Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 28:21 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 28:21 is part of the 'Tochecha' (the rebuke), where the Torah warns of consequences for not following Hashem's commandments. This verse specifically warns that if the Jewish people stray from Torah observance, Hashem will bring a pestilence ('ha-daber') that will cling to them until they are removed from the land they were meant to inherit. Rashi explains that this refers to a severe plague that would persist as a punishment for disobedience.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it emphasizes the principle of 'measure for measure' (middah k'neged middah) in Jewish thought. The Talmud (Sotah 8b) teaches that blessings and curses come as direct results of our actions. Here, the pestilence represents a consequence of abandoning Torah values, reminding us of the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people and the importance of faithfulness to mitzvot.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 28:21 today?
A: We learn that our actions have spiritual consequences. The Rambam (Hilchos Ta'anios 1:1-3) teaches that hardships, including plagues, are meant to awaken us to repentance (teshuvah). This verse reminds us to examine our deeds, strengthen our commitment to Torah, and recognize Hashem's hashgacha pratis (divine providence) in the world.
Q: How does this apply to living in the land of Israel?
A: The verse specifically mentions the consequence of being removed from the land, highlighting the special connection between the Jewish people, Torah observance, and Eretz Yisrael. The Sifrei (Devarim 43) explains that dwelling securely in the land is contingent upon fulfilling mitzvos. This teaches that our right to the land is spiritually bound to our faithfulness to Hashem's commandments.
Q: What is 'ha-daber' (the pestilence) referring to?
A: The term 'ha-daber' refers to a deadly plague, as explained by Rashi and Ibn Ezra. The Midrash (Tanchuma Ki Savo 2) connects it to epidemics that spread rapidly. Some commentators suggest it symbolizes both physical illness and spiritual decay that follows abandoning Torah values. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:36) also discusses how such warnings serve as deterrents to preserve societal morality.
Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy)
The verse appears in Devarim 28:21 as part of the Tochacha (Rebuke), where Moshe warns Bnei Yisrael of the consequences of abandoning the covenant with Hashem. The pestilence (ha-daber) is one of several severe punishments mentioned for disobedience.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Devarim 28:21) explains that "yadbeik Hashem b'cha et ha-daber" ("The Lord shall make the pestilence cleave to thee") means the plague will persistently afflict the people without respite. He connects this to the concept of deveikut (cleaving), but in a negative sense—unlike the positive deveikut to Hashem (Devarim 11:22), here it signifies an inescapable attachment of punishment.
Rambam on Divine Punishment
Rambam (Hilchot Ta'anit 1:1-3) discusses how plagues and calamities are divine responses to sin, intended to inspire repentance. The phrase "ad kaloto otcha" ("until it consumes thee") implies that the punishment will continue until the people either repent or face destruction, emphasizing the severity of straying from Torah.
Midrashic Interpretation
The Sifrei (Devarim 281) links this verse to the broader theme of exile. The pestilence is not merely physical but symbolic of spiritual decay—when Bnei Yisrael forsake the Torah, their connection to Eretz Yisrael weakens, leading to expulsion ("me'al ha'adamah").
Ibn Ezra's Linguistic Insight
Ibn Ezra notes that "ha-daber" refers specifically to a contagious plague, derived from the root davar (to speak or act), suggesting a divinely ordained epidemic. The land’s holiness ("asher ata ba shamah l'rishtah") cannot tolerate moral corruption, leading to expulsion as a corrective measure.
Chassidic Perspective (Sefat Emet)
The Sefat Emet (Devarim 28) interprets the verse allegorically: the "pestilence" represents misplaced attachment (deveikut) to materialism instead of Hashem. Only by redirecting devotion to Torah can one avoid being "consumed" by exile.
Halachic Implications (Chatam Sofer)
The Chatam Sofer (Responsa 6:29) ties this warning to communal responsibility—when individuals sin, the collective suffers. The plague’s persistence underscores the need for teshuvah (repentance) at both personal and national levels.