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Deuteronomy 29:3 - Divine wisdom finally revealed?

Deuteronomy 29:3 - דברים 29:3

Hebrew Text

וְלֹא־נָתַן יְהוָה לָכֶם לֵב לָדַעַת וְעֵינַיִם לִרְאוֹת וְאָזְנַיִם לִשְׁמֹעַ עַד הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה׃

English Translation

yet the Lord has not given you a heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, until this day.

Transliteration

Velo-natan Adonai lakhem lev lada'at ve'einayim lir'ot ve'oznayim lishmoa ad hayom hazeh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלֹא־נָתַן֩ יְהֹוָ֨ה לָכֶ֥ם לֵב֙ לָדַ֔עַת וְעֵינַ֥יִם לִרְא֖וֹת וְאׇזְנַ֣יִם לִשְׁמֹ֑עַ עַ֖ד הַיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה׃
וְלֹא־נָתַן֩ יְהֹוָ֨ה לָכֶ֥ם לֵב֙ לָדַ֔עַת וְעֵינַ֥יִם לִרְא֖וֹת וְאׇזְנַ֣יִם לִשְׁמֹ֑עַ עַ֖ד הַיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy)

The verse appears in Devarim 29:3, where Moshe addresses Bnei Yisrael before his passing. It follows a review of their journey through the wilderness and the miracles they witnessed, yet they lacked full spiritual perception until this moment.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that despite witnessing Hashem's miracles—such as the splitting of the Red Sea, the manna, and the defeat of Sichon and Og—Bnei Yisrael did not internalize these experiences with true da'at (knowledge) until now. Only at this point, as they stood ready to enter Eretz Yisrael, did Hashem grant them the clarity of heart, eyes, and ears to fully comprehend His providence.

Rambam on Spiritual Perception

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:33) discusses how divine influence is necessary for true understanding. The verse emphasizes that spiritual perception is not merely intellectual but requires divine assistance. Until this moment, Bnei Yisrael were not fully receptive to deeper truths, but now, as they prepared for covenant renewal, Hashem opened their hearts.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Sifrei (Devarim 29:3) connects this verse to the idea of teshuvah (repentance). Only after Moshe's rebuke and their acceptance of the covenant did they merit this heightened awareness. The Midrash teaches that true perception comes when one is ready to accept responsibility and grow spiritually.

Ibn Ezra on "Until This Day"

Ibn Ezra notes that "until this day" implies a turning point. Previously, their understanding was clouded by doubt or rebellion (as seen with the Golden Calf and the spies), but now, after 40 years of refinement, they achieved a new level of clarity.

Practical Lesson from the Talmud

The Talmud (Berachot 40a) derives from this verse that one must pray for wisdom, as even the ability to perceive truth is a divine gift. The Sages teach that just as Bnei Yisrael needed Hashem's help to "see," so too must we seek divine assistance in understanding Torah and mitzvot.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 40a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of understanding and perceiving divine commandments.
📖 Megillah 25a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the spiritual blindness and deafness of the Jewish people during certain periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 29:3 mean when it says God didn't give Israel 'a heart to perceive' until that day?
A: Rashi explains that this verse refers to the Israelites finally achieving a deeper spiritual understanding at that time. After experiencing miracles like the Exodus and receiving the Torah, they reached a level where they could fully appreciate God's greatness—something they couldn't do before.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 29:3 important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse teaches that spiritual understanding is a gift from God that develops over time. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 5:5) connects this idea to repentance, explaining that true awareness of God comes gradually through learning and mitzvot.
Q: How can we apply Deuteronomy 29:3 to our lives today?
A: The Sforno teaches that this verse reminds us spiritual growth happens in stages. Just as the Israelites needed 40 years in the desert to develop understanding, we must be patient with our own journey in Torah observance and relationship with Hashem.
Q: What do the 'eyes to see and ears to hear' symbolize in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 40a) explains these metaphors represent the ability to properly understand Torah wisdom. Physical sight and hearing aren't enough - one needs special Divine assistance to truly comprehend spiritual truths.
Q: Why does the verse say this understanding came only 'until this day'?
A: Ibn Ezra explains that 'this day' refers to when Moses spoke these words at the end of the 40 years in the wilderness. Only after that entire period of growth were the Israelites spiritually ready to enter the Land of Israel with proper awareness.