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Deuteronomy 31:5 - Divine victory through Torah obedience

Deuteronomy 31:5 - דברים 31:5

Hebrew Text

וּנְתָנָם יְהוָה לִפְנֵיכֶם וַעֲשִׂיתֶם לָהֶם כְּכָל־הַמִּצְוָה אֲשֶׁר צִוִּיתִי אֶתְכֶם׃

English Translation

and the Lord shall deliver them up before your face, that you may do to them according to all the commandments which I have commanded you.

Transliteration

Unetanam Adonai lifneichem va'asitem lahem kechol hamitzvah asher tzivit etchem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּנְתָנָ֥ם יְהֹוָ֖ה לִפְנֵיכֶ֑ם וַעֲשִׂיתֶ֣ם לָהֶ֔ם כְּכׇ֨ל־הַמִּצְוָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוִּ֖יתִי אֶתְכֶֽם׃
וּנְתָנָ֥ם יְהֹוָ֖ה לִפְנֵיכֶ֑ם וַעֲשִׂיתֶ֣ם לָהֶ֔ם כְּכׇ֨ל־הַמִּצְוָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוִּ֖יתִי אֶתְכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 7:23) appears in Parashat Eikev, where Moshe Rabbeinu reminds Bnei Yisrael of Hashem's promise to deliver their enemies into their hands as they enter Eretz Yisrael. The phrase "וַעֲשִׂיתֶם לָהֶם כְּכָל־הַמִּצְוָה אֲשֶׁר צִוִּיתִי אֶתְכֶם" ("that you may do to them according to all the commandments which I have commanded you") refers to the mitzvot regarding warfare and the treatment of the Canaanite nations.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 7:23) clarifies that "כְּכָל־הַמִּצְוָה" refers specifically to the laws governing the conquest of Eretz Yisrael, including:

  • The prohibition against making treaties with the Canaanite nations (Devarim 7:2).
  • The obligation to utterly destroy their idolatrous practices (Devarim 7:5).
  • The command not to show them mercy (Devarim 7:16).

Rashi emphasizes that Bnei Yisrael must adhere strictly to these commandments, as deviating from them would lead to spiritual and military failure.

Rambam's Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Melachim 6:1), the Rambam elaborates on the laws of warfare, stating that the mitzvah to eradicate the Canaanite nations was a unique commandment for that generation. He explains that this was necessary to remove the influence of idolatry from the land and ensure the spiritual purity of Bnei Yisrael.

Midrashic Insight

The Sifrei (Devarim 53) connects this verse to the broader theme of bitachon (trust in Hashem). It teaches that victory in battle is not dependent on military strength alone but on fulfilling Hashem's commandments. The phrase "וַעֲשִׂיתֶם לָהֶם כְּכָל־הַמִּצְוָה" underscores that success is contingent upon obedience to the Torah.

Practical Implications

The verse serves as a reminder that:

  • Military endeavors must align with Torah values and divine commandments.
  • The conquest of Eretz Yisrael was not merely a physical battle but a spiritual mission to establish a holy nation.
  • Trust in Hashem's deliverance must be coupled with strict adherence to His mitzvot.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 31:5 mean when it says 'the Lord shall deliver them up before your face'?
A: This verse refers to Hashem's promise to help Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel) conquer the land of Canaan. Rashi explains that 'deliver them up before your face' means Hashem will weaken the enemies and make them vulnerable, allowing Israel to defeat them in battle according to His commandments.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 31:5 important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse is important because it emphasizes that military success depends on following Hashem's commandments. The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim) teaches that Jewish wars must be fought with trust in Hashem and adherence to Torah laws, not merely through human strength.
Q: What can we learn from 'you may do to them according to all the commandments which I have commanded you'?
A: The Sifrei (a halachic Midrash) explains that this teaches even during war, Jews must follow Torah laws. For example, the Talmud (Sotah 44b) discusses how soldiers must keep mitzvot like not destroying fruit trees (based on Deuteronomy 20:19-20) even in battle situations.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 31:5 apply to Jews today?
A: While we don't currently wage biblical wars, the principle applies that all our endeavors - whether personal or national - must align with Torah commandments. The verse teaches that true success comes from following Hashem's will, as explained in Mesillat Yesharim (Path of the Just).
Q: Who is speaking in Deuteronomy 31:5 and to whom?
A: Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses) is speaking to Bnei Yisrael before they enter Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel) under Yehoshua's (Joshua's) leadership. The Malbim explains this was part of Moshe's final instructions, assuring them of divine assistance if they remain faithful to Torah.