share torah logo

Deuteronomy 32:11 - Divine protection like eagle's wings

Deuteronomy 32:11 - דברים 32:11

Hebrew Text

כְּנֶשֶׁר יָעִיר קִנּוֹ עַל־גּוֹזָלָיו יְרַחֵף יִפְרֹשׂ כְּנָפָיו יִקָּחֵהוּ יִשָּׂאֵהוּ עַל־אֶבְרָתוֹ׃

English Translation

As an eagle stirs up her nest, broods over her young, spreads abroad her wings takes them, bears them on her pinions:

Transliteration

Kenesher ya'ir kino al-gozalav yerachef yifros kenafav yikachehu yisa'ehu al-evrato.

Hebrew Leining Text

כְּנֶ֙שֶׁר֙ יָעִ֣יר קִנּ֔וֹ עַל־גּוֹזָלָ֖יו יְרַחֵ֑ף        יִפְרֹ֤שׂ כְּנָפָיו֙ יִקָּחֵ֔הוּ יִשָּׂאֵ֖הוּ עַל־אֶבְרָתֽוֹ׃
כְּנֶ֙שֶׁר֙ יָעִ֣יר קִנּ֔וֹ עַל־גּוֹזָלָ֖יו יְרַחֵ֑ף        יִפְרֹ֤שׂ כְּנָפָיו֙ יִקָּחֵ֔הוּ יִשָּׂאֵ֖הוּ עַל־אֶבְרָתֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Interpretation of the Verse

The verse כְּנֶשֶׁר יָעִיר קִנּוֹ עַל־גּוֹזָלָיו יְרַחֵף יִפְרֹשׂ כְּנָפָיו יִקָּחֵהוּ יִשָּׂאֵהוּ עַל־אֶבְרָתוֹ (Devarim 32:11) employs the metaphor of an eagle to describe Hashem's relationship with the Jewish people. This imagery is rich with meaning, as elucidated by classical Jewish commentators.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 32:11) explains that the eagle does not abruptly drop its young into the nest but rather stirs up the nest to encourage them to fly. Similarly, Hashem does not impose harsh decrees upon Israel without first giving them warnings through the prophets, allowing them the opportunity to repent.

  • יָעִיר קִנּוֹ ("stirs up her nest") – The eagle gently shakes the nest to rouse its young, just as Hashem awakens the Jewish people to spiritual awareness.
  • יִפְרֹשׂ כְּנָפָיו ("spreads abroad her wings") – The eagle hovers protectively over its young, shielding them from harm, paralleling Hashem's protection over Israel.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:53) discusses how the eagle's behavior reflects divine providence. Just as the eagle carries its young on its wings to prevent arrows from harming them, Hashem elevates and safeguards the Jewish people, ensuring their survival despite external threats.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 3:12) elaborates on the eagle's unique care for its offspring:

  • The eagle carries its young עַל־אֶבְרָתוֹ ("on its pinions") rather than in its claws, demonstrating tender care—just as Hashem redeemed Israel from Egypt "on eagles' wings" (Shemot 19:4).
  • The eagle is the only bird that flies higher than any other, symbolizing how Hashem elevates Israel above all nations.

Halachic and Ethical Lessons

The Talmud (Chullin 63a) derives from this verse that one must emulate the eagle's compassion in raising children and guiding others. The metaphor teaches:

  • Gentle discipline—awakening growth without force.
  • Protection—ensuring safety while fostering independence.
  • Elevation—carrying others to spiritual heights.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chagigah 13b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about divine providence and how God cares for Israel, comparing it to an eagle's care for its young.
📖 Sotah 12a
The verse is alluded to in the context of discussing God's protection and guidance of the Israelites during the Exodus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the eagle metaphor in Deuteronomy 32:11 mean?
A: Rashi explains that this verse describes how Hashem (G-d) cares for the Jewish people like an eagle caring for its young. The eagle carries its fledglings on its wings to protect them from danger, just as G-d protected Israel during the Exodus and continues to guide us.
Q: Why does the Torah compare G-d's care to an eagle specifically?
A: The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah) teaches that unlike other birds who carry their young between their feet (exposing them to arrows), the eagle carries its young on its wings - putting itself in harm's way first. This shows how G-d protects Israel with extraordinary love, shielding us even at His own 'expense' so to speak.
Q: How does this verse about the eagle apply to our lives today?
A: The Rambam teaches that this verse reminds us of hashgacha pratit (divine providence) - just as the eagle never abandons its young, G-d never abandons His people. Even when challenges arise, we must trust that we are being carried 'on G-d's wings' through every difficulty.
Q: What does 'stirs up her nest' mean in this verse?
A: Ibn Ezra explains that this refers to how an eagle gently shakes its nest to encourage the fledglings to fly. Similarly, G-d sometimes creates gentle challenges in our lives to help us grow spiritually and reach our potential, always ready to 'catch us' if we falter.
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse is part of Ha'azinu (Deuteronomy 32), the song Moshe taught Israel before his passing. The Sforno notes it's a foundational metaphor for understanding our relationship with G-d - showing His constant protection throughout Jewish history and the intimate, parental care He shows His people.