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Deuteronomy 28:20 - Consequences of abandoning Torah?

Deuteronomy 28:20 - דברים 28:20

Hebrew Text

יְשַׁלַּח יְהוָה בְּךָ אֶת־הַמְּאֵרָה אֶת־הַמְּהוּמָה וְאֶת־הַמִּגְעֶרֶת בְּכָל־מִשְׁלַח יָדְךָ אֲשֶׁר תַּעֲשֶׂה עַד הִשָּׁמֶדְךָ וְעַד־אֲבָדְךָ מַהֵר מִפְּנֵי רֹעַ מַעֲלָלֶיךָ אֲשֶׁר עֲזַבְתָּנִי׃

English Translation

The Lord shall send upon thee cursing, confusion, and failure, in all that thou settest thy hand to do, until thou art destroyed, and until thou perish quickly: because of the wickedness of thy doings, in that thou hast forsaken me.

Transliteration

Yeshalach Adonai becha et-hame'eira et-hamehuma ve'et-hamig'eret bechol-mishlach yadecha asher ta'ase ad hishamadcha ve'ad-avadecha maher mipnei ro'a ma'alaleycha asher azavtani.

Hebrew Leining Text

יְשַׁלַּ֣ח יְהֹוָ֣ה <small>׀</small> בְּ֠ךָ֠ אֶת־הַמְּאֵרָ֤ה אֶת־הַמְּהוּמָה֙ וְאֶת־הַמִּגְעֶ֔רֶת בְּכׇל־מִשְׁלַ֥ח יָדְךָ֖ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תַּעֲשֶׂ֑ה עַ֣ד הִשָּׁמֶדְךָ֤ וְעַד־אֲבׇדְךָ֙ מַהֵ֔ר מִפְּנֵ֛י רֹ֥עַ מַֽעֲלָלֶ֖יךָ אֲשֶׁ֥ר עֲזַבְתָּֽנִי׃
יְשַׁלַּ֣ח יְהֹוָ֣ה ׀ בְּ֠ךָ֠ אֶת־הַמְּאֵרָ֤ה אֶת־הַמְּהוּמָה֙ וְאֶת־הַמִּגְעֶ֔רֶת בְּכׇל־מִשְׁלַ֥ח יָדְךָ֖ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תַּעֲשֶׂ֑ה עַ֣ד הִשָּׁמֶדְךָ֤ וְעַד־אֲבׇדְךָ֙ מַהֵ֔ר מִפְּנֵ֛י רֹ֥עַ מַֽעֲלָלֶ֖יךָ אֲשֶׁ֥ר עֲזַבְתָּֽנִי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

This verse (Devarim 28:20) appears in the section of the Torah known as the Tochacha (Rebuke), where Moshe warns Bnei Yisrael of the severe consequences they will face if they abandon the mitzvos of Hashem. The verse describes three forms of divine retribution: ha-me’erah (the curse), ha-mehumah (confusion), and ha-mig’eret (failure). These punishments are a direct result of forsaking Hashem and engaging in wicked deeds.

Explanation of the Three Punishments

  • Ha-Me’erah (The Curse): Rashi explains that this refers to a general state of being cursed, where one’s efforts are met with frustration and lack of success. The Sforno adds that this curse extends to all aspects of life, including health, livelihood, and personal endeavors.
  • Ha-Mehumah (Confusion): The Ramban interprets this as a state of chaos and disarray, where even well-laid plans fall apart. The Ibn Ezra connects this to societal breakdown, where leadership and order collapse, leading to instability.
  • Ha-Mig’eret (Failure): The Malbim explains this as a rebuke or chastisement, where one’s actions are met with divine disapproval, rendering them ineffective. The Netziv emphasizes that this failure is not merely circumstantial but a direct consequence of abandoning Torah values.

The Severity of the Consequences

The phrase "until thou art destroyed, and until thou perish quickly" underscores the severity of the punishment. The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 9:1) teaches that these consequences are not arbitrary but are meant to awaken the people to repentance. The Sifrei notes that the speed of destruction ("quickly") is a measure-for-measure response to the rapidity with which Bnei Yisrael may have turned away from Hashem.

The Root Cause: Forsaking Hashem

The verse concludes by identifying the root cause of these punishments: "because of the wickedness of thy doings, in that thou hast forsaken me." Rashi emphasizes that forsaking Hashem means abandoning the Torah and its commandments. The Midrash Tanchuma (Re’eh 3) elaborates that this abandonment leads to moral and spiritual decay, which in turn brings about the described calamities.

Lessons for Today

The Chofetz Chaim (in his commentary on the Torah) highlights that this verse serves as a timeless warning. Even in times of prosperity, one must remain vigilant in Torah observance, as neglect can lead to spiritual and material downfall. The verse reminds us that divine providence is directly linked to our adherence to mitzvos and our relationship with Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 38b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the consequences of forsaking God's commandments and the resulting divine retribution.
📖 Sanhedrin 90b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the severity of divine punishment for those who abandon God's ways.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 28:20 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 28:20 warns of the consequences of abandoning Hashem's commandments. It describes how curses, confusion, and failure will come upon those who turn away from Torah observance. Rashi explains that these punishments are a direct result of forsaking the covenant with Hashem.
Q: Why does the verse mention 'cursing, confusion, and failure'?
A: The three punishments—cursing (מְאֵרָה), confusion (מְהוּמָה), and failure (מִגְעֶרֶת)—represent different aspects of Divine retribution. The Ramban teaches that these correspond to spiritual, emotional, and material hardships that result from straying from Torah values. The Talmud (Sotah 9a) connects these consequences to specific sins.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse reminds us that our relationship with Hashem directly impacts our lives. The Sforno explains that when we distance ourselves from Torah and mitzvot, we invite difficulties. Conversely, returning to Torah brings blessing. This principle remains true in every generation.
Q: What does 'until thou perish quickly' mean?
A: The phrase warns that abandoning Torah can lead to swift destruction. The Ibn Ezra explains this refers to both physical exile and spiritual decline. However, the Torah Temimah notes that teshuvah (repentance) can always reverse these consequences, as Hashem is merciful to those who return.
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish thought?
A: This verse is part of the tochacha (admonition) that underscores the fundamental Jewish belief in Divine justice. The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 7:1) teaches that these warnings help us recognize the importance of free will and the consequences of our choices in maintaining our covenant with Hashem.