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Deuteronomy 5:25 - Divine approval of human plea

Deuteronomy 5:25 - דברים 5:25

Hebrew Text

וַיִּשְׁמַע יְהוָה אֶת־קוֹל דִּבְרֵיכֶם בְּדַבֶּרְכֶם אֵלָי וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֵלַי שָׁמַעְתִּי אֶת־קוֹל דִּבְרֵי הָעָם הַזֶּה אֲשֶׁר דִּבְּרוּ אֵלֶיךָ הֵיטִיבוּ כָּל־אֲשֶׁר דִּבֵּרוּ׃

English Translation

And the Lord heard the voice of your words, when you spoke to me; and the Lord said to me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken to thee: they have well said all that they have spoken.

Transliteration

Va'yishma Adonai et-kol divreichem be'dabrechem elai va'yomer Adonai elai shamati et-kol divrei ha'am hazeh asher dibru eleicha heitivu kol-asher diberu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע יְהֹוָה֙ אֶת־ק֣וֹל דִּבְרֵיכֶ֔ם בְּדַבֶּרְכֶ֖ם אֵלָ֑י וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהֹוָ֜ה אֵלַ֗י שָׁ֠מַ֠עְתִּי אֶת־ק֨וֹל דִּבְרֵ֜י הָעָ֤ם הַזֶּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר דִּבְּר֣וּ אֵלֶ֔יךָ הֵיטִ֖יבוּ כׇּל־אֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבֵּֽרוּ׃
וַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע יְהֹוָה֙ אֶת־ק֣וֹל דִּבְרֵיכֶ֔ם בְּדַבֶּרְכֶ֖ם אֵלָ֑י וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהֹוָ֜ה אֵלַ֗י שָׁ֠מַ֠עְתִּי אֶת־ק֨וֹל דִּבְרֵ֜י הָעָ֤ם הַזֶּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר דִּבְּר֣וּ אֵלֶ֔יךָ הֵיטִ֖יבוּ כׇּל־אֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבֵּֽרוּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 5:28) appears in the context of Moshe recounting the revelation at Har Sinai to Bnei Yisrael. Here, Hashem acknowledges the people's declaration of willingness to accept the Torah, as stated in the preceding verse (5:27): "You go near, and hear all that the Lord our God shall say; and you shall speak to us all that the Lord our God shall speak to you; and we will hear it, and do it."

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that Hashem praised Bnei Yisrael for their words, saying "הֵיטִיבוּ כָּל־אֲשֶׁר דִּבֵּרוּ" ("they have well said all that they have spoken"). This indicates divine approval of their commitment to obey the mitzvot. Rashi further notes that this praise was given specifically for their willingness to first "hear" (accept) before "doing" (performing), demonstrating proper reverence and submission to Hashem's will.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:32), Rambam discusses the importance of accepting mitzvot with full understanding and commitment. This verse exemplifies the ideal relationship between Klal Yisrael and Hashem—one where the people voluntarily embrace Torah with sincerity, rather than through coercion. Rambam emphasizes that this moment reflects the unique covenant between Hashem and His people.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Nitzavim 3) connects this verse to the concept of Kabbalat Ol Malchut Shamayim (accepting the yoke of Heaven). The people's declaration was not merely about performing mitzvot but about wholeheartedly submitting to divine authority.
  • Sifrei Devarim highlights that Hashem's response ("they have well said") was a moment of divine joy, as if a king heard his children eagerly accepting his decrees with love.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Sfat Emet (Parashat Va'etchanan) teaches that the phrase "הֵיטִיבוּ כָּל־אֲשֶׁר דִּבֵּרוּ" hints at the inner goodness (tov) within every Jew. Even when their words seem simple, their sincere intent elevates them. This reflects the idea that Klal Yisrael's essence is inherently connected to Torah and mitzvot.

Halachic Implication

The Gemara (Shabbat 88a) derives from this verse that Bnei Yisrael's acceptance of the Torah at Har Sinai was incomplete until the time of Purim, when they reaffirmed their commitment out of love (after the miracle), rather than fear (as at Sinai). This teaches that true kabbalat haTorah must be rooted in love and ongoing dedication.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 5:25 mean when it says 'they have well said all that they have spoken'?
A: Rashi explains that this verse refers to the Jewish people's declaration at Mount Sinai when they said, 'All that the Lord has spoken, we will do and we will hear' (Exodus 24:7). Hashem praised their commitment to accept the Torah even before fully understanding it, showing their complete trust in Him.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it highlights the unique relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people. The Talmud (Shabbat 88a) teaches that this moment demonstrated our ancestors' extraordinary faith when they accepted the Torah unconditionally, setting a model for all future generations in their devotion to mitzvot.
Q: How does this verse apply to our lives today?
A: The Rambam teaches that this verse reminds us to approach mitzvot with the same enthusiasm and commitment as our ancestors at Sinai. Even when we don't fully understand a commandment, we should perform it with trust in Hashem's wisdom, just as our forefathers said 'we will do' before 'we will hear.'
Q: What does it mean that 'the Lord heard the voice of your words'?
A: The Midrash explains that Hashem doesn't just hear our words, but pays attention to the sincerity and intention behind them. When the Jewish people declared their commitment at Sinai, Hashem recognized the purity of their hearts and their genuine desire to serve Him, which is why He responded so positively.
Q: Why did Hashem say the people 'spoke well' in this verse?
A: According to the Sifrei (a halachic midrash), Hashem praised the people because their statement showed perfect faith - they were willing to accept all commandments without conditions or reservations. This complete surrender to Divine will is considered the highest level of spiritual commitment in Jewish thought.