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Deuteronomy 4:23 - Guard against idolatry's allure

Deuteronomy 4:23 - דברים 4:23

Hebrew Text

הִשָּׁמְרוּ לָכֶם פֶּן־תִּשְׁכְּחוּ אֶת־בְּרִית יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם אֲשֶׁר כָּרַת עִמָּכֶם וַעֲשִׂיתֶם לָכֶם פֶּסֶל תְּמוּנַת כֹּל אֲשֶׁר צִוְּךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ׃

English Translation

Take heed to yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of the Lord your God, which he made with you, and make you a carved idol, or the likeness of anything, which the Lord thy God has forbidden thee.

Transliteration

Hishameru lachem pen-tishkechu et-brit Adonai Eloheichem asher karat imachem va'asitem lachem pesel temunat kol asher tzivcha Adonai Eloheicha.

Hebrew Leining Text

הִשָּׁמְר֣וּ לָכֶ֗ם פֶּֽן־תִּשְׁכְּחוּ֙ אֶת־בְּרִ֤ית יְהֹוָה֙ אֱלֹ֣הֵיכֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר כָּרַ֖ת עִמָּכֶ֑ם וַעֲשִׂיתֶ֨ם לָכֶ֥ם פֶּ֙סֶל֙ תְּמ֣וּנַת כֹּ֔ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוְּךָ֖ יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃
הִשָּׁמְר֣וּ לָכֶ֗ם פֶּֽן־תִּשְׁכְּחוּ֙ אֶת־בְּרִ֤ית יְהֹוָה֙ אֱלֹ֣הֵיכֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר כָּרַ֖ת עִמָּכֶ֑ם וַעֲשִׂיתֶ֨ם לָכֶ֥ם פֶּ֙סֶל֙ תְּמ֣וּנַת כֹּ֔ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוְּךָ֖ יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

The verse (Devarim 4:23) appears in Moshe's final address to Bnei Yisrael before they enter Eretz Yisrael. It serves as a warning against idolatry and forgetting the covenant with Hashem. Rashi explains that this admonition comes after Moshe recounts the giving of the Torah at Har Sinai, emphasizing the gravity of abandoning the covenant for foreign worship.

Warning Against Forgetfulness

The phrase "הִשָּׁמְרוּ לָכֶם פֶּן־תִּשְׁכְּחוּ" ("Take heed to yourselves, lest you forget") underscores the active effort required to remember the covenant. Rambam (Hilchos Avodah Zarah 2:3) teaches that forgetfulness leads to spiritual decline, as one gradually strays from mitzvos. The Sforno adds that this forgetfulness is not merely intellectual but a moral failing—a deliberate turning away from divine commandments.

The Danger of Idolatry

The verse specifically warns against creating a "פֶּסֶל תְּמוּנַת כֹּל" ("carved idol, or the likeness of anything"). The Ramban explains that this prohibition extends beyond physical idols to any representation that might lead to avodah zarah, even if not worshipped directly. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 7b) derives from this that one who makes an idol, even for others, violates a Torah prohibition.

The Covenant as a Safeguard

The mention of "בְּרִית יְהוָה" ("the covenant of the Lord") ties this warning to the broader relationship between Hashem and Klal Yisrael. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 2:29) states that the covenant is compared to a marriage bond—forgetting it is akin to betrayal. The Kli Yakar emphasizes that the land itself rejects those who violate this covenant, linking it to the eventual exile.

Practical Implications

  • Vigilance in Mitzvos: The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 427) teaches that this verse obligates constant awareness of Torah values to prevent spiritual erosion.
  • Rejecting Foreign Influences: The Chofetz Chaim (Shem Olam 1:3) warns that even seemingly harmless cultural practices can lead to idolatrous tendencies if not filtered through Torah.
  • Educational Priority: The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) stresses that transmitting the covenant to future generations (as seen in the next verses) is the antidote to forgetfulness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the severity of forgetting the Torah and the covenant, emphasizing the importance of remembering God's commandments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 4:23 warn against?
A: Deuteronomy 4:23 warns the Jewish people not to forget the covenant (brit) they made with Hashem and not to create or worship idols (pesel) or any forbidden images. This is a core commandment in Judaism, emphasizing the prohibition against avodah zarah (idolatry). Rashi explains that forgetting the covenant leads to straying from Torah observance.
Q: Why is remembering the covenant important in this verse?
A: Remembering the covenant is crucial because it is the foundation of the relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches in Hilchot Avodah Zarah that rejecting idolatry is equivalent to affirming the entire Torah. Forgetting the covenant risks abandoning mitzvot and falling into spiritual error.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 4:23 today?
A: This verse teaches us to constantly guard against distractions that may lead us away from Torah values. The Sforno explains that 'forgetting' refers to neglecting Torah study and mitzvot. In modern times, this reminds us to prioritize our spiritual commitments and avoid influences that contradict Jewish beliefs.
Q: What does 'making a carved idol' include according to Jewish law?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 7:4) discusses that creating any physical representation for worship—whether of humans, animals, or celestial beings—violates this prohibition. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 3:10) clarifies that even bowing to an idol without intent to worship is forbidden, as it may lead others to misunderstand and engage in idolatry.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader theme in Deuteronomy?
A: This verse is part of Moshe's final speech, reinforcing the importance of loyalty to Hashem before entering Eretz Yisrael. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 2:31) connects it to the sin of the Golden Calf, showing how easily people can falter. It serves as a timeless reminder to stay faithful to Torah values.