Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 32:28 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 32:28 describes a nation that lacks proper guidance (עֵצוֹת - 'eitzot') and understanding (תְּבוּנָה - 'tevunah'). According to Rashi, this refers to a people who reject wise counsel and fail to comprehend the consequences of their actions. The verse is part of Moses' song warning Israel about the dangers of straying from Torah wisdom.
Q: Why is understanding (תְּבוּנָה) important in Judaism?
A: In Judaism, תְּבוּנָה ('tevunah') refers to deep understanding and discernment. The Rambam (Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:11) teaches that true wisdom comes from combining knowledge with understanding. A nation without תְּבוּנָה, as described in this verse, cannot properly apply Torah principles to life.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse reminds us of the importance of seeking and following Torah wisdom. The Sforno explains that when a society abandons divine counsel, it leads to moral and intellectual decline. Today, we apply this by valuing Torah study, listening to rabbinic guidance, and making decisions based on Jewish values.
Q: What's the difference between עֵצוֹת (counsel) and תְּבוּנָה (understanding) in this verse?
A: The Malbim explains that עֵצוֹת refers to external guidance from teachers and leaders, while תְּבוּנָה is internal comprehension. The verse describes a nation that both lacks proper teachers (עֵצוֹת) and cannot properly understand (תְּבוּנָה) even when guidance is offered. Both are necessary for spiritual growth.
Q: Is this verse talking about a specific nation?
A: While the simple meaning could apply to any nation lacking wisdom, most commentators (like Ibn Ezra) understand this as referring to Israel when they stray from Torah values. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 323) connects this to times when Jews abandon Torah study and mitzvot, leading to poor decision-making.
Context in Deuteronomy
The verse (Devarim 32:28) appears in Shirat Ha'azinu, Moshe's prophetic song warning Israel about future spiritual decline. Rashi explains that this refers to Israel's enemies—nations lacking divine wisdom—who will ultimately face downfall due to their moral and intellectual blindness.
Rashi's Interpretation
Rashi emphasizes that the "nation void of counsel" refers to idolatrous nations who reject Torah wisdom. He cites Midrash Tanchuma, noting their inability to comprehend divine providence or the consequences of their actions. Their "lack of understanding" (tevunah) reflects a failure to recognize Hashem's hand in history.
Rambam on Intellectual Deficiency
In Moreh Nevuchim (3:11), Rambam links this verse to Aristotelian philosophy, stating that nations devoid of Torah lack true metaphysical understanding. Their "counsel" (eitzah) is limited to temporal matters, unlike Israel, who access higher wisdom through mitzvot.
Talmudic Parallels
Ibn Ezra's Linguistic Insight
Ibn Ezra notes the poetic parallelism: "void of counsel" (oved eitzot) and "no understanding" (ein tevunah) intensify the critique. The term eitzah implies strategic wisdom, while tevunah denotes deeper discernment—both absent without Torah.
Contemporary Lesson (Based on Malbim)
Malbim applies this to moral relativism: societies abandoning absolute values become "void of counsel." True understanding, he argues, emerges only through adherence to Torah's eternal truths.