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Deuteronomy 29:12 - Eternal covenant with our forefathers?

Deuteronomy 29:12 - דברים 29:12

Hebrew Text

לְמַעַן הָקִים־אֹתְךָ הַיּוֹם לוֹ לְעָם וְהוּא יִהְיֶה־לְּךָ לֵאלֹהִים כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר־לָךְ וְכַאֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּע לַאֲבֹתֶיךָ לְאַבְרָהָם לְיִצְחָק וּלְיַעֲקֹב׃

English Translation

that he may establish thee today for a people to himself, and that he may be to thee a God, as he has said to thee, and as he has sworn to thy fathers, to Avraham, to Yiżĥaq, and to Ya῾aqov.

Transliteration

Lemaan hakim otcha hayom lo leam vehu yihyeh lecha lelohim kaasher diber lach vechasher nishba laavotecha le'avraham le'yitzchak ul'ya'akov.

Hebrew Leining Text

לְמַ֣עַן הָקִֽים־אֹתְךָ֩ הַיּ֨וֹם <small>׀</small> ל֜וֹ לְעָ֗ם וְה֤וּא יִֽהְיֶה־לְּךָ֙ לֵֽאלֹהִ֔ים כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּר־לָ֑ךְ וְכַאֲשֶׁ֤ר נִשְׁבַּע֙ לַאֲבֹתֶ֔יךָ לְאַבְרָהָ֥ם לְיִצְחָ֖ק וּֽלְיַעֲקֹֽב׃
לְמַ֣עַן הָקִֽים־אֹתְךָ֩ הַיּ֨וֹם ׀ ל֜וֹ לְעָ֗ם וְה֤וּא יִֽהְיֶה־לְּךָ֙ לֵֽאלֹהִ֔ים כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּר־לָ֑ךְ וְכַאֲשֶׁ֤ר נִשְׁבַּע֙ לַאֲבֹתֶ֔יךָ לְאַבְרָהָ֥ם לְיִצְחָ֖ק וּֽלְיַעֲקֹֽב׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and Meaning of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 29:12) appears in Parashat Nitzavim, where Moshe Rabbeinu reaffirms the covenant between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael. The phrase "לְמַעַן הָקִים־אֹתְךָ הַיּוֹם לוֹ לְעָם" emphasizes that Hashem establishes the Jewish people as His chosen nation, fulfilling the promises made to the Avot (Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov). Rashi explains that this reaffirmation ensures the eternal bond between Hashem and Klal Yisrael, rooted in the covenant at Har Sinai and the earlier promises to the forefathers.

The Dual Relationship: Hashem as Our G-d, and Us as His People

The phrase "וְהוּא יִהְיֶה־לְּךָ לֵאלֹהִים" underscores the reciprocal relationship: just as we accept Hashem as our G-d, He accepts us as His nation. The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:1) teaches that this relationship is the foundation of Torah—recognizing Hashem’s sovereignty and our role as His servants. The Sforno adds that this bond is not merely national but deeply personal, requiring each Jew to internalize their commitment to Avodat Hashem.

Connection to the Avot (Forefathers)

The verse explicitly ties this covenant to the oath Hashem made to Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 49:2) explains that the merit of the Avot sustains their descendants, ensuring that the covenant remains eternal. The Talmud (Berachot 7a) further notes that Hashem’s promises to the Avot were unconditional, reinforcing the unbreakable nature of the Jewish people’s relationship with Hashem.

The Significance of "הַיּוֹם" (Today)

The term "הַיּוֹם" (today) is interpreted by the Kli Yakar as a timeless call—every generation must renew this covenant as if it were given anew in their time. This aligns with the Talmudic teaching (Nedarim 8a) that the covenant is binding on all future generations, emphasizing continuous acceptance of Torah and mitzvot.

Key Themes in Orthodox Jewish Thought

  • Eternal Covenant: The verse reaffirms that the Jewish people’s status as Hashem’s nation is unchangeable, as sworn to the Avot (Ramban).
  • Personal Responsibility: Each Jew must live as part of this covenant, as highlighted by the Netziv in his commentary on the verse.
  • Zechut Avot (Merit of the Forefathers): The covenant’s continuity relies on the spiritual legacy of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov (Sifrei Devarim).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 48b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the covenant between God and the Jewish people, particularly in relation to the blessings recited during the Grace after Meals.
📖 Sotah 37a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the importance of the covenant and the promises made to the patriarchs, emphasizing the continuity of God's relationship with Israel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 29:12 mean?
A: This verse means that Hashem is reaffirming His covenant with the Jewish people, establishing them as His chosen nation and committing to be their God, just as He promised to our forefathers Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov. Rashi explains that this emphasizes the eternal nature of the covenant between God and Israel.
Q: Why is the covenant with our forefathers mentioned in this verse?
A: The mention of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov reminds us that Hashem's relationship with the Jewish people is based on the promises He made to our ancestors. The Rambam teaches that this shows the covenant is everlasting and binds all future generations, not just those present at that time.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today?
A: This verse reminds every Jew that we are part of an eternal covenant with Hashem that began with our forefathers. The Sforno explains that just as God faithfully kept His promises to our ancestors, He continues to maintain His relationship with us today when we uphold our side of the covenant through Torah observance.
Q: What does it mean that God will 'establish us as a people'?
A: This means that Hashem is confirming our unique status as His chosen nation. The Talmud (Berachos 6a) teaches that this establishes a special bond where we are His people and He is our God, with mutual responsibilities and commitments that define our national identity.
Q: Why does the verse say 'today' if it refers to an ancient covenant?
A: The word 'today' teaches us that the covenant is always fresh and relevant. The Midrash (Sifrei) explains that every day the Torah should feel as if it was given anew, and our relationship with Hashem should be constantly renewed and vibrant, not just a historical event.