1) that these blessings are contingent upon the collective commitment of Klal Yisrael, not just individuals.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 40a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of listening to and observing God's commandments, emphasizing the rewards for doing so.
📖 Avodah Zarah 5a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the relationship between Israel and other nations, highlighting the conditional nature of Israel's elevation above other nations based on their adherence to God's commandments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 28:1 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 28:1 teaches that if the Jewish people listen carefully to Hashem's commandments and fulfill them, He will elevate them above all other nations. Rashi explains that 'hearken diligently' means to study Torah with great focus, and 'to observe and to do' means to put the mitzvot into practice.
Q: Why is listening to Hashem's commandments important in this verse?
A: The verse emphasizes that diligently following Hashem's mitzvot brings divine blessing and elevation. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 9:1) teaches that observing mitzvot draws a person closer to Hashem and brings both spiritual and material benefits, as promised in this verse.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse reminds us that Torah observance is the foundation of our relationship with Hashem. The Sforno explains that even today, when we commit to learning Torah and keeping mitzvot properly, we merit Hashem's protection and spiritual elevation, even if we don't yet see the full physical fulfillment of these blessings.
Q: What does it mean that Hashem will set us 'on high above all nations'?
A: The Ibn Ezra explains this refers to the Jewish people being recognized for their wisdom and righteous behavior when they properly observe Torah. The Talmud (Berachot 6a) teaches that when Jews fulfill mitzvot properly, even non-Jews recognize the truth of Torah and respect the Jewish people.
Q: What can we learn from the double language 'shamoa tishma' (hearken diligently)?
A: The repetition teaches that we must both study Torah ('hearken') and teach it to others ('diligently'), as explained in the Midrash (Sifrei Devarim). The Kli Yakar adds that it also means we should listen to both the simple meaning of mitzvot and their deeper spiritual intentions.