Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the 'ten Words' mentioned in Deuteronomy 4:13?
A: The 'ten Words' (עֲשֶׂרֶת הַדְּבָרִים) refer to the Ten Commandments given by Hashem at Mount Sinai. These are the foundational commandments that encapsulate the entire Torah, as explained by Rashi and other commentators. They were written on the two tablets of stone and form the basis of the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people.
Q: Why were the Ten Commandments written on two tablets of stone?
A: According to the Talmud (Makkot 24a), the two tablets represent two categories of commandments: the first tablet contains mitzvot between a person and Hashem (e.g., belief in Hashem, observing Shabbat), while the second tablet contains mitzvot between people (e.g., not stealing, not murdering). The stone material symbolizes the permanence and unbreakable nature of the covenant.
Q: What is the significance of the covenant mentioned in Deuteronomy 4:13?
A: The covenant (בְּרִית) is the eternal agreement between Hashem and the Jewish people, obligating us to follow the Torah's commandments. The Rambam explains that this covenant was established at Mount Sinai and binds all generations of Jews. It emphasizes our unique relationship with Hashem and our responsibility to live by His laws.
Q: How do the Ten Commandments apply to us today?
A: The Ten Commandments remain eternally relevant as the core principles of Jewish life. The Sefer HaChinuch teaches that each commandment has practical applications in daily life, from honoring parents to speaking truthfully. While all 613 mitzvot are important, these ten encapsulate the essence of Torah observance for every Jew in every generation.
Q: Why does the verse say Hashem 'commanded you to perform' the Ten Commandments?
A: The phrase emphasizes that the commandments are not just ideas but require active performance (לַעֲשׂוֹת). As the Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains, Torah is not merely to be studied but must be lived through action. This teaches us that fulfilling mitzvot through deeds is central to our covenant with Hashem.
The Covenant and the Ten Commandments
The verse (Devarim 4:13) describes Hashem declaring His covenant with Bnei Yisrael, commanding them to observe the Aseret HaDibrot (Ten Commandments), which were inscribed on the Luchot HaEven (Tablets of Stone). Rashi explains that the term "בריתו" (His covenant) refers to the oath and commitment between Hashem and the Jewish people, binding them to observe these commandments. The covenant was not merely a one-time event but an eternal bond, as emphasized in later rabbinic literature.
The Significance of the Two Tablets
The Talmud (Bava Batra 14a) discusses why the commandments were divided onto two tablets. One explanation is that the first five commandments (between man and G-d) were written on the first tablet, while the last five (between man and man) were on the second, teaching that proper divine service requires both aspects. Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:7) further elaborates that the first tablet establishes belief in Hashem, while the second governs ethical behavior, showing that Torah encompasses both spiritual and moral obligations.
The Term "Aseret HaDibrot"
The phrase "עֲשֶׂרֶת הַדְּבָרִים" (Ten Words) is significant. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 33:7) notes that these were not merely commandments but foundational principles from which all other mitzvot derive. Ibn Ezra adds that the term "דברים" (words) implies that these were divine utterances directly from Hashem, distinguishing them from other mitzvot transmitted through Moshe.
The Eternal Nature of the Covenant
The Sforno comments that the phrase "אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה אֶתְכֶם לַעֲשׂוֹת" (which He commanded you to perform) underscores that the covenant was given not just for that generation but for all future generations. The permanence of the commandments is symbolized by their inscription on stone, representing their unchanging nature, as discussed in the Mishnah (Avot 1:1).