Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 28:43 mean about the stranger rising above you?
A: This verse is part of the 'Tochacha' (rebuke) in Deuteronomy, warning of consequences if the Jewish people stray from Torah observance. Rashi explains that when Jews neglect mitzvot, foreigners ('the stranger') will gain power over them, leading to a decline in their status. It emphasizes the spiritual cause-and-effect relationship between our actions and our national destiny.
Q: Why is this verse about strangers rising important in Judaism?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah) teaches that this verse reminds us that exile and subjugation to other nations are consequences of abandoning Torah values. It serves as both a warning and a motivator for maintaining our covenant with Hashem. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 97a) also discusses how this dynamic plays out in Jewish history.
Q: How can we apply Deuteronomy 28:43's message today?
A: The Sforno explains that this verse teaches us that our national standing is directly connected to our spiritual commitment. When we prioritize Torah study, mitzvot, and ethical behavior, we merit Divine protection. Many contemporary Torah leaders see this principle operating in modern Jewish history, where spiritual revival often precedes national improvement.
Q: Does 'the stranger' in this verse refer to all non-Jews?
A: No, Rashi clarifies that this specifically refers to idolaters who would dominate the Jewish people when they stray from Torah. The Rambam (Hilchos Melachim) differentiates between righteous gentiles who observe the Noahide laws and those who oppose Torah values. The verse warns about domination by the latter group when we're spiritually weak.
Q: What's the Jewish view on why the Torah includes such harsh warnings?
A: The Talmud (Megillah 25b) teaches that these warnings ultimately come from love - like a father warning a child. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains that Hashem shows us potential consequences so we'll choose the right path. The Vilna Gaon notes that recognizing these patterns helps us do teshuvah (repentance) and return to Hashem.
Context of the Verse
The verse appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 28:43 as part of the Tochacha (the Admonition), a section detailing the consequences of failing to observe the commandments. The warning describes a scenario where a foreigner (ger) residing among the Jewish people will rise to prominence while the Jewish people themselves descend into hardship.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Devarim 28:43) interprets this verse as a consequence of neglecting Torah study and mitzvot. He explains that when the Jewish people abandon their spiritual obligations, the ger toshav (resident alien) will rise above them economically and socially. Rashi emphasizes that this reversal of fortune is a direct result of failing to uphold the covenant with Hashem.
Rambam's Perspective
In Hilchot Teshuva (Laws of Repentance 9:2), Rambam (Maimonides) discusses how suffering and exile come as a result of sin. While he does not comment directly on this verse, his broader framework aligns with the idea that societal decline—including the ascent of outsiders—stems from a lack of adherence to Torah values.
Midrashic Interpretation
The Sifrei (a halachic Midrash on Devarim) links this verse to the broader theme of exile and subjugation. It suggests that when the Jewish people are not diligent in Torah, they become vulnerable to external domination, symbolized by the ger rising above them. This reflects the principle of "middah k'neged middah" (measure for measure)—just as the Jewish people neglect their elevated spiritual status, they are humbled in worldly matters.
Ibn Ezra's Insight
Ibn Ezra (Devarim 28:43) notes that the phrase "ya'aleh alecha ma'alah ma'alah" (shall get up above thee very high) implies a gradual but relentless ascent of the stranger, while "atah tared matah matah" (thou shalt come down very low) indicates a corresponding decline for the Jewish people. This progression underscores the severity of the punishment for abandoning Torah.
Practical Lessons