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Deuteronomy 32:10 - Divine protection in wilderness

Deuteronomy 32:10 - דברים 32:10

Hebrew Text

יִמְצָאֵהוּ בְּאֶרֶץ מִדְבָּר וּבְתֹהוּ יְלֵל יְשִׁמֹן יְסֹבְבֶנְהוּ יְבוֹנְנֵהוּ יִצְּרֶנְהוּ כְּאִישׁוֹן עֵינוֹ׃

English Translation

He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.

Transliteration

Yimtza'ehu be'eretz midbar uv'tohu yelel yeshimon y'sovvenhu y'vonnenhu yitzrenhu k'eishon eino.

Hebrew Leining Text

יִמְצָאֵ֙הוּ֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִדְבָּ֔ר        וּבְתֹ֖הוּ יְלֵ֣ל יְשִׁמֹ֑ן יְסֹבְבֶ֙נְהוּ֙ יְב֣וֹנְנֵ֔הוּ        יִצְּרֶ֖נְהוּ כְּאִישׁ֥וֹן עֵינֽוֹ׃
יִמְצָאֵ֙הוּ֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִדְבָּ֔ר        וּבְתֹ֖הוּ יְלֵ֣ל יְשִׁמֹ֑ן יְסֹבְבֶ֙נְהוּ֙ יְב֣וֹנְנֵ֔הוּ        יִצְּרֶ֖נְהוּ כְּאִישׁ֥וֹן עֵינֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy)

The verse (Devarim 32:10) appears in Shirat Ha'azinu, Moshe's prophetic song describing Hashem's relationship with Bnei Yisrael. It poetically recounts how Hashem guided and protected the Jewish people during their wilderness journey.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi interprets "יִמְצָאֵהוּ" ("He found him") as referring to Avraham Avinu, whom Hashem discovered in a spiritually barren world (like a desert) and brought close through divine love. The wilderness imagery symbolizes the Jewish people's early formation as a nation under Hashem's direct care.

Wilderness as a Place of Preparation

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 1:7) teaches that the desert was chosen as the setting for receiving the Torah because:

  • Just as a desert is ownerless, the Torah must be freely accessible to all
  • The harsh environment purified Bnei Yisrael for their divine mission
  • It demonstrated complete reliance on Hashem's protection and provision

Divine Protection

The phrase "כְּאִישׁוֹן עֵינוֹ" ("as the apple of His eye") is explained by the Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:47) as illustrating Hashem's constant vigilance over Israel. The Ishon (pupil) represents the most sensitive and protected part of the eye, suggesting:

  • Immediate reaction to any threat against Israel
  • Intimate knowledge of Israel's needs
  • Special affection comparable to how one instinctively protects their vision

Sforno's Insight

Sforno explains the sequence of verbs (led, instructed, protected) as describing Hashem's comprehensive guidance:

  1. יסובבנהו - Physical protection during wilderness travels
  2. יבוננהו - Intellectual/spiritual instruction through Torah
  3. יצרנהו - Ongoing preservation as a unique nation

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chagigah 12b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about God's protection and guidance of Israel, likened to the care one has for the apple of one's eye.
📖 Sotah 11a
The verse is cited in the context of God's providence over the Israelites during their time in the wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'He kept him as the apple of his eye' mean in Deuteronomy 32:10?
A: The phrase 'as the apple of His eye' (כְּאִישׁוֹן עֵינוֹ) means that Hashem protected the Jewish people with extreme care and tenderness, just as a person instinctively protects their pupil—the most sensitive part of the eye. Rashi explains that this shows Hashem's deep love and constant watchfulness over Israel, especially during their difficult journey in the wilderness.
Q: Why does the verse mention the desert in Deuteronomy 32:10?
A: The desert (מִדְבָּר) symbolizes a place of isolation and hardship, where the Jewish people were completely dependent on Hashem's protection and guidance. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) teaches that the desert was a testing ground where Hashem refined and prepared the Jewish people to receive the Torah and enter the Land of Israel.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 32:10 apply to us today?
A: This verse reminds us that just as Hashem guided and protected the Jewish people in the wilderness, He continues to watch over us in every generation. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 3:4) teaches that recognizing Hashem's constant care strengthens our trust in Him, especially during difficult times.
Q: What does it mean that Hashem 'instructed him' in Deuteronomy 32:10?
A: The phrase 'He instructed him' (יְבוֹנְנֵהוּ) refers to Hashem teaching the Jewish people the Torah and mitzvot. The Talmud (Berachot 5a) explains that this instruction was not just at Mount Sinai but also through the lessons learned during their travels in the wilderness, shaping them into a holy nation.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 32:10 important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse is part of the 'Song of Ha'azinu,' which Moshe taught the Jewish people before his passing. It emphasizes Hashem's unwavering commitment to Israel, a foundational belief in Judaism. The Sages (Sanhedrin 99a) highlight that remembering Hashem's kindness in the wilderness inspires gratitude and strengthens our bond with Him.