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Deuteronomy 29:16 - Idols' deceptive allure?

Deuteronomy 29:16 - דברים 29:16

Hebrew Text

וַתִּרְאוּ אֶת־שִׁקּוּצֵיהֶם וְאֵת גִּלֻּלֵיהֶם עֵץ וָאֶבֶן כֶּסֶף וְזָהָב אֲשֶׁר עִמָּהֶם׃

English Translation

and you have seen their abominations, and their idols, wood and stone, silver and gold, which were among them:)

Transliteration

Vatiru et-shikutzeihem ve'et giluleihem etz va'even kesef vezahav asher imahem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתִּרְאוּ֙ אֶת־שִׁקּ֣וּצֵיהֶ֔ם וְאֵ֖ת גִּלֻּלֵיהֶ֑ם עֵ֣ץ וָאֶ֔בֶן כֶּ֥סֶף וְזָהָ֖ב אֲשֶׁ֥ר עִמָּהֶֽם׃
וַתִּרְאוּ֙ אֶת־שִׁקּ֣וּצֵיהֶ֔ם וְאֵ֖ת גִּלֻּלֵיהֶ֑ם עֵ֣ץ וָאֶ֔בֶן כֶּ֥סֶף וְזָהָ֖ב אֲשֶׁ֥ר עִמָּהֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy 29:16), where Moshe rebukes Bnei Yisrael before his passing, reminding them of the idolatrous practices they witnessed among the nations during their travels. The mention of "their abominations" (shikkutzeihem) and "their idols" (gilluleihem) serves as a stark warning against adopting such practices.

Explanation of Terms

  • Shikkutzeihem (שִׁקּוּצֵיהֶם): Rashi explains that this term refers to the repulsive and detestable nature of idol worship, emphasizing how these practices are an abomination in the eyes of Hashem.
  • Gilluleihem (גִּלֻּלֵיהֶם): The word gillulim is often associated with dung or filth, symbolizing the spiritual impurity of idolatry. The Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that this term underscores the emptiness and worthlessness of idols.
  • Wood and stone, silver and gold: These materials highlight the futility of idol worship—despite their external beauty or value, they are lifeless and powerless. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah) contrasts these man-made idols with the eternal, incorporeal nature of Hashem.

Spiritual Lesson

The verse serves as a reminder of the prohibition against idolatry (avodah zarah), one of the gravest sins in Judaism. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 63a) teaches that idol worship denies the fundamental principle of Hashem's unity and sovereignty. By listing the materials (wood, stone, silver, gold), the Torah emphasizes that no matter how precious or impressive an idol may appear, it remains a false deity.

Practical Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 2:1) explains that even associating with or admiring idolatrous practices can lead one astray. This verse reinforces the need for vigilance in distancing oneself from foreign influences that contradict Torah values. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 429) further connects this to the broader mitzvah of kedushah (holiness), requiring Jews to separate from spiritually corrupting behaviors.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 29:16 mean when it mentions 'abominations' and 'idols'?
A: In Deuteronomy 29:16, the Torah warns the Jewish people about the idolatrous practices of the nations they encountered. The 'abominations' (שיקוציהם) refer to detestable acts associated with idol worship, and the 'idols' (גלוליהם) are the physical objects of worship made from wood, stone, silver, and gold. Rashi explains that these idols were repulsive and spiritually harmful, which is why the Torah emphasizes avoiding them.
Q: Why does the Torah specify that the idols were made of wood, stone, silver, and gold?
A: The Torah lists different materials (wood, stone, silver, gold) to show that idolatry takes many forms—whether simple or lavish. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah) teaches that people mistakenly attribute power to these objects, but in reality, they are meaningless. The verse highlights that no matter how valuable or impressive an idol may appear, it has no true spiritual significance.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today if we don’t worship physical idols?
A: While literal idol worship is rare today, the Talmud (Sanhedrin 63b) teaches that idolatry can also represent misplaced priorities—anything that distracts a person from serving Hashem properly. The verse reminds us to avoid modern 'idols,' such as excessive materialism or devotion to false ideologies, and to focus on Torah values.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this warning about idols in Deuteronomy 29:16?
A: The verse teaches the importance of spiritual vigilance. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains that exposure to foreign beliefs can subtly influence a person’s mindset. By recognizing the emptiness of idols, we strengthen our commitment to Torah and mitzvot, ensuring we don’t adopt practices contrary to Jewish tradition.