Deuteronomy 30:7 - Divine justice against oppressors.

Context in the Torah

The verse appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy 30:7), within Moshe’s final address to Bnei Yisrael before entering Eretz Yisrael. It follows the Tochacha (rebuke) and the promise of Teshuva (repentance), assuring that Hashem will ultimately redeem His people and punish their oppressors.

Rashi’s Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 30:7) emphasizes that the "enemies" and "haters" here refer to the nations who actively persecuted Bnei Yisrael. He notes that this is a promise of divine retribution—those who afflicted Israel will themselves suffer the very curses previously warned about in the Tochacha (Devarim 28:15-68).

Rambam’s Perspective

In Hilchot Teshuvah (7:5), Rambam connects this verse to the broader principle of divine justice. He explains that when Bnei Yisrael return to Hashem in sincere repentance, He not only forgives them but also ensures that their oppressors are held accountable for their cruelty.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Sifrei (Devarim 30:7) elaborates that the phrase "who persecuted you" includes not only historical enemies like Pharaoh and Amalek but also future oppressors. The Midrash teaches that Hashem’s justice is timeless—those who harm His people will ultimately face retribution.

Ibn Ezra’s Insight

Ibn Ezra (Devarim 30:7) highlights the grammatical nuance of "venatan" ("and He will put"), stating that it signifies a definitive, inevitable divine decree. The curses will befall Israel’s enemies as a direct consequence of their actions, demonstrating Hashem’s unwavering protection of His people.

Practical Implications

• Divine Justice: The verse reassures that even in exile, Hashem does not abandon His people; their suffering is temporary, while their enemies’ punishment is certain.
• Encouragement for Teshuva: It reinforces that sincere repentance brings not only personal redemption but also the downfall of those who oppose Klal Yisrael.
• Historical Fulfillment: Commentators like the Malbim see this as a recurring pattern in Jewish history, where oppressors (e.g., Babylon, Rome) ultimately faced downfall.