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Deuteronomy 29:11 - Entering God's eternal covenant today?

Deuteronomy 29:11 - דברים 29:11

Hebrew Text

לְעָבְרְךָ בִּבְרִית יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ וּבְאָלָתוֹ אֲשֶׁר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ כֹּרֵת עִמְּךָ הַיּוֹם׃

English Translation

that thou shouldst enter into the covenant of the Lord thy God, and into his oath, which the Lord thy God makes with thee this day:

Transliteration

Le'ovrecha bivrit Adonai Elohecha uve'alato asher Adonai Elohecha koret imcha hayom.

Hebrew Leining Text

לְעׇבְרְךָ֗ בִּבְרִ֛ית יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ וּבְאָלָת֑וֹ אֲשֶׁר֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ כֹּרֵ֥ת עִמְּךָ֖ הַיּֽוֹם׃
לְעׇבְרְךָ֗ בִּבְרִ֛ית יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ וּבְאָלָת֑וֹ אֲשֶׁר֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ כֹּרֵ֥ת עִמְּךָ֖ הַיּֽוֹם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Devarim

This verse (Devarim 29:11) appears in Parashat Nitzavim, where Moshe Rabbeinu gathers all of Bnei Yisrael to reaffirm the covenant with Hashem before entering Eretz Yisrael. The language emphasizes the binding nature of the brit (covenant) and the accompanying oath (alah).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that "לְעָבְרְךָ בִּבְרִית" refers to passing between the divided parts of the covenant sacrifice (based on Bereishit 15:10), symbolizing the seriousness of the commitment. The phrase "וּבְאָלָתוֹ" refers to the curses mentioned earlier in the Torah (Devarim 27:15-26), which serve as consequences for violating the covenant.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah (8:1), Rambam discusses how this brit represents the eternal bond between Hashem and Klal Yisrael. The phrase "הַיּוֹם" (this day) teaches that the covenant is continuously renewed - each generation must view itself as personally standing at Har Sinai.

Talmudic Insights

  • Nedarim 8a connects this verse to the concept of communal responsibility - all Jews are guarantors for one another in upholding the Torah.
  • Sanhedrin 43b notes that the covenant includes both revealed and hidden mitzvot (Devarim 29:28), showing the comprehensive nature of our commitment.

Midrashic Interpretation

Midrash Tanchuma (Nitzavim 3) explains that the brit was made with both the physical and spiritual aspects of each Jew - "with those standing here today, and with those not here today" (Devarim 29:14), including future generations and even the neshamot yet to be born.

Sforno's Additional Insight

Sforno emphasizes that this covenant is unique because it's made directly with each individual ("עִמְּךָ"), not just through representatives. This personal responsibility is why the text uses singular language despite addressing the entire nation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 29:11 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 29:11 refers to the covenant (brit) that Hashem made with the Jewish people before entering the Land of Israel. According to Rashi, this verse emphasizes the mutual commitment between G-d and the Jewish people, where we accept His commandments and He grants us His blessings. The 'oath' mentioned is a solemn agreement binding both parties.
Q: Why is the covenant in Deuteronomy 29:11 important?
A: The covenant in this verse is crucial because it establishes the foundational relationship between G-d and the Jewish people. The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah) teaches that accepting this covenant means committing to follow the Torah's laws. It’s not just a historical event but an ongoing bond that applies to all generations of Jews.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 29:11 today?
A: This verse teaches that being part of the Jewish people means accepting responsibility for the Torah’s commandments. The Talmud (Sotah 37b) explains that every Jew, in every generation, is included in this covenant. It reminds us that our relationship with G-d is based on loyalty to His mitzvot (commandments) and Torah values.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 29:11 apply to modern Jewish life?
A: The covenant in this verse applies today by reminding Jews of their spiritual obligations. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) states that just as our ancestors entered into this agreement, we too reaffirm it through Torah study, mitzvot, and living according to halacha (Jewish law). It’s a call to uphold our heritage with dedication.