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Deuteronomy 4:14 - Divine laws for holy land.

Deuteronomy 4:14 - דברים 4:14

Hebrew Text

וְאֹתִי צִוָּה יְהוָה בָּעֵת הַהִוא לְלַמֵּד אֶתְכֶם חֻקִּים וּמִשְׁפָּטִים לַעֲשֹׂתְכֶם אֹתָם בָּאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר אַתֶּם עֹבְרִים שָׁמָּה לְרִשְׁתָּהּ׃

English Translation

And the Lord commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments, that you might do them in the land into which you go over to possess it.

Transliteration

Ve'oti tzivah Adonai ba'et hahi lelamed etchem chukim umishpatim la'asotchem otam ba'aretz asher atem ovrim shamah lerishtah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֹתִ֞י צִוָּ֤ה יְהֹוָה֙ בָּעֵ֣ת הַהִ֔וא לְלַמֵּ֣ד אֶתְכֶ֔ם חֻקִּ֖ים וּמִשְׁפָּטִ֑ים לַעֲשֹׂתְכֶ֣ם אֹתָ֔ם בָּאָ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר אַתֶּ֛ם עֹבְרִ֥ים שָׁ֖מָּה לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ׃
וְאֹתִ֞י צִוָּ֤ה יְהֹוָה֙ בָּעֵ֣ת הַהִ֔וא לְלַמֵּ֣ד אֶתְכֶ֔ם חֻקִּ֖ים וּמִשְׁפָּטִ֑ים לַעֲשֹׂתְכֶ֣ם אֹתָ֔ם בָּאָ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר אַתֶּ֛ם עֹבְרִ֥ים שָׁ֖מָּה לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Devarim

This verse (Devarim 4:14) appears in Moshe Rabbeinu's address to Bnei Yisrael as they prepare to enter Eretz Yisrael. It follows the recounting of Matan Torah at Har Sinai and emphasizes the transmission of Torah law to the nation.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that "at that time" refers to the period after the sin of the Golden Calf, when Moshe received the second set of tablets. The mitzvot were given then to be taught thoroughly to Bnei Yisrael. Rashi notes the juxtaposition with the previous verses about the sin to show that even after their failure, Hashem recommitted to giving them the Torah.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:39), Rambam discusses how the "statutes and judgments" represent the two categories of mitzvot: chukim (laws whose reasons are not obvious) and mishpatim (logical laws like civil jurisprudence). The verse emphasizes that both types must be observed equally in the Land of Israel.

Talmudic Insight

Makkot 23b derives from this verse that 613 mitzvot were given to Moshe at Sinai. The Talmud emphasizes that Torah observance is intrinsically connected to dwelling in Eretz Yisrael, as the verse specifies "in the land which you are crossing over to possess."

Sifrei's Interpretation

The Sifrei (Devarim 58) explains that Moshe was commanded to teach not just the general laws but also their detailed applications ("chukim umishpatim"). This established the mesorah (tradition) of Torah sheba'al peh (Oral Law) being transmitted alongside the written text.

Practical Implications

  • The verse establishes Moshe's role as the primary teacher of Torah to the nation
  • It connects Torah observance with settlement in Eretz Yisrael
  • It demonstrates that mitzvah observance requires both study ("to teach you") and action ("that you might do them")

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 4:14 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 4:14 means that Hashem commanded Moshe (Moses) to teach the Jewish people His laws (חוקים) and judgments (משפטים) so they could observe them when entering and settling the Land of Israel. Rashi explains that this emphasizes the importance of learning and following Torah commandments, especially in preparation for living in Eretz Yisrael.
Q: Why is this verse important?
A: This verse is important because it highlights the connection between Torah observance and living in the Land of Israel. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that many mitzvot (commandments) are specifically tied to the land, showing that Jewish life is meant to be lived fully in accordance with Torah in our homeland.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 4:14 today?
A: We learn that Torah study and mitzvah observance are essential parts of Jewish life, especially in Israel. The Sifrei (a halachic Midrash) explains that this verse teaches that Torah must be taught clearly so it can be properly practiced—a lesson for all generations about the importance of Jewish education.
Q: What are 'statutes and judgments' in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that 'statutes' (חוקים) refer to mitzvot that transcend human understanding (like kashrut), while 'judgments' (משפטים) are logical laws (like civil justice). Both were given by Hashem and must be observed equally, as the Talmud (Sanhedrin 21b) teaches that we shouldn't distinguish between commandments.
Q: How does this apply to Jews outside of Israel?
A: While the verse speaks about entering Israel, the Talmud (Kiddushin 37a) teaches that many mitzvot apply everywhere. The Ramban (Nachmanides) explains that keeping Torah outside Israel prepares us for ultimate return, as the ideal is to fulfill all commandments in the Land as this verse commands.