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Deuteronomy 28:69 - Covenant renewed in Moav?

Deuteronomy 28:69 - דברים 28:69

Hebrew Text

אֵלֶּה דִבְרֵי הַבְּרִית אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה לִכְרֹת אֶת־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּאֶרֶץ מוֹאָב מִלְּבַד הַבְּרִית אֲשֶׁר־כָּרַת אִתָּם בְּחֹרֵב׃

English Translation

These are the words of the covenant, which the Lord commanded Moshe to make with the children of Yisra᾽el in the land of Mo᾽av, besides the covenant which he made with them in Ḥorev.

Transliteration

Eleh divrei habrit asher-tziva Adonai et-Moshe lichrot et-bnei Yisrael be'eretz Moav milvad habrit asher-karat itam beChorev.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֵ֩לֶּה֩ דִבְרֵ֨י הַבְּרִ֜ית אֲֽשֶׁר־צִוָּ֧ה יְהֹוָ֣ה אֶת־מֹשֶׁ֗ה לִכְרֹ֛ת אֶת־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מוֹאָ֑ב מִלְּבַ֣ד הַבְּרִ֔ית אֲשֶׁר־כָּרַ֥ת אִתָּ֖ם בְּחֹרֵֽב׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
אֵ֩לֶּה֩ דִבְרֵ֨י הַבְּרִ֜ית אֲֽשֶׁר־צִוָּ֧ה יְהֹוָ֣ה אֶת־מֹשֶׁ֗ה לִכְרֹ֛ת אֶת־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מוֹאָ֑ב מִלְּבַ֣ד הַבְּרִ֔ית אֲשֶׁר־כָּרַ֥ת אִתָּ֖ם בְּחֹרֵֽב׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

The Dual Nature of the Covenant

The verse (Devarim 28:69) introduces a second covenant made with Bnei Yisrael in Moav, distinct from the covenant at Har Sinai (Chorev). Rashi explains that this additional covenant was necessary because the first covenant at Sinai was based on na'aseh v'nishma (we will do and we will hear), an acceptance rooted in awe and reverence. The covenant in Moav, however, was entered into with a deeper understanding and love for Hashem after experiencing His miracles and guidance through the wilderness.

Why a Second Covenant?

The Ramban (Nachmanides) elaborates that the covenant at Sinai was primarily about accepting the Torah, while the covenant in Moav emphasized the commitment to observe the mitzvos in Eretz Yisrael. This distinction is crucial because entering the Land brought new obligations and challenges, requiring a renewed pledge of loyalty to Hashem.

  • Chorev (Sinai): Focused on the general acceptance of Torah and mitzvos (Ramban).
  • Moav: Reinforced the commitment specifically in the context of settling the Land (Sifri).

The Role of Arvus (Mutual Responsibility)

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 43b) teaches that the covenant in Moav strengthened the concept of arvus—the mutual responsibility of all Jews for one another. Unlike Sinai, where the nation stood as individuals at the foot of the mountain, in Moav, they were united as a collective, preparing to enter Eretz Yisrael as one people.

Midrashic Insight: A Covenant of Warning and Blessing

The Midrash Tanchuma (Nitzavim 3) notes that the covenant in Moav included the detailed blessings and curses (Devarim 28), serving as a solemn reminder of the consequences of abandoning the Torah. This was a practical reinforcement of the Sinai covenant, tailored for life in the Land.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 28:69 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 28:69 refers to the additional covenant that Hashem made with the Jewish people in the land of Moav, separate from the covenant at Mount Sinai (Chorev). Rashi explains that this verse serves as an introduction to the renewed commitment and obligations that would follow in the upcoming chapters (Devarim 29-30).
Q: Why is the covenant in Moav mentioned separately from the one at Sinai?
A: The covenant at Sinai (Chorev) was the foundational covenant where the Torah was given. The covenant in Moav, as explained by the Ramban, was a reaffirmation and expansion of that covenant, specifically addressing the new generation about to enter Eretz Yisrael. It included additional mitzvot and warnings relevant to life in the Land.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 28:69 today?
A: This verse teaches us that our relationship with Hashem is dynamic and requires continuous renewal. Just as the Jewish people reaffirmed their commitment before entering the Land, we too must regularly recommit to Torah and mitzvot in our daily lives, as emphasized in Jewish tradition.
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse is important because it marks the transition between the earlier parts of Devarim (Deuteronomy) and the final covenant before entering Israel. The Sforno notes that it underscores the seriousness of the Jewish people's obligations in the Land, reminding us that Torah observance is essential for our success and survival as a nation.
Q: How does the covenant in Moav apply to us today?
A: The covenant in Moav applies today as a reminder that Torah is not just a historical event but an ongoing commitment. The Talmud (Nedarim 8a) teaches that every Jew is bound by these covenants, and we must strive to fulfill our obligations with the same dedication as our ancestors did before entering the Land.