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Deuteronomy 30:3 - Exile's end: Divine compassion returns?

Deuteronomy 30:3 - דברים 30:3

Hebrew Text

וְשָׁב יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ אֶת־שְׁבוּתְךָ וְרִחֲמֶךָ וְשָׁב וְקִבֶּצְךָ מִכָּל־הָעַמִּים אֲשֶׁר הֱפִיצְךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ שָׁמָּה׃

English Translation

that then the Lord thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, amongst whom the Lord thy God has scattered thee.

Transliteration

Veshav Adonai Elohekha et-shevutekha verikhamkha veshav vekibetskha mikol-ha'amim asher hefitzkha Adonai Elohekha shamah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשָׁ֨ב יְהֹוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ אֶת־שְׁבוּתְךָ֖ וְרִחֲמֶ֑ךָ וְשָׁ֗ב וְקִבֶּצְךָ֙ מִכׇּל־הָ֣עַמִּ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֧ר הֱפִֽיצְךָ֛ יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ שָֽׁמָּה׃
וְשָׁ֨ב יְהֹוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ אֶת־שְׁבוּתְךָ֖ וְרִחֲמֶ֑ךָ וְשָׁ֗ב וְקִבֶּצְךָ֙ מִכׇּל־הָ֣עַמִּ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֧ר הֱפִֽיצְךָ֛ יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ שָֽׁמָּה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 30:3) speaks of Hashem's promise to gather the Jewish people from exile and return them to their land. This is part of the broader theme of teshuvah (repentance) and redemption, which is central to the Torah's prophetic vision.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "וְשָׁב ה' אֱלֹהֶיךָ אֶת־שְׁבוּתְךָ" ("Hashem will return your captivity") does not mean that Hashem Himself was in exile, but rather that He will return with the Jewish people from exile. This emphasizes the intimate relationship between Hashem and Israel—He does not abandon them even in their dispersion.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Teshuva (7:5), Rambam connects this verse to the principle that the final redemption is assured. He states that the Torah's promises are absolute, and when the Jewish people return to Hashem in sincere repentance, He will gather them from all nations where they have been scattered.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • The Talmud (Sanhedrin 97b) discusses this verse in the context of the Messianic era, teaching that the ingathering of exiles is a key sign of redemption.
  • Midrash Devarim Rabbah (8:6) interprets the phrase "וְרִחֲמֶךָ" ("and have compassion upon you") as a sign of Hashem's mercy, which will be awakened when the Jewish people demonstrate sincere repentance.

Grammatical Nuance

The double language of "וְשָׁב... וְשָׁב" ("and He will return... and He will return") is noted by commentators like the Malbim. He explains that the first "return" refers to Hashem's restoration of Israel's spiritual state, while the second refers to the physical ingathering from exile.

Practical Implications

This verse serves as a source of hope and encouragement for the Jewish people throughout history. It reminds us that no matter how far we are scattered, Hashem's promise of return remains steadfast, contingent only on our commitment to teshuvah.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 29a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the future redemption of Israel, emphasizing God's promise to gather the exiled from among the nations.
📖 Sanhedrin 98a
The verse is referenced in a debate about the timing and nature of the messianic redemption, highlighting God's compassion and the ingathering of the exiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 30:3 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 30:3 speaks about God's promise to eventually bring the Jewish people back from exile and gather them from all the nations where they were scattered. This verse is part of the Torah's prophecy about the eventual redemption (Geulah) of the Jewish people. Rashi explains that this refers to God having mercy on His people and returning them to their land.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 30:3 important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it reassures the Jewish people of God's eternal covenant with them. Even when they are exiled due to their sins, God promises to have compassion and bring them back. The Rambam (Maimonides) discusses this in the context of teshuva (repentance), teaching that sincere repentance will always be met with divine mercy and redemption.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 30:3 apply to Jewish life today?
A: This verse gives hope that no matter how far the Jewish people may be dispersed, God will ultimately gather them back to the Land of Israel. Many Orthodox Jews see the modern return to Israel as a partial fulfillment of this prophecy. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 98a) discusses how this redemption will unfold in the future.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 30:3?
A: We learn that God's mercy is everlasting and that He keeps His promises to the Jewish people. Even in times of difficulty, we should maintain faith in the ultimate redemption. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah) teaches that this verse shows God's deep compassion - just as He scattered us, He will personally gather us back.
Q: Does Deuteronomy 30:3 refer to all Jewish exiles?
A: Yes, traditional Jewish sources understand this verse as referring to all exiles of the Jewish people. The Ramban (Nachmanides) explains that this prophecy applies both to the return from the Babylonian exile and to the final redemption. The verse uses comprehensive language ('from all the nations') indicating it encompasses all dispersions throughout history.