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Deuteronomy 4:30 - Return in distress, find redemption.

Deuteronomy 4:30 - דברים 4:30

Hebrew Text

בַּצַּר לְךָ וּמְצָאוּךָ כֹּל הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה בְּאַחֲרִית הַיָּמִים וְשַׁבְתָּ עַד־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ וְשָׁמַעְתָּ בְּקֹלוֹ׃

English Translation

When thou art in distress, and all these things are come upon thee, in the latter days, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and art obedient to his voice;

Transliteration

Batzar lecha umetzauka kol hadevarim ha'eleh be'acharit hayamim veshavta ad-Adonai Elohecha veshamata bekolo.

Hebrew Leining Text

בַּצַּ֣ר לְךָ֔ וּמְצָא֕וּךָ כֹּ֖ל הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֑לֶּה בְּאַחֲרִית֙ הַיָּמִ֔ים וְשַׁבְתָּ֙ עַד־יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ וְשָׁמַעְתָּ֖ בְּקֹלֽוֹ׃
בַּצַּ֣ר לְךָ֔ וּמְצָא֕וּךָ כֹּ֖ל הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֑לֶּה בְּאַחֲרִית֙ הַיָּמִ֔ים וְשַׁבְתָּ֙ עַד־יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ וְשָׁמַעְתָּ֖ בְּקֹלֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy)

The verse appears in Devarim 4:30, part of Moshe Rabbeinu's final address to Bnei Yisrael before entering Eretz Yisrael. It follows warnings about exile due to disobedience but reassures that sincere repentance will lead to divine compassion.

Phrase-by-Phrase Analysis

  • בַּצַּר לְךָ (When you are in distress): Rashi explains this refers to the hardships of exile, when Bnei Yisrael will feel constrained (metzarim) by suffering. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 97a) links this to the birth pangs of Mashiach’s era.
  • בְּאַחֲרִית הַיָּמִים (in the latter days): Ramban interprets this as the end of the exile period, when redemption becomes imminent. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 42:4) associates "latter days" with the ultimate fulfillment of prophecies.
  • וְשַׁבְתָּ עַד־יְהוָה (you will return to Hashem): The Sifrei emphasizes that teshuvah (repentance) must be complete—"until" (ad) implies reaching the level of wholehearted devotion. Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 2:1) notes this as a foundational principle of repentance.
  • וְשָׁמַעְתָּ בְּקֹלוֹ (and obey His voice): Ibn Ezra stresses that hearing implies action—accepting mitzvot fully. The Kli Yakar adds that this obedience must align with both written and oral Torah.

Theological Implications

The verse underscores the unbreakable covenant between Hashem and Klal Yisrael. Despite exile, repentance remains accessible. The Ohr HaChaim highlights that suffering itself awakens the desire to return, as distress clarifies reliance on divine providence.

Connection to Redemption

The Malbim explains that this verse mirrors the cyclical pattern of Jewish history: sin leads to exile, suffering prompts repentance, and repentance brings redemption. The Talmud (Yoma 86b) teaches that such repentance out of love transforms sins into merits, hastening the geulah.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'in the latter days' mean in Deuteronomy 4:30?
A: The phrase 'in the latter days' (בְּאַחֲרִית הַיָּמִים) refers to the future era when the Jewish people will experience exile and hardship before ultimately returning to Hashem. Rashi explains that this is a prophecy about the Jewish people's eventual repentance (teshuvah) after suffering in exile.
Q: Why does the Torah mention distress before returning to Hashem?
A: The Torah teaches that sometimes hardship serves as a wake-up call to bring people closer to Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 7:5) explains that suffering can inspire introspection and motivate a person to repent and improve their ways.
Q: What does it mean to 'be obedient to His voice' in this verse?
A: To 'be obedient to His voice' means to wholeheartedly follow the commandments of the Torah and the guidance of our Sages. The Talmud (Yoma 86a) teaches that true repentance involves not only regret for past mistakes but also a firm commitment to follow Hashem's will in the future.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse reminds us that no matter how far a person may have strayed, Hashem always awaits our return. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 2:24) emphasizes that the gates of repentance are always open, and sincere teshuvah is always accepted by Hashem, especially in times of difficulty.
Q: What is the connection between distress and repentance in this verse?
A: The verse teaches that distress often leads people to reflect on their lives and seek a deeper connection with Hashem. The Sforno explains that when we experience challenges, we should recognize them as opportunities to examine our actions and strengthen our relationship with Hashem through sincere repentance and increased Torah observance.