share torah logo

Deuteronomy 29:15 - Remember Egypt's bitter exile?

Deuteronomy 29:15 - דברים 29:15

Hebrew Text

כִּי־אַתֶּם יְדַעְתֶּם אֵת אֲשֶׁר־יָשַׁבְנוּ בְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם וְאֵת אֲשֶׁר־עָבַרְנוּ בְּקֶרֶב הַגּוֹיִם אֲשֶׁר עֲבַרְתֶּם׃

English Translation

(for you know how we have dwelt in the land of Miżrayim; and how we came through the nations which you passed by;

Transliteration

Ki-atem yedatem et asher-yashavnu be'eretz Mitzrayim ve'et asher-avarnu bekerev hagoyim asher avartem.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּֽי־אַתֶּ֣ם יְדַעְתֶּ֔ם אֵ֥ת אֲשֶׁר־יָשַׁ֖בְנוּ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם וְאֵ֧ת אֲשֶׁר־עָבַ֛רְנוּ בְּקֶ֥רֶב הַגּוֹיִ֖ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר עֲבַרְתֶּֽם׃
כִּֽי־אַתֶּ֣ם יְדַעְתֶּ֔ם אֵ֥ת אֲשֶׁר־יָשַׁ֖בְנוּ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם וְאֵ֧ת אֲשֶׁר־עָבַ֛רְנוּ בְּקֶ֥רֶב הַגּוֹיִ֖ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר עֲבַרְתֶּֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

The verse appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 29:15, part of Moshe's final address to Bnei Yisrael before they enter Eretz Yisrael. It serves as a reminder of their past experiences in Mitzrayim (Egypt) and their journey through other nations, reinforcing the covenant they are about to reaffirm.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 29:15) explains that Moshe is emphasizing the collective memory of the Jewish people. He highlights two key experiences:

  • Dwelling in Mitzrayim: The suffering and oppression endured under Pharaoh, which culminated in the Exodus.
  • Passing through other nations: The trials faced during the 40 years in the wilderness, including encounters with hostile nations like Amalek, Sichon, and Og.

Rashi notes that these experiences should serve as a foundation for gratitude and commitment to Hashem's commandments.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides), in Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah, underscores the importance of remembering historical events as a means of strengthening emunah (faith). The verse reminds Bnei Yisrael that their survival and redemption were miraculous, reinforcing their obligation to uphold the covenant.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash Tanchuma (Nitzavim 3) elaborates that Moshe's mention of their time in Mitzrayim and among the nations serves as a warning: just as they witnessed the downfall of those who oppressed them, they must avoid similar moral failures. The Midrash connects this to the broader theme of divine justice—reward for righteousness and consequences for transgression.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra (Devarim 29:15) focuses on the phrase "אֲשֶׁר עֲבַרְתֶּם" (which you passed by), interpreting it as a reference to the nations they encountered en route to Eretz Yisrael. He explains that these encounters demonstrated Hashem's protection, as Bnei Yisrael emerged victorious despite being surrounded by hostile peoples.

Practical Lesson

The verse teaches that historical memory is essential for spiritual growth. By recalling their past—both the suffering and the redemption—Bnei Yisrael are reminded of their unique relationship with Hashem and their responsibility to live according to the Torah's laws.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 29:15 mean when it mentions 'how we have dwelt in the land of Egypt'?
A: This verse reminds the Jewish people of their difficult experience as slaves in Egypt (Mitzrayim). Rashi explains that it serves as a warning - just as we suffered for disobeying Hashem in Egypt, we must be careful to keep the covenant being made here. The verse connects past experiences to future obligations.
Q: Why does the Torah mention passing through other nations in Deuteronomy 29:15?
A: The Ramban explains that this refers to the 40 years in the wilderness when the Jews encountered various nations. It reminds them that just as Hashem protected them during those journeys, they must remain faithful to the Torah. The Sforno adds that witnessing other nations' behaviors taught important lessons about morality and proper conduct.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 29:15 apply to Jews today?
A: The Ohr HaChaim teaches that this verse establishes an eternal principle - each generation must see themselves as having personally experienced the Exodus and wilderness journey. This creates a living connection to our history and reinforces our commitment to Torah observance. Remembering these events helps strengthen Jewish identity and faith.