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Deuteronomy 32:43 - Divine justice and redemption await

Deuteronomy 32:43 - דברים 32:43

Hebrew Text

הַרְנִינוּ גוֹיִם עַמּוֹ כִּי דַם־עֲבָדָיו יִקּוֹם וְנָקָם יָשִׁיב לְצָרָיו וְכִפֶּר אַדְמָתוֹ עַמּוֹ׃

English Translation

Rejoice, O nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries and will forgive his land, and his people.

Transliteration

Harninu goyim amo ki dam-avadav yikom venakam yashiv letzarav vechiper admato amo.

Hebrew Leining Text

הַרְנִ֤ינוּ גוֹיִם֙ עַמּ֔וֹ        כִּ֥י דַם־עֲבָדָ֖יו יִקּ֑וֹם וְנָקָם֙ יָשִׁ֣יב לְצָרָ֔יו        וְכִפֶּ֥ר אַדְמָת֖וֹ עַמּֽוֹ׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
הַרְנִ֤ינוּ גוֹיִם֙ עַמּ֔וֹ        כִּ֥י דַם־עֲבָדָ֖יו יִקּ֑וֹם וְנָקָם֙ יָשִׁ֣יב לְצָרָ֔יו        וְכִפֶּ֥ר אַדְמָת֖וֹ עַמּֽוֹ׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

The verse (Devarim 32:43) appears in Shirat Ha'azinu, the song of Moses, which serves as a prophetic warning and consolation for the Jewish people. This particular verse emphasizes divine justice and redemption.

Orthodox Jewish Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "Rejoice, O nations, with His people" refers to the nations recognizing Hashem's justice when He avenges the blood of His servants. The nations will acknowledge the righteousness of Israel and join in their joy during the time of redemption.

The Ramban (Nachmanides) elaborates that "He will avenge the blood of His servants" refers to the ultimate retribution for the suffering of the Jewish people throughout history. This aligns with the principle of middah k'neged middah (measure for measure), where adversaries of Israel will face consequences for their actions.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 32:43) connects this verse to the future redemption, stating that when Hashem exacts vengeance for the blood of the righteous, it will bring atonement ("וְכִפֶּר אַדְמָתוֹ עַמּוֹ") for the land and the people. This reflects the idea that suffering and retribution ultimately lead to purification and reconciliation.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice: The verse underscores Hashem's role as the ultimate judge who ensures justice for His people.
  • Redemption: It points to the future era when the nations will recognize Hashem's sovereignty and Israel's special relationship with Him.
  • Atonement: The concluding phrase highlights the purification of the land and people, suggesting a renewal of the covenant.

Halachic and Ethical Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 9:2) cites this verse in discussing the ultimate reward of the righteous and the justice of Hashem's ways. It reinforces the belief in Olam HaBa (the World to Come) and the eventual vindication of those who remain faithful to Torah.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 32:43 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 32:43 is part of the Song of Moses (Ha'azinu), where Moshe calls upon the nations to rejoice with Hashem's people because He will ultimately avenge the blood of His servants (the Jewish people) and bring justice to their enemies. The verse also speaks of atonement (כִּפֶּר) for the land and His people, indicating a future redemption. Rashi explains that this refers to the final judgment when Hashem will punish those who harmed Israel and bring forgiveness to the land (Eretz Yisrael) and His nation.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 32:43 important in Judaism?
A: This verse is significant because it reassures the Jewish people of Hashem's justice and protection. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that belief in divine justice is a fundamental principle of Judaism. The promise of vengeance for the righteous and atonement for the land reinforces the idea that history has a purpose and that evil will not go unpunished. It also highlights the special relationship between Hashem, the Jewish people, and the Land of Israel.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 32:43 today?
A: We learn that even when injustice seems to prevail, Hashem sees the suffering of His people and will ultimately bring justice. The Midrash (Sifrei) connects this verse to the future redemption, teaching that we must maintain faith in Hashem's plan. Practically, this encourages us to trust in divine justice while actively working to uphold righteousness in our own lives.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 32:43 relate to Jewish prayers?
A: This verse is recited in the Shabbat morning prayers (in the 'Yishtabach' section) as part of the Song of Moses. Its themes of divine justice and redemption are central to Jewish liturgy, particularly in prayers for the restoration of Jerusalem and the Final Redemption. The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 31a) also associates this song with future prophecies of Israel's vindication.
Q: What does 'forgive his land, and his people' mean in Deuteronomy 32:43?
A: The phrase refers to atonement (כִּפֶּר) for both the Land of Israel and the Jewish people. Rashi explains that the land needs atonement because it suffers when the Jewish people sin (as seen in exile). The Ramban (Nachmanides) adds that this hints at the ultimate tikkun (rectification) when the land and nation will be purified, leading to the final redemption. This teaches that the bond between Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael is inseparable in Hashem's plan.