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Deuteronomy 28:37 - Exile's humbling divine consequence

Deuteronomy 28:37 - דברים 28:37

Hebrew Text

וְהָיִיתָ לְשַׁמָּה לְמָשָׁל וְלִשְׁנִינָה בְּכֹל הָעַמִּים אֲשֶׁר־יְנַהֶגְךָ יְהוָה שָׁמָּה׃

English Translation

And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations into which the Lord shall lead thee.

Transliteration

Vehayita leshama lemashal vlishnina bekhol ha'amim asher-yenahegcha Adonai shamah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָיִ֣יתָ לְשַׁמָּ֔ה לְמָשָׁ֖ל וְלִשְׁנִינָ֑ה בְּכֹל֙ הָֽעַמִּ֔ים אֲשֶׁר־יְנַהֶגְךָ֥ יְהֹוָ֖ה שָֽׁמָּה׃
וְהָיִ֣יתָ לְשַׁמָּ֔ה לְמָשָׁ֖ל וְלִשְׁנִינָ֑ה בְּכֹל֙ הָֽעַמִּ֔ים אֲשֶׁר־יְנַהֶגְךָ֥ יְהֹוָ֖ה שָֽׁמָּה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Devarim 28:37) appears in the Tochacha (Rebuke), a section of dire warnings for failing to observe the mitzvos. Rashi explains that this prophecy foretells the Jewish people becoming an object of scorn among the nations when exiled from Eretz Yisrael due to their sins.

Explanation of Key Terms

  • לְשַׁמָּה (astonishment): The Ramban interprets this as a state of desolation, where observers will be shocked at the downfall of a once-great nation.
  • לְמָשָׁל (proverb): The Ibn Ezra explains that other nations will use Bnei Yisrael as a cautionary tale, saying, "This is what happened to the Jews because they abandoned their G-d."
  • לִשְׁנִינָה (byword): The Sforno notes this refers to constant verbal abuse, where the Jewish people's suffering becomes a recurring topic of mockery.

Rabbinic Interpretation

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 104b) relates this verse to the destruction of the Temple, when the nations would point at the ruins and scoff. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah) emphasizes that this shame is conditional - only if the Jewish people abandon Torah will they become an object of scorn, but through repentance, the curses can be reversed.

Philosophical Perspective

The Rambam (Hilchos Taaniyos 1:3) teaches that these warnings serve a dual purpose: to inspire fear of sin and to demonstrate divine providence. When the curses materialize exactly as prophesied, it confirms the truth of Torah and the covenant between Hashem and Israel.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ta'anit 7b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the consequences of Israel's sins and the resulting exile, illustrating how they became a byword among the nations.
📖 Sanhedrin 104b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the punishments and curses that befell Israel, emphasizing the fulfillment of this prophetic warning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 28:37 mean in simple terms?
A: Deuteronomy 28:37 warns that if the Jewish people do not follow Hashem's commandments, they will become a shocking example, a subject of scorn, and a negative lesson among the nations where they are exiled. Rashi explains that this refers to the disgrace and mockery the Jewish people would face when exiled from their land due to disobedience.
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse is part of the 'Tochacha' (rebuke), a section in the Torah that outlines the consequences of abandoning the covenant with Hashem. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 105a) and Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah) emphasize that these warnings serve as a reminder to stay faithful to Torah observance, reinforcing the importance of repentance and returning to Hashem.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish history?
A: Historically, this verse has been seen as a prophecy fulfilled during the exiles of the Jewish people, particularly after the destruction of the First and Second Temples. The Midrash (Eichah Rabbah) and commentators like the Ramban connect this verse to the suffering and humiliation Jews endured in the diaspora, reinforcing the need for spiritual vigilance.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 28:37 today?
A: This verse teaches that our actions as a nation have consequences. The Sforno explains that when Jews live according to Torah values, they are a 'light unto nations,' but disobedience leads to suffering. Today, it reminds us to strengthen our commitment to Torah and mitzvos to avoid spiritual decline and exile.
Q: Does this verse mean Jews will always be mocked by other nations?
A: No—this verse describes a consequence of straying from Torah, not an eternal fate. The Talmud (Megillah 17a) and Rambam (Hilchos Melachim) teach that through teshuvah (repentance) and keeping mitzvos, the Jewish people can restore their dignity and bring redemption, ending exile and suffering.