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Deuteronomy 28:9 - Commandments bring divine holiness

Deuteronomy 28:9 - דברים 28:9

Hebrew Text

יְקִימְךָ יְהוָה לוֹ לְעַם קָדוֹשׁ כַּאֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּע־לָךְ כִּי תִשְׁמֹר אֶת־מִצְוֺת יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ וְהָלַכְתָּ בִּדְרָכָיו׃

English Translation

The Lord shall establish thee a holy people to himself, as he has sworn to thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, and walk in his ways.

Transliteration

Yekimkha Adonai lo le'am kadosh ka'asher nishba-lakh ki tishmor et-mitzvot Adonai Elohekha vehalakhta bidrakhav.

Hebrew Leining Text

יְקִֽימְךָ֨ יְהֹוָ֥ה לוֹ֙ לְעַ֣ם קָד֔וֹשׁ כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר נִֽשְׁבַּֽע־לָ֑ךְ כִּ֣י תִשְׁמֹ֗ר אֶת־מִצְוֺת֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ וְהָלַכְתָּ֖ בִּדְרָכָֽיו׃
יְקִֽימְךָ֨ יְהֹוָ֥ה לוֹ֙ לְעַ֣ם קָד֔וֹשׁ כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר נִֽשְׁבַּֽע־לָ֑ךְ כִּ֣י תִשְׁמֹ֗ר אֶת־מִצְוֺת֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ וְהָלַכְתָּ֖ בִּדְרָכָֽיו׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse

The verse (Devarim 28:9) describes a conditional promise from Hashem to establish Bnei Yisrael as a holy nation, contingent upon their observance of the mitzvot and walking in His ways. This reflects the foundational covenant between Hashem and Klal Yisrael, emphasizing that kedusha (holiness) is achieved through adherence to Torah and mitzvot.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "יקימך ה' לו לעם קדוש" ("The Lord shall establish thee a holy people") refers to the enduring sanctity of the Jewish people when they fulfill the Torah. He connects this to the oath mentioned earlier (Devarim 7:12), where Hashem promises blessing in return for mitzvah observance. Rashi emphasizes that this kedusha is not automatic but depends on our actions.

Rambam's Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Teshuvah 9:1), the Rambam teaches that true holiness is attained through deliberate effort in serving Hashem. The phrase "והלכת בדרכיו" ("and walk in His ways") aligns with his explanation of imitatio Dei—emulating Hashem's attributes of kindness, mercy, and justice (Sotah 14a). Thus, kedusha is both ritual and ethical.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • The Talmud (Yevamot 20a) states that kedusha requires separation from negative influences, reinforcing the idea that holiness is active, not passive.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Kedoshim 1) links this verse to Vayikra 19:2 ("קדושים תהיו"), teaching that holiness is achieved through restraint and sanctifying mundane actions.

The Conditionality of the Promise

The phrase "כי תשמר את מצוות ה' אלקיך" ("if thou shalt keep the commandments") underscores that the Jewish people's elevation to holiness is dependent on their commitment to Torah. The Sforno notes that this is not merely about performing mitzvot mechanically but internalizing their purpose—to refine character and align with Hashem’s will.

Practical Implications

This verse serves as a reminder that our national and individual holiness is a dynamic process. As the Kli Yakar explains, walking in Hashem’s ways means embodying Torah values in every aspect of life, transforming both the individual and the community into a "ממלכת כהנים וגוי קדוש" ("kingdom of priests and a holy nation," Shemot 19:6).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Hashem will establish us as a 'holy people'?
A: The verse means that when we keep the mitzvot (commandments) and follow Hashem's ways, He elevates us to be a special, sanctified nation dedicated to Him. Rashi explains this refers to our unique spiritual status among nations when we uphold the Torah.
Q: Why does the verse say 'as He has sworn to you'?
A: This refers to Hashem's eternal covenant with the Jewish people at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:6), where He promised we would be His treasured nation if we follow His Torah. The Rambam teaches this oath shows the unbreakable bond between Hashem and Israel.
Q: What are practical ways to 'walk in His ways' today?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 14a) explains this means emulating Hashem's attributes - just as He is merciful and kind, we should be merciful and kind. Practically, this includes acts of charity (tzedakah), visiting the sick (bikur cholim), and treating others with compassion.
Q: How is this promise relevant to Jews today?
A: The Sforno teaches that this verse remains eternally relevant - when we observe mitzvot and live according to Torah values, we merit being Hashem's holy nation. This applies whether in Israel or the diaspora, in ancient times or modern days.
Q: What's the connection between keeping mitzvot and being holy?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains that mitzvot sanctify us - each commandment we perform elevates our soul and connects us to Hashem. Holiness isn't automatic; it's earned through our daily actions and choices to follow Torah.