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Deuteronomy 3:26 - Divine decree: no further pleas.

Deuteronomy 3:26 - דברים 3:26

Hebrew Text

וַיִּתְעַבֵּר יְהוָה בִּי לְמַעַנְכֶם וְלֹא שָׁמַע אֵלָי וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֵלַי רַב־לָךְ אַל־תּוֹסֶף דַּבֵּר אֵלַי עוֹד בַּדָּבָר הַזֶּה׃

English Translation

But the Lord was angry with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the Lord said to me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more to me of this matter.

Transliteration

Vayitaber Adonai bi lema'anchem velo shama elai vayomer Adonai elai rav-lach al-tosef daber elai od badavar hazeh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּתְעַבֵּ֨ר יְהֹוָ֥ה בִּי֙ לְמַ֣עַנְכֶ֔ם וְלֹ֥א שָׁמַ֖ע אֵלָ֑י וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהֹוָ֤ה אֵלַי֙ רַב־לָ֔ךְ אַל־תּ֗וֹסֶף דַּבֵּ֥ר אֵלַ֛י ע֖וֹד בַּדָּבָ֥ר הַזֶּֽה׃
וַיִּתְעַבֵּ֨ר יְהֹוָ֥ה בִּי֙ לְמַ֣עַנְכֶ֔ם וְלֹ֥א שָׁמַ֖ע אֵלָ֑י וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהֹוָ֤ה אֵלַי֙ רַב־לָ֔ךְ אַל־תּ֗וֹסֶף דַּבֵּ֥ר אֵלַ֛י ע֖וֹד בַּדָּבָ֥ר הַזֶּֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 3:26, where Moshe recounts Hashem's refusal to allow him to enter Eretz Yisrael. Moshe emphasizes that this was due to the sins of Bnei Yisrael ("for your sakes"), not his own personal failing. The language suggests a deep pleading on Moshe's part, which was ultimately denied by Hashem.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 3:26) explains that Moshe was denied entry into Eretz Yisrael because of the incident at Mei Merivah (Numbers 20), where he struck the rock instead of speaking to it. However, Rashi notes that Moshe here attributes the decree to the sins of Bnei Yisrael ("for your sakes") to avoid shaming them, demonstrating his extraordinary humility and care for the people.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides), in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed) 1:54, discusses the nature of divine anger in this context. He explains that when the Torah describes Hashem as "angry," it is an anthropomorphism to help humans understand divine justice. Here, Hashem's decree was a consequence of Moshe's actions, but framed in a way that emphasizes the broader impact on Klal Yisrael.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Chukat 10) elaborates that Moshe prayed 515 times (רמז in gematria) to reverse the decree, but Hashem ultimately said, "Enough!" ("רב לך"). This teaches the limits of human prayer in the face of divine decree.
  • Devarim Rabbah (2:9) compares Moshe's pleading to a child begging a parent, illustrating the intimate relationship between Moshe and Hashem, even in moments of denial.

Theological Implications

The phrase "לְמַעַנְכֶם" (for your sakes) underscores the idea of collective responsibility in Judaism. Even a leader as great as Moshe was affected by the spiritual state of the nation. The Ohr HaChaim (Devarim 3:26) explains that Moshe's inability to enter the land was a tikkun (rectification) for the generation that sinned, showing how leaders share in the fate of their people.

Halachic Reflection

The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 7:7) derives from this verse that even the greatest tzaddikim can be impacted by the sins of their generation. However, the Chofetz Chaim notes that Moshe's acceptance of the decree without further protest ("אַל־תּוֹסֶף דַּבֵּר") models proper submission to divine will, a key principle in bitachon (trust in Hashem).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Hashem angry with Moshe in Deuteronomy 3:26?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Sanhedrin 101a), Hashem was angry with Moshe because he pleaded excessively to enter Eretz Yisrael after being told he wouldn't. The verse teaches that even great leaders must accept divine decrees with humility.
Q: What does 'for your sakes' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase 'for your sakes' (לְמַעַנְכֶם) refers to how Moshe's punishment was connected to the Jewish people's actions. Ramban explains that Moshe's error at Mei Merivah (Numbers 20) occurred because he was frustrated with the people's complaints, showing how leaders are held to higher standards.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Hashem telling Moshe 'speak no more of this matter'?
A: The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 2:9) teaches that this shows there are times when we must accept Hashem's will without further argument. Just as Moshe had to accept this decree with silence, we too must sometimes accept things we don't understand.
Q: Why does the Torah mention Hashem's anger at Moshe in this context?
A: The Sforno explains this appears in Moshe's farewell speech to remind the people that even their greatest leader had limitations. It emphasizes that no human is perfect and that ultimate authority belongs to Hashem alone.
Q: How does this verse apply to prayer today?
A: The Talmud (Berachos 32b) derives from this that while we should pray earnestly, there comes a point when we must accept Hashem's answer. The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (18:4) applies this to not over-persisting when prayers seem unanswered.