Deuteronomy 29:25 - Idolatry's tragic consequences revealed.

Interpretation of the Verse

The verse describes the grave sin of idolatry, where the people abandoned Hashem and served other gods. This act is considered one of the most severe transgressions in Judaism, as it violates the fundamental principle of Yichud Hashem (the Oneness of G-d).

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "gods whom they knew not" implies that these deities were entirely foreign to them—neither their ancestors nor they had any prior connection to them. This highlights the absurdity of their actions, as they worshipped entities with no historical or familial significance.

Rambam's Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 1:1), Rambam teaches that idolatry stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of G-d's unity. The verse emphasizes that these gods were "whom He had not given to them", meaning that Hashem never authorized or allocated any divine power to these false deities. Worship of them was entirely baseless.

Midrashic Insights

• The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 43) compares idolatry to a person who abandons a flowing spring to dig for water in cracked cisterns—a futile and self-destructive act.
• Another Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 2:25) states that the worship of foreign gods leads to exile, as it severs the covenantal bond between Hashem and Israel.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 74a) rules that one must give up their life rather than commit idolatry, underscoring the severity of this sin. The verse serves as a warning against straying after foreign deities, which leads to spiritual and national ruin.