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Deuteronomy 29:4 - Divine care in wilderness wandering

Deuteronomy 29:4 - דברים 29:4

Hebrew Text

וָאוֹלֵךְ אֶתְכֶם אַרְבָּעִים שָׁנָה בַּמִּדְבָּר לֹא־בָלוּ שַׂלְמֹתֵיכֶם מֵעֲלֵיכֶם וְנַעַלְךָ לֹא־בָלְתָה מֵעַל רַגְלֶךָ׃

English Translation

And I have led you forty years in the wilderness: your clothes are not worn old upon you, and thy shoe is not worn old upon thy foot.

Transliteration

Va'olekh etkhem arba'im shana bamidbar lo valu salmotekhem me'aleikhem v'na'alekh lo valta me'al raglekha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וָאוֹלֵ֥ךְ אֶתְכֶ֛ם אַרְבָּעִ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר לֹֽא־בָל֤וּ שַׂלְמֹֽתֵיכֶם֙ מֵעֲלֵיכֶ֔ם וְנַעַלְךָ֥ לֹֽא־בָלְתָ֖ה מֵעַ֥ל רַגְלֶֽךָ׃
וָאוֹלֵ֥ךְ אֶתְכֶ֛ם אַרְבָּעִ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר לֹֽא־בָל֤וּ שַׂלְמֹֽתֵיכֶם֙ מֵעֲלֵיכֶ֔ם וְנַעַלְךָ֥ לֹֽא־בָלְתָ֖ה מֵעַ֥ל רַגְלֶֽךָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Divine Providence in the Wilderness

The verse (Devarim 29:4) describes the miraculous care Hashem provided for Bnei Yisrael during their 40 years in the wilderness. Rashi explains that their clothing did not wear out, and their shoes remained intact as a continuous miracle. This demonstrated Hashem's direct providence over them, ensuring their physical needs were met despite the harsh desert conditions.

Symbolism of the Unworn Garments

The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 29:4) teaches that the children's clothing grew with them as they aged, just as a snail's shell expands with its body. Ramban adds that this miracle was not merely for convenience but served as a constant reminder of Hashem's presence and protection. The unworn garments symbolized the spiritual purity and divine favor bestowed upon the generation that entered into the covenant at Sinai.

The Shoes as a Sign of Readiness

Ibn Ezra notes that the mention of shoes not wearing out carries special significance. Shoes represent mobility and preparation for journeying toward Eretz Yisrael. The miracle ensured they were always ready to march when commanded, reflecting their status as a nation under divine guidance. The Talmud (Chagigah 12a) similarly associates shoes with protection, suggesting their intact state showed Hashem's shielding of Israel from the desert's dangers.

Lessons in Trust and Gratitude

  • Bitachon (Trust): The Ohr HaChaim highlights how these miracles cultivated absolute trust in Hashem's providence, teaching that material needs are secondary to spiritual purpose.
  • Hakarat HaTov (Gratitude): The Kli Yakar emphasizes that these wonders obligated Bnei Yisrael to recognize Hashem's kindness and remain faithful to the covenant.
  • Continuity: Malbim explains that the 40-year duration of these miracles paralleled the time needed to fully transition from slavery to a redeemed nation ready to enter the Land.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 60b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the miracles experienced by the Israelites during their 40 years in the wilderness, particularly focusing on how their clothes and shoes did not wear out.
📖 Yoma 75b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the divine providence and miracles that sustained the Israelites in the desert, emphasizing the supernatural preservation of their clothing and footwear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 29:4 mean when it says the Israelites' clothes and shoes didn't wear out?
A: This verse describes one of the many miracles HaShem performed for the Israelites during their 40 years in the wilderness. According to Rashi, their clothes grew with the children (like a snail's shell), and their shoes never wore out - a constant demonstration of divine care.
Q: Why is it significant that this miracle lasted 40 years?
A: The 40-year duration corresponds to the time needed to raise a new generation after the Exodus. The Rambam explains that these continuous miracles taught the people complete reliance on HaShem and showed that divine providence accompanies us in all circumstances.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: The Talmud (Chullin 60b) derives from this that HaShem provides for our needs in unexpected ways. Just as clothing miraculously lasted in the desert, we're reminded to recognize divine kindness in our daily lives, even when it's not as overtly miraculous.
Q: How could clothes last 40 years without wearing out?
A: The Midrash (Tanchuma Eikev 8) explains this was a supernatural miracle - the clouds of glory that protected the Israelites also polished their clothes like laundrymen, and their shoes were preserved as if new. This showed that in the wilderness, their physical needs were completely provided for.
Q: Why does the Torah mention this miracle specifically in Deuteronomy 29?
A: Rashi explains this comes as Moshe prepares the people to enter Israel, reminding them of HaShem's constant care. The Sforno adds that this demonstrated their desert experience wasn't natural survival, but divine preparation for receiving the Torah and entering the promised land.