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Deuteronomy 28:65 - Exile's restless despair foretold

Deuteronomy 28:65 - דברים 28:65

Hebrew Text

וּבַגּוֹיִם הָהֵם לֹא תַרְגִּיעַ וְלֹא־יִהְיֶה מָנוֹחַ לְכַף־רַגְלֶךָ וְנָתַן יְהוָה לְךָ שָׁם לֵב רַגָּז וְכִלְיוֹן עֵינַיִם וְדַאֲבוֹן נָפֶשׁ׃

English Translation

And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest; but the Lord shall give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and despair of mind:

Transliteration

Uvagoyim hahem lo targia v'lo yihyeh manuach l'chaf-raglecha v'natán Adonai l'cha sham lev ragaz v'chilyon eynayim v'da'avon nefesh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבַגּוֹיִ֤ם הָהֵם֙ לֹ֣א תַרְגִּ֔יעַ וְלֹא־יִהְיֶ֥ה מָנ֖וֹחַ לְכַף־רַגְלֶ֑ךָ וְנָתַן֩ יְהֹוָ֨ה לְךָ֥ שָׁם֙ לֵ֣ב רַגָּ֔ז וְכִלְי֥וֹן עֵינַ֖יִם וְדַאֲב֥וֹן נָֽפֶשׁ׃
וּבַגּוֹיִ֤ם הָהֵם֙ לֹ֣א תַרְגִּ֔יעַ וְלֹא־יִהְיֶ֥ה מָנ֖וֹחַ לְכַף־רַגְלֶ֑ךָ וְנָתַן֩ יְהֹוָ֨ה לְךָ֥ שָׁם֙ לֵ֣ב רַגָּ֔ז וְכִלְי֥וֹן עֵינַ֖יִם וְדַאֲב֥וֹן נָֽפֶשׁ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy 28:65)

This verse appears in the Tochacha (Rebuke), where Moshe warns Bnei Yisrael of the consequences of abandoning the Torah. Rashi explains that this describes the exile among the nations, where Klal Yisrael will experience constant unease and distress as a consequence of straying from Hashem's commandments.

Literal Meaning (Peshat)

The verse describes three forms of suffering in exile:

  • "No ease among the nations" – Rashi explains this refers to the inability to settle peacefully, as the Jewish people will face persecution and instability.
  • "No rest for the sole of your foot" – The Ibn Ezra interprets this as constant displacement, where Jews will be forced to wander without finding a permanent home.
  • "A trembling heart, failing eyes, and despair of mind" – The Ramban explains these as psychological and emotional torments: anxiety (lev ragaz), hopelessness (chilyon einayim), and depression (da'avon nefesh).

Midrashic Interpretation (Derash)

The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tavo 4) connects this verse to the experience of exile, stating that even when Jews attempt to assimilate among the nations, they will never find true comfort because their souls yearn for closeness to Hashem. The lev ragaz (trembling heart) reflects the inner turmoil of a Jew who is distant from Torah.

Halachic and Philosophical Insight

The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 7:5) cites this verse to emphasize that suffering in exile is meant to inspire repentance. The "failing of eyes" symbolizes spiritual blindness, while the "despair of mind" represents the confusion that arises when one abandons Torah wisdom.

Chassidic Perspective

The Sfas Emes (Devarim 5651) teaches that the restlessness described in this verse is not merely a punishment but also a hidden mercy—preventing Jews from becoming too comfortable in exile, thereby motivating them to seek redemption and return to Eretz Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 28:65 mean in simple terms?
A: This verse describes the difficult consequences that would befall the Jewish people if they stray from Torah observance. Rashi explains that it refers to the exile (galut), where Jews would not find peace or stability among the nations. The 'trembling heart' and 'despair' reflect the anxiety and suffering experienced when separated from the Land of Israel and proper Torah life.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is part of the 'Tochacha' (rebuke) in Parshat Ki Tavo, which outlines the consequences of abandoning Torah commandments. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah) teaches that these warnings remind us of the importance of teshuvah (repentance) and staying connected to Hashem. It serves as a spiritual wake-up call for maintaining our covenant.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 28:65 apply to Jews today?
A: The Sages teach that this verse reflects the challenges of diaspora life throughout history. While we are blessed with relative stability today, the verse reminds us that true shalom (peace) comes from closeness to Torah and mitzvot. The Talmud (Berachot 5a) also interprets 'failing of eyes' as longing for redemption - a call to yearn for Mashiach and the rebuilding of the Beit Hamikdash.
Q: What does 'no rest for the sole of your foot' mean?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains this as the Jewish people's historical experience of constant displacement and persecution in exile. Unlike the settled tranquility in Eretz Yisrael, diaspora life often lacked permanence. The Kli Yakar adds that this restlessness should motivate us to seek spiritual roots in Torah rather than physical comfort alone.
Q: What is the Jewish response to this difficult verse?
A: Traditional sources emphasize turning challenges into growth opportunities. The Lubavitcher Rebbe taught that 'a trembling heart' can awaken sincere prayer. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 97b) also states that suffering in exile purifies and prepares us for redemption. Practical responses include strengthening Torah study (as Rambam recommends) and supporting Jewish communities in Israel.