Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 28:62 mean?
A: This verse is part of the 'Tochacha' (rebuke) in Deuteronomy, where Moshe warns the Jewish people of the consequences of not following Hashem's commandments. It means that if the Jewish people disobey Hashem, they will be reduced from a vast nation (as numerous as the stars) to a small remnant. Rashi explains that this refers to exile and suffering as a consequence of abandoning the Torah.
Q: Why does the verse compare the Jewish people to the stars of heaven?
A: The comparison to the stars of heaven (כְּכוֹכְבֵי הַשָּׁמַיִם) is a recurring theme in the Torah, first mentioned in Hashem's promise to Avraham (Genesis 15:5). It symbolizes both the vast number of the Jewish people when they follow Hashem's ways and their spiritual role in the world—just as stars illuminate the darkness, the Jewish people are meant to bring light through Torah and mitzvos. The Ramban explains that this blessing is conditional on their faithfulness to Hashem.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish history?
A: Throughout Jewish history, we have seen periods where the Jewish people flourished in numbers and influence when they were faithful to Torah, and times of exile and persecution when they strayed. The Talmud (Berachos 5a) teaches that suffering and exile come as a wake-up call to return to Hashem. This verse reminds us that our strength and survival depend on our connection to Torah and mitzvos.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: The verse teaches that our spiritual choices have real consequences. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah) explains that Hashem desires our closeness, and when we distance ourselves through disobedience, we suffer the effects. Today, this reminds us that Torah observance is the foundation of Jewish survival and prosperity. The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah) emphasizes that teshuvah (repentance) can reverse these consequences and restore blessings.
Q: Why does the verse say 'you would not obey the voice of Hashem'?
A: The phrase 'because you would not obey' (כִּי־לֹא שָׁמַעְתָּ) highlights that the suffering is a direct result of turning away from Hashem's commandments. The Sforno explains that listening to Hashem means not just hearing, but internalizing and fulfilling His will. The Talmud (Sotah 37a) connects this to the covenant at Har Sinai, where the Jewish people accepted the Torah with the words 'Naaseh v’Nishma' (We will do and we will hear)—showing that true obedience requires action.
Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy)
This verse appears in Devarim 28:62 as part of the Tochacha (the rebuke), where Moshe warns Bnei Yisrael of the consequences of failing to uphold the covenant with Hashem. The contrast between their potential greatness ("as the stars of heaven") and their diminished state ("few in number") underscores the severity of disobedience.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Devarim 28:62) emphasizes that the phrase "because you did not obey the voice of Hashem" refers to neglecting Torah study and mitzvot. The punishment of becoming "few in number" is a direct consequence of abandoning divine commandments. Rashi also notes that the comparison to stars highlights their initial blessed state—just as stars are innumerable and radiant, so too was Israel destined for greatness.
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 7:5) connects this verse to the principle of divine justice: when the Jewish people stray from Torah, their numbers diminish as a corrective measure. However, he also teaches that teshuvah (repentance) can reverse this decree, as Hashem's mercy is always accessible to those who return.
Midrashic Interpretation
The Sifrei (Devarim 312) elaborates that the stars symbolize both quantity and quality—just as stars illuminate the world, so too were Bnei Yisrael meant to be a "light unto nations" (Yeshayahu 42:6). Their reduction in number reflects a spiritual decline, diminishing their influence.
Chassidic Insight
The Kedushat Levi (R' Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev) interprets the verse homiletically: even when Jews are "few in number," their spiritual potential remains like the stars—eternal and boundless. The outer diminishment is a call to awaken inner devotion, as true value lies in clinging to Hashem's voice.
Halachic Implications