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Deuteronomy 32:24 - Divine justice through nature's wrath

Deuteronomy 32:24 - דברים 32:24

Hebrew Text

מְזֵי רָעָב וּלְחֻמֵי רֶשֶׁף וְקֶטֶב מְרִירִי וְשֶׁן־בְּהֵמוֹת אֲשַׁלַּח־בָּם עִם־חֲמַת זֹחֲלֵי עָפָר׃

English Translation

They shall be sucked empty by hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the poison of crawling things of the dust.

Transliteration

Mezei ra'av u'lekhumei reshef ve'ketev meriri veshen-behemot ashalach-bam im-chamat zochalei afar.

Hebrew Leining Text

מְזֵ֥י רָעָ֛ב וּלְחֻ֥מֵי רֶ֖שֶׁף וְקֶ֣טֶב מְרִירִ֑י        וְשֶׁן־בְּהֵמֹת֙ אֲשַׁלַּח־בָּ֔ם עִם־חֲמַ֖ת זֹחֲלֵ֥י עָפָֽר׃        
מְזֵ֥י רָעָ֛ב וּלְחֻ֥מֵי רֶ֖שֶׁף וְקֶ֣טֶב מְרִירִ֑י        וְשֶׁן־בְּהֵמֹת֙ אֲשַׁלַּח־בָּ֔ם עִם־חֲמַ֖ת זֹחֲלֵ֥י עָפָֽר׃        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy)

The verse (Devarim 32:24) appears in Shirat Ha'azinu, Moshe's prophetic song warning of the consequences of Israel's disobedience. It describes severe punishments that will befall the nation if they stray from Hashem's commandments. The language is vivid and poetic, emphasizing the severity of divine retribution.

Interpretation of the Punishments

  • מְזֵי רָעָב ("sucked empty by hunger"): Rashi explains this as extreme famine, where people waste away until their flesh clings to their bones (based on Eicha 4:8). The Malbim adds that this refers to a hunger so severe that it drains all vitality.
  • וּלְחֻמֵי רֶשֶׁף ("devoured with burning heat"): Ramban interprets this as feverish plagues or scorching drought, while Ibn Ezra connects it to the "fiery bolts" of divine wrath (Tehillim 76:4).
  • וְקֶטֶב מְרִירִי ("bitter destruction"): The Sforno understands this as deadly pestilence, and the Midrash (Tanchuma Ha'azinu 4) associates it with the "destroyer" (Mashchit) mentioned in Shemot 12:23.
  • שֶׁן־בְּהֵמוֹת ("teeth of beasts"): Rashi cites wild animals as one of the four punishments for covenant violations (Vayikra 26:22). The Kli Yakar notes that these attacks symbolize the loss of divine protection.
  • חֲמַת זֹחֲלֵי עָפָר ("poison of crawling things"): The Talmud (Berachot 33a) identifies these as venomous snakes or scorpions. The Ohr HaChaim links them to the nachash (serpent) of Bereishit, representing hidden, insidious dangers.

Theological Implications

The Radak emphasizes that these punishments are measure-for-measure: just as Israel might "bite" (rebel) against Hashem, they are struck by literal "teeth" of beasts. The Netziv adds that the progression—from famine to beasts—mirrors the stages of divine wrath in Vayikra 26, showing escalating severity meant to inspire repentance.

Redemptive Aspect

Despite the harsh imagery, the Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 11:10) notes that such punishments are ultimately corrective—like a surgeon removing decay—to purify Israel and restore the covenant. The Rambam (Hilchot Ta'anit 1:3) teaches that these warnings underscore the principle of divine providence: suffering comes to awaken teshuva.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 32:24 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 32:24 describes severe punishments that could befall the Jewish people if they stray from Hashem's commandments. According to Rashi, the verse mentions multiple forms of suffering, including famine ('sucked empty by hunger'), plagues ('burning heat'), destructive forces ('bitter destruction'), and attacks by wild animals ('teeth of beasts'). These are consequences of abandoning the covenant with Hashem, as explained in the broader context of the Torah portion Ha'azinu.
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse is part of the 'Song of Moses' (Shirat Ha'azinu), which serves as a prophetic warning to the Jewish people. The Ramban explains that it emphasizes the principle of divine justice—reward for following Torah and consequences for disobedience. It reminds us of the importance of staying faithful to Hashem's commandments to avoid such calamities.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 32:24 apply today?
A: While the verse speaks of historical consequences, the Talmud (Sotah 48b) teaches that suffering can serve as a wake-up call for repentance (teshuvah). Today, we can learn from this verse to reflect on our actions, strengthen our commitment to Torah, and recognize that challenges may be opportunities for spiritual growth and returning to Hashem.
Q: What does 'the poison of crawling things of the dust' refer to?
A: Rashi explains that this phrase refers to harmful creatures like snakes and scorpions, whose venom can be deadly. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah) connects this to the idea that even seemingly small or insignificant forces can become instruments of divine retribution when justice demands it.