Deuteronomy 28:12 - Divine blessings for obedience

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Hebrew Text

יִפְתַּח יְהוָה לְךָ אֶת־אוֹצָרוֹ הַטּוֹב אֶת־הַשָּׁמַיִם לָתֵת מְטַר־אַרְצְךָ בְּעִתּוֹ וּלְבָרֵךְ אֵת כָּל־מַעֲשֵׂה יָדֶךָ וְהִלְוִיתָ גּוֹיִם רַבִּים וְאַתָּה לֹא תִלְוֶה׃

English Translation

The Lord shall open to thee his good treasure, the heaven, to give the rain to thy land in its season, and to bless all the work of thy hand: and thou shalt lend to many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.

Transliteration

Yiftach Adonai lekha et-otzaro hatov et-hashamayim latet metar-artzekha be'ito ulevarekh et kol-ma'aseh yadekha vehilvita goyim rabim ve'ata lo tilveh.

Hebrew Leining Text

יִפְתַּ֣ח יְהֹוָ֣ה ׀ לְ֠ךָ֠ אֶת־אוֹצָר֨וֹ הַטּ֜וֹב אֶת־הַשָּׁמַ֗יִם לָתֵ֤ת מְטַֽר־אַרְצְךָ֙ בְּעִתּ֔וֹ וּלְבָרֵ֕ךְ אֵ֖ת כׇּל־מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה יָדֶ֑ךָ וְהִלְוִ֙יתָ֙ גּוֹיִ֣ם רַבִּ֔ים וְאַתָּ֖ה לֹ֥א תִלְוֶֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

This verse from Devarim (Deuteronomy 28:12) describes the blessings that will come to Bnei Yisrael if they faithfully observe the mitzvot. It emphasizes Hashem's direct involvement in providing sustenance, prosperity, and economic stability to the Jewish people. The verse highlights three key blessings: timely rain, success in labor, and financial independence.

Hashem's "Good Treasure"

Rashi explains that the phrase "אוֹצָרוֹ הַטּוֹב" ("His good treasure") refers to the heavenly storehouse of rain, which is released in accordance with the merit of the Jewish people. The Midrash Tanchuma (Re'eh 1) elaborates that this treasure is "good" because it sustains all living beings, not just humans. The Rambam (Hilchot Ta'anit 1:1-2) further connects timely rain to divine reward for obedience to Torah.

Rain in Its Season

The phrase "מְטַר־אַרְצְךָ בְּעִתּוֹ" ("rain of your land in its season") underscores the importance of agricultural blessings. The Talmud (Ta'anit 2a) teaches that rain is a sign of divine favor, withheld when the people stray. Sifrei Devarim notes that "in its season" implies neither excessive nor insufficient rain, but perfectly balanced for agricultural success.

Blessing the Work of Your Hands

The blessing "וּלְבָרֵךְ אֵת כָּל־מַעֲשֵׂה יָדֶךָ" extends beyond agriculture to all labor. The Ibn Ezra explains that this includes craftsmanship, trade, and other livelihoods. The Kli Yakar adds that the blessing ensures that effort yields fruit—unlike futile labor under divine disfavor (as warned in Devarim 28:38-40).

Lending to Nations, Not Borrowing

The economic blessing "וְהִלְוִיתָ גּוֹיִם רַבִּים וְאַתָּה לֹא תִלְוֶה" signifies national prosperity and independence. Rashi interprets this as a metaphor for Israel's elevated status among nations. The Malbim emphasizes that financial self-sufficiency reflects divine approval, as borrowing implies subservience. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 70a) links ethical lending practices to this blessing, teaching that generosity with wealth is itself a mitzvah.

Spiritual and Practical Implications

Dependence on Hashem: The verse reinforces that material success is contingent on divine will, not merely human effort (Mesillat Yesharim, Ch. 21).
Collective Responsibility: The blessings are national, underscoring the interconnectedness of the Jewish people (Ramban on Devarim 11:13).
Ethical Stewardship: Prosperity obligates ethical use of wealth, as taught in Pirkei Avot 3:17: "Without Torah, there is no sustenance."

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 28:12 mean in simple terms?
A: Deuteronomy 28:12 describes the blessings that come from following Hashem's commandments. It promises that G-d will open His 'good treasure'—referring to rain in its proper time—which will lead to abundant crops and success in all your work. You will be so prosperous that you will lend to other nations and never need to borrow.

Q: Why is rain mentioned as a blessing in Deuteronomy 28:12?
A: Rain is a central blessing in the Torah because it sustains agriculture, which was the foundation of the ancient Israelite economy. Rashi explains that timely rain (in its proper season) is a sign of divine favor, ensuring prosperity. The Talmud (Ta'anit 2a) also teaches that rain is one of the key things held back when the Jewish people are not fulfilling mitzvot properly.

Q: How does the promise of 'lending to nations and not borrowing' apply today?
A: This verse symbolizes economic independence and success. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 9:1) explains that material blessings are a means to serve G-d without distraction. Today, this can be understood as financial stability allowing one to focus on Torah study, mitzvot, and helping others—rather than struggling to meet basic needs.

Q: What is the 'good treasure' of heaven in this verse?
A: The 'good treasure' (אוֹצָרוֹ הַטּוֹב) refers to the storehouse of rain and blessings that G-d controls. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 7:6) compares it to a king who opens his treasuries for his beloved child. Rain represents not just physical sustenance but also spiritual abundance, as water is often a metaphor for Torah and divine kindness.

Q: Does this verse mean blessings are automatic if we keep mitzvot?
A: While the verse promises blessings for obedience, the Talmud (Berachot 35b) teaches that we must also put in effort ('yegiah')—G-d expects us to work while trusting in His blessings. The Ramban (Deuteronomy 11:13) adds that these blessings are assured in the Land of Israel when the majority of Jews keep mitzvot collectively.