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Deuteronomy 28:8 - Divine abundance in obedience's reward

Deuteronomy 28:8 - דברים 28:8

Hebrew Text

יְצַו יְהוָה אִתְּךָ אֶת־הַבְּרָכָה בַּאֲסָמֶיךָ וּבְכֹל מִשְׁלַח יָדֶךָ וּבֵרַכְךָ בָּאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ נֹתֵן לָךְ׃

English Translation

The Lord shall command the blessing upon thee in thy barns, and in all that thou settest thy hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the Lord thy God gives thee.

Transliteration

Yetzav Adonai itkha et-habrakha ba'asamekha uvkhol mishlach yadekha uverakhekha ba'aretz asher-Adonai Elohekha noten lakh.

Hebrew Leining Text

יְצַ֨ו יְהֹוָ֤ה אִתְּךָ֙ אֶת־הַבְּרָכָ֔ה בַּאֲסָמֶ֕יךָ וּבְכֹ֖ל מִשְׁלַ֣ח יָדֶ֑ךָ וּבֵ֣רַכְךָ֔ בָּאָ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ נֹתֵ֥ן לָֽךְ׃
יְצַ֨ו יְהֹוָ֤ה אִתְּךָ֙ אֶת־הַבְּרָכָ֔ה בַּאֲסָמֶ֕יךָ וּבְכֹ֖ל מִשְׁלַ֣ח יָדֶ֑ךָ וּבֵ֣רַכְךָ֔ בָּאָ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ נֹתֵ֥ן לָֽךְ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 28:8) is part of the Tochacha (the blessings and curses) in Parashat Ki Tavo, where Moshe enumerates the blessings that will come upon Bnei Yisrael if they faithfully observe the mitzvot. This particular verse emphasizes Hashem’s promise to bestow material and agricultural prosperity upon those who follow His commandments.

Rashi’s Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "יְצַו יְהוָה אִתְּךָ אֶת־הַבְּרָכָה" ("The Lord shall command the blessing upon thee") means that Hashem will direct the blessing to be with the Jewish people in all their endeavors. The term "בַּאֲסָמֶיךָ" ("in thy barns") refers to the storage of grain, indicating that even a small amount of produce will be blessed to suffice and satisfy. Rashi further notes that the blessing will extend to "כֹּל מִשְׁלַח יָדֶךָ" ("all that thou settest thy hand unto"), meaning every labor or business undertaking will be successful.

Rambam’s Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 9:1) discusses how divine blessings are contingent upon mitzvah observance. He explains that material prosperity is not an end in itself but a means to facilitate Torah study and mitzvah performance without distraction. Thus, the blessing in "barns" and "all endeavors" enables a person to serve Hashem with greater focus and dedication.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tavo 1) teaches that the blessing in the granaries is not merely quantitative but qualitative—even a small portion will provide sustenance beyond its natural measure, as seen with the miracle of the kezayit of the Korban Mincha that satisfied the Kohanim.
  • The Sifrei (Devarim 281) elaborates that the phrase "בָּאָרֶץ" ("in the land") underscores that these blessings are uniquely tied to Eretz Yisrael, where the divine presence is most manifest, and the land responds directly to the spiritual state of its inhabitants.

Practical Implications

The verse serves as a reminder that bracha (blessing) is not automatic but requires human effort (hishtadlut) coupled with divine intervention. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 42a) states, "A person’s livelihood is as difficult as the splitting of the Red Sea," yet this verse assures that when one aligns their actions with ratzon Hashem, their efforts will be met with success. The Chofetz Chaim emphasizes that trust in Hashem (bitachon) must accompany labor, as the blessing ultimately comes from Above.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Taanit 8b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the conditions under which God bestows blessings, particularly in relation to agricultural prosperity and divine favor.
📖 Megillah 12a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the blessings that come from God, especially in relation to the land and the fruits of one's labor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 28:8 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 28:8 is a promise from Hashem that if the Jewish people follow His commandments, He will bless their physical possessions ('in thy barns') and their efforts ('all that thou settest thy hand unto'). Rashi explains that this refers to abundant produce in storage and success in all endeavors, showing that divine blessing affects both material and spiritual aspects of life.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is part of the 'blessings and curses' section in Deuteronomy, emphasizing the Torah's principle of reward for mitzvah observance. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 9:1) teaches that these blessings are part of the natural order established by Hashem for those who follow His will. It reminds us that our material success is tied to our spiritual actions.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: The Sforno explains that this blessing applies when we use our possessions and efforts for holy purposes. Today, this teaches us that when we dedicate our work and resources to Torah values (e.g., giving tzedakah, using our skills to help others), we merit divine blessing in those areas. The 'land' also symbolizes our personal spheres of influence.
Q: What does 'in all that thou settest thy hand unto' refer to?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 63a) interprets this as referring to all forms of livelihood and creative endeavors. The Kli Yakar adds that it includes both physical work and Torah study - when one's intentions are pure, even mundane activities become blessed. This shows Judaism's holistic view of divine blessing encompassing all aspects of life.
Q: Why does the verse mention 'barns' specifically?
A: Rashi explains that 'barns' represent stored wealth, teaching that blessing comes not just in earning but in preserving what we have. The Midrash Tanchuma (Re'eh 1) connects this to the agricultural cycle - when we observe Shemitah and other land-based mitzvot, Hashem ensures our stored produce remains blessed and sufficient.