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Deuteronomy 32:25 - Divine justice spans generations.

Deuteronomy 32:25 - דברים 32:25

Hebrew Text

מִחוּץ תְּשַׁכֶּל־חֶרֶב וּמֵחֲדָרִים אֵימָה גַּם־בָּחוּר גַּם־בְּתוּלָה יוֹנֵק עִם־אִישׁ שֵׂיבָה׃

English Translation

The sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the suckling also with the man of grey hairs.

Transliteration

Michutz teshakel-cherev umechadarim eima gam-bachur gam-betula yonek im-ish seiva.

Hebrew Leining Text

מִחוּץ֙ תְּשַׁכֶּל־חֶ֔רֶב וּמֵחֲדָרִ֖ים אֵימָ֑ה גַּם־בָּחוּר֙ גַּם־בְּתוּלָ֔ה יוֹנֵ֖ק עִם־אִ֥ישׁ שֵׂיבָֽה׃        
מִחוּץ֙ תְּשַׁכֶּל־חֶ֔רֶב וּמֵחֲדָרִ֖ים אֵימָ֑ה גַּם־בָּחוּר֙ גַּם־בְּתוּלָ֔ה יוֹנֵ֖ק עִם־אִ֥ישׁ שֵׂיבָֽה׃        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

The verse (Devarim 32:25) appears in Shirat Ha'azinu, the song Moses recited before his death, warning of the consequences of Israel's abandonment of Torah. It describes the severe punishments that will befall the nation if they stray from Hashem's commandments.

Literal Interpretation (Peshat)

Rashi explains that "the sword without" refers to enemies attacking from outside, while "terror within" alludes to internal strife and panic. The verse emphasizes that no one will be spared—neither the young nor the old—highlighting the totality of the devastation.

Midrashic Insight (Derash)

The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 10:4) elaborates that "the sword without" represents external enemies, while "terror within" symbolizes machalot ra'ot (deadly plagues) or civil discord. The inclusion of "the suckling with the man of grey hairs" teaches that even the most vulnerable and innocent will suffer due to the collective sins of the generation.

Moral and Theological Implications

  • Collective Responsibility: Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 3:1) notes that such punishments reflect the principle of middah k'neged middah (measure for measure)—when Israel abandons unity and Torah, chaos ensues both externally and internally.
  • No Exceptions in Divine Judgment: The Ibn Ezra stresses that the verse underscores the impartiality of divine justice; even those seemingly innocent (like infants) are affected when a society's moral fabric decays.

Halachic and Ethical Lessons

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 98a) cites this verse in discussions of chevlei Mashiach (the tribulations preceding redemption), teaching that suffering precedes renewal. The inclusion of all ages reminds us that Torah observance is a communal obligation—every individual's actions impact the collective.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 32:25 mean?
A: This verse describes severe punishments that can come upon a nation when they stray from Hashem's ways. Rashi explains that 'the sword without' refers to enemies attacking from outside, while 'terror within' means internal strife or panic. The verse emphasizes that no one is spared—young or old—when divine judgment is decreed.
Q: Why does the verse mention different age groups like young men, virgins, and the elderly?
A: The Torah mentions all age groups to show that when punishment comes due to sin, it affects everyone in society—even the innocent or vulnerable. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 98b) teaches that this underscores collective responsibility; when corruption spreads, the entire community suffers unless they repent.
Q: How can we apply the message of Deuteronomy 32:25 today?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Ta'anis 1:1-3) explains that tragedies should awaken us to examine our deeds and return to Hashem. This verse reminds us that spiritual decline affects all of society, and we must strengthen our commitment to Torah values to merit divine protection.
Q: What is the context of this verse in the Torah portion?
A: This verse is part of the 'Song of Ha'azinu' (Deuteronomy 32), where Moshe warns the Jewish people about the consequences of abandoning Torah. The Midrash (Sifrei Ha'azinu) states that these harsh descriptions are meant to inspire repentance and highlight the seriousness of keeping our covenant with Hashem.