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Deuteronomy 4:21 - Moses barred for Israel's sake?

Deuteronomy 4:21 - דברים 4:21

Hebrew Text

וַיהוָה הִתְאַנֶּף־בִּי עַל־דִּבְרֵיכֶם וַיִּשָּׁבַע לְבִלְתִּי עָבְרִי אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּן וּלְבִלְתִּי־בֹא אֶל־הָאָרֶץ הַטּוֹבָה אֲשֶׁר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ נֹתֵן לְךָ נַחֲלָה׃

English Translation

But the Lord was angry with me for your sakes, and swore that I should not go over the Yarden, and that I should not go in to that good land, which the Lord thy God gives thee for an inheritance:

Transliteration

Va'Adonai hit'anef bi al divreichem vayishava l'vilti avri et ha'Yarden ul'vilti-vo el ha'aretz hatova asher Adonai Eloheicha notein l'cha nachala.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיהֹוָ֥ה הִתְאַנַּף־בִּ֖י עַל־דִּבְרֵיכֶ֑ם וַיִּשָּׁבַ֗ע לְבִלְתִּ֤י עׇבְרִי֙ אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן וּלְבִלְתִּי־בֹא֙ אֶל־הָאָ֣רֶץ הַטּוֹבָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ נֹתֵ֥ן לְךָ֖ נַחֲלָֽה׃
וַֽיהֹוָ֥ה הִתְאַנַּף־בִּ֖י עַל־דִּבְרֵיכֶ֑ם וַיִּשָּׁבַ֗ע לְבִלְתִּ֤י עׇבְרִי֙ אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן וּלְבִלְתִּי־בֹא֙ אֶל־הָאָ֣רֶץ הַטּוֹבָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ נֹתֵ֥ן לְךָ֖ נַחֲלָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy)

This verse (Devarim 4:21) appears in Moshe Rabbeinu's speech to Bnei Yisrael before his death, recounting the events at Mei Merivah (Numbers 20), where Moshe struck the rock instead of speaking to it. Rashi explains that Hashem's anger was directed at Moshe "for your sakes" (al-divreichem)—meaning due to the complaints and provocations of the people, which led to Moshe's momentary lapse in judgment.

The Severity of the Punishment

Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 6:5) discusses how even great tzaddikim like Moshe are held to an exacting standard. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 101a) emphasizes that Moshe's punishment—being barred from entering Eretz Yisrael—was due to his deviation from Hashem's precise command at Mei Merivah, illustrating the principle middah keneged middah (measure for measure): just as he struck the rock (symbolizing force), he would not merit entering the Land, which requires spiritual refinement.

"For Your Sakes" – Collective Responsibility

The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 2:8) elaborates that Moshe bore the consequences of Bnei Yisrael's actions to teach the gravity of causing a leader to falter. The Kli Yakar adds that Moshe’s phrasing ("for your sakes") underscores how the nation’s constant complaints created a spiritually fraught environment, indirectly leading to his error.

The Oath and Its Implications

  • Hashem's Oath: The Sforno notes that the oath (vayishava) signifies the irrevocability of the decree, as oaths in Torah represent absolute divine will (see Shevuot 35a).
  • Eretz HaTovah: The description of the Land as "good" (ha'aretz hatovah) reflects its spiritual superiority (Rashi on Bereishit 1:4), making Moshe’s exclusion a profound loss—yet also a lesson in accountability.

Moshe’s Acceptance

The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) highlights that Moshe recounts this episode without resentment, modeling kabbalat yissurim (accepting divine judgment with love). This aligns with the Talmudic teaching (Berachot 5a) that suffering accepted willingly brings atonement and elevates the sufferer.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 13b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing Moses' plea to enter the Land of Israel and God's refusal, highlighting the severity of the decree against Moses.
📖 Sanhedrin 111a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the reasons for Moses not being allowed to enter the Land of Israel, emphasizing the role of the Israelites' actions in this divine decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Hashem angry with Moshe in Deuteronomy 4:21?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Sanhedrin 101a), Hashem was angry with Moshe because of the incident at Mei Merivah (Numbers 20), when Moshe struck the rock instead of speaking to it as commanded. Though this was for the people's benefit to get water, Moshe's actions showed a momentary lack of faith, preventing him from entering Eretz Yisrael.
Q: What does 'for your sakes' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase 'for your sakes' teaches that Moshe's punishment resulted from his care for the Jewish people. As Ramban explains, Moshe's frustration with their complaints led to his mistake. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 2:8) adds that leaders are held to higher standards because their actions impact the entire nation.
Q: Why couldn't Moshe enter Israel even after all he did?
A: The Sifrei explains that Hashem's oath (mentioned in this verse) was absolute - once decreed, even Moshe's merits couldn't reverse it. This teaches the gravity of a divine decree and the importance of precise obedience to mitzvot, especially for leaders who influence others.
Q: How does this verse relate to us today?
A: The Chofetz Chaim teaches that this verse reminds us how our actions affect others. Just as Moshe's fate was tied to the people's behavior, we must be mindful that our conduct impacts our families and communities. It also shows that even great tzaddikim face consequences for mistakes.
Q: What is the significance of calling Israel 'the good land' here?
A: Rashi notes that 'the good land' emphasizes what Moshe lost - a land with special spiritual qualities where mitzvot can be fully observed. Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 5:12) explains that living in Eretz Yisrael itself is a mitzvah because of its inherent holiness that elevates those who dwell there.