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Deuteronomy 4:3 - Idolatry's fatal consequences remembered

Deuteronomy 4:3 - דברים 4:3

Hebrew Text

עֵינֵיכֶם הָרֹאֹת אֵת אֲשֶׁר־עָשָׂה יְהוָה בְּבַעַל פְּעוֹר כִּי כָל־הָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר הָלַךְ אַחֲרֵי בַעַל־פְּעוֹר הִשְׁמִידוֹ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ מִקִּרְבֶּךָ׃

English Translation

Your eyes have seen what the Lord did because of Ba῾al-pe῾or: for all the men that followed Ba῾al-pe῾or, the Lord thy God destroyed them from among you.

Transliteration

Eineikhem haro'et et asher-asah Adonai beva'al pe'or ki kol-ha'ish asher halakh acharei ba'al-pe'or hishmido Adonai Elohekha mikirbekha.

Hebrew Leining Text

עֵֽינֵיכֶם֙ הָֽרֹא֔וֹת אֵ֛ת אֲשֶׁר־עָשָׂ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה בְּבַ֣עַל פְּע֑וֹר כִּ֣י כׇל־הָאִ֗ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֤ר הָלַךְ֙ אַחֲרֵ֣י בַֽעַל־פְּע֔וֹר הִשְׁמִיד֛וֹ יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ מִקִּרְבֶּֽךָ׃
עֵֽינֵיכֶם֙ הָֽרֹא֔וֹת אֵ֛ת אֲשֶׁר־עָשָׂ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה בְּבַ֣עַל פְּע֑וֹר כִּ֣י כׇל־הָאִ֗ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֤ר הָלַךְ֙ אַחֲרֵ֣י בַֽעַל־פְּע֔וֹר הִשְׁמִיד֛וֹ יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ מִקִּרְבֶּֽךָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 4:3, where Moshe Rabbeinu reminds Bnei Yisrael of the severe consequences of idolatry, specifically referencing the incident of Ba'al Pe'or (Numbers 25). The people were enticed by the Moabites to worship this pagan deity, leading to divine retribution.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 4:3) explains that the phrase "Your eyes have seen" emphasizes that the people witnessed firsthand the punishment meted out to those who sinned with Ba'al Pe'or. He notes that this was not a distant event but something they personally observed, reinforcing the severity of the transgression.

The Nature of Ba'al Pe'or Worship

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 60b) describes the worship of Ba'al Pe'or as particularly degrading, involving acts of defecation before the idol. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:23) adds that this form of avodah zarah (idolatry) was designed to mock the sanctity of Bnei Yisrael, as it contradicted the kedushah (holiness) expected of them.

Divine Justice and Consequences

Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Avodah Zarah 2:1) teaches that idolatry is among the gravest sins, as it undermines the foundation of emunah (faith) in Hashem. The destruction of those who followed Ba'al Pe'or serves as a warning against any form of avodah zarah.

  • Immediate Punishment: The verse highlights that the sinners were swiftly eradicated, demonstrating that Hashem does not tolerate public desecration of His name.
  • Collective Lesson: The survivors were meant to internalize this event and avoid repeating such sins in the future.

Moral and Theological Implications

The Ohr HaChaim (Devarim 4:3) explains that the phrase "the Lord your God destroyed them from among you" underscores the idea that Hashem acts as a Mechabed Es HaBrios (One who honors His creations) even in punishment—He removes the sinners discreetly to avoid further public disgrace.

This verse serves as a timeless reminder of the dangers of spiritual corruption and the importance of maintaining fidelity to Torah values.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 64a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the prohibition of idolatry and the consequences of following Baal Peor.
📖 Avodah Zarah 44b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the idolatrous practices associated with Baal Peor and the divine punishment that followed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 4:3?
A: Deuteronomy 4:3 reminds the Jewish people of the severe consequences of idol worship, specifically referencing the incident with Ba'al Pe'or (Numbers 25). It teaches that those who followed idolatry were punished, serving as a warning against straying from serving Hashem.
Q: Why is Ba'al Pe'or mentioned specifically in this verse?
A: Ba'al Pe'or is mentioned because it was a recent and dramatic example of the dangers of idol worship. Rashi explains that this was a particularly degrading form of idolatry, making it an important lesson about how even seemingly small steps toward idolatry can lead to severe consequences.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 4:3 today?
A: The verse teaches us the importance of remaining faithful to Torah values and avoiding influences that lead us away from serving Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim) emphasizes that we must distance ourselves from any form of idolatrous practices or philosophies that contradict Torah teachings.
Q: How does this verse connect to the rest of Deuteronomy 4?
A: This verse introduces Moshe's warning to the Jewish people to carefully observe Hashem's commandments. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 106a) connects this to the idea that observing mitzvot protects us from spiritual downfall, just as those who followed Ba'al Pe'or faced destruction for abandoning Torah principles.
Q: What was the sin of Ba'al Pe'or?
A: The Midrash (Numbers Rabbah 20:23) explains that Ba'al Pe'or worship involved crude and immoral acts. The sin was not just idolatry, but also moral degradation. This verse reminds us that abandoning Torah values leads to both spiritual and physical destruction.