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Deuteronomy 29:22 - Divine wrath's lasting devastation?

Deuteronomy 29:22 - דברים 29:22

Hebrew Text

גָּפְרִית וָמֶלַח שְׂרֵפָה כָל־אַרְצָהּ לֹא תִזָּרַע וְלֹא תַצְמִחַ וְלֹא־יַעֲלֶה בָהּ כָּל־עֵשֶׂב כְּמַהְפֵּכַת סְדֹם וַעֲמֹרָה אַדְמָה וצביים [וּצְבוֹיִם] אֲשֶׁר הָפַךְ יְהוָה בְּאַפּוֹ וּבַחֲמָתוֹ׃

English Translation

and that the whole land is brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor bears, nor does any grass grow on it, like the overthrow of Sedom, and ῾Amora, Adma, and Żevoyim, which the Lord overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:

Transliteration

Gofrit vamelach srefah kol-artzah lo tizara vlo tatzmiach vlo ya'aleh vah kol-esev kemahpechat Sdom va'Amorah Admah uTzvo'im asher hafach Adonai be'apo uvachamato.

Hebrew Leining Text

גׇּפְרִ֣ית וָמֶ֘לַח֮ שְׂרֵפָ֣ה כׇל־אַרְצָהּ֒ לֹ֤א תִזָּרַע֙ וְלֹ֣א תַצְמִ֔חַ וְלֹא־יַעֲלֶ֥ה בָ֖הּ כׇּל־עֵ֑שֶׂב כְּֽמַהְפֵּכַ֞ת סְדֹ֤ם וַעֲמֹרָה֙ אַדְמָ֣ה <span class="mam-kq"><span class="mam-kq-k">(וצביים)</span> <span class="mam-kq-q">[וּצְבוֹיִ֔ם]</span></span> אֲשֶׁר֙ הָפַ֣ךְ יְהֹוָ֔ה בְּאַפּ֖וֹ וּבַחֲמָתֽוֹ׃
גׇּפְרִ֣ית וָמֶ֘לַח֮ שְׂרֵפָ֣ה כׇל־אַרְצָהּ֒ לֹ֤א תִזָּרַע֙ וְלֹ֣א תַצְמִ֔חַ וְלֹא־יַעֲלֶ֥ה בָ֖הּ כׇּל־עֵ֑שֶׂב כְּֽמַהְפֵּכַ֞ת סְדֹ֤ם וַעֲמֹרָה֙ אַדְמָ֣ה (וצביים) [וּצְבוֹיִ֔ם] אֲשֶׁר֙ הָפַ֣ךְ יְהֹוָ֔ה בְּאַפּ֖וֹ וּבַחֲמָתֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Severity of Divine Judgment

The verse describes the utter desolation of the land as a result of divine wrath, comparing it to the destruction of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim. Rashi (Devarim 29:22) explains that the terms "brimstone, salt, and burning" signify complete devastation—brimstone (gofrit) represents fire from above, salt renders the land infertile, and burning ensures no vegetation can grow. This imagery emphasizes that the land becomes uninhabitable, mirroring the fate of the sinful cities destroyed in the days of Avraham.

The Comparison to Sodom and Gomorrah

The mention of "the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah" serves as a warning, as the Talmud (Sanhedrin 109a) elaborates on the severity of their sins—particularly their cruelty, arrogance, and rejection of justice. Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 3:6) notes that such destruction is reserved for those who persist in wickedness without repentance. The inclusion of Admah and Zeboiim (lesser-known cities) underscores that no sinful community escapes divine justice.

Theological Implications of Barrenness

The phrase "it is not sown, nor bears, nor does any grass grow" reflects a curse of absolute sterility, as discussed in the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 51:8). This condition is not merely physical but symbolic of spiritual desolation—a land cut off from divine blessing. The Sforno (Devarim 29:22) teaches that such devastation serves as a lasting testimony to the consequences of abandoning Torah and mitzvot.

Divine Anger and Wrath

The verse concludes by attributing the destruction to "the Lord’s anger and wrath", which Ramban (Devarim 29:22) interprets as a measured response to severe moral corruption. Unlike human anger, divine wrath is precise and just, ensuring that punishment aligns with transgression. The Malbim adds that this serves as a lesson for future generations, demonstrating that Hashem’s covenant cannot be violated without consequence.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 54a
The verse is referenced in the context of blessings to be recited upon seeing places where miracles occurred or where divine punishment was executed, such as Sodom and Gomorrah.
📖 Megillah 29a
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is mentioned as an example of divine retribution, paralleling the verse's description of the land's desolation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 29:22 mean?
A: This verse describes the severe destruction that will come upon the land if the Jewish people abandon their covenant with Hashem. It compares this devastation to the utter destruction of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, which were completely overturned with sulfur, salt, and fire, leaving the land barren and unable to produce vegetation. This serves as a warning about the consequences of straying from Torah observance.
Q: Why is the destruction compared to Sodom and Gomorrah?
A: Sodom and Gomorrah (along with Admah and Zeboiim) are mentioned because they became the ultimate examples of divine punishment for wickedness in Jewish tradition. The Torah uses this comparison to emphasize how severe the consequences can be when a society abandons morality and justice, as these cities did (see Genesis 18-19). Rashi explains that just as these cities were completely destroyed, so too could the land of Israel become desolate if the people violate their covenant.
Q: What is the significance of sulfur, salt, and burning in this verse?
A: According to Jewish commentators, sulfur (brimstone) and salt represent complete and lasting destruction. Sulfur burns intensely, while salt prevents growth (as it makes soil infertile). The Ramban explains that this combination symbolizes both immediate destruction (burning) and long-term desolation (salt preventing future growth). This teaches that the consequences of abandoning Torah values can have both immediate and lasting effects.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: The verse serves as an eternal reminder of the importance of maintaining our covenant with Hashem and living according to Torah values. While we don't experience such dramatic punishments today, the Talmud (Berachot 5a) teaches that difficulties can serve as wake-up calls to examine our actions. This verse reminds us that societies built on injustice and immorality cannot endure, while those built on Torah values will flourish.
Q: Why does the verse mention that no grass will grow?
A: The inability for grass or vegetation to grow symbolizes complete desolation. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains that this represents the most extreme form of divine punishment - where even the natural productivity of the land is suspended. In Jewish thought, the land's fertility is connected to the spiritual state of its inhabitants (see Leviticus 26), so this barrenness reflects a complete breakdown of the relationship between the people and Hashem.