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Deuteronomy 5:30 - Walk in Hashem's ways always

Deuteronomy 5:30 - דברים 5:30

Hebrew Text

בְּכָל־הַדֶּרֶךְ אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם אֶתְכֶם תֵּלֵכוּ לְמַעַן תִּחְיוּן וְטוֹב לָכֶם וְהַאֲרַכְתֶּם יָמִים בָּאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר תִּירָשׁוּן׃

English Translation

You shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess.

Transliteration

B'khol haderekh asher tziva Adonai Eloheikhem etkhem telekhu l'ma'an tichyun v'tov lakhem v'ha'arakhtem yamim ba'aretz asher tirasun.

Hebrew Leining Text

בְּכׇל־הַדֶּ֗רֶךְ אֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֜ה יְהֹוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֛ם אֶתְכֶ֖ם תֵּלֵ֑כוּ לְמַ֤עַן תִּֽחְיוּן֙ וְט֣וֹב לָכֶ֔ם וְהַאֲרַכְתֶּ֣ם יָמִ֔ים בָּאָ֖רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר תִּֽירָשֽׁוּן׃
בְּכׇל־הַדֶּ֗רֶךְ אֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֜ה יְהֹוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֛ם אֶתְכֶ֖ם תֵּלֵ֑כוּ לְמַ֤עַן תִּֽחְיוּן֙ וְט֣וֹב לָכֶ֔ם וְהַאֲרַכְתֶּ֣ם יָמִ֔ים בָּאָ֖רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר תִּֽירָשֽׁוּן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

General Interpretation

The verse (Devarim 5:30) emphasizes the importance of following all of Hashem's commandments without exception. Rashi explains that "בְּכָל־הַדֶּרֶךְ" ("in all the ways") means one must observe both the mitzvot that seem logical and those that are chukim (decrees beyond human understanding). The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:7) teaches that this verse instructs us to emulate Hashem's ways—just as He is merciful and kind, so too must we be.

Walking in Hashem's Ways

The Sifrei (Devarim 49) interprets "תֵּלֵכוּ" ("you shall walk") as an ongoing, active commitment to mitzvot, not merely passive observance. The Talmud (Sotah 14a) elaborates that walking in Hashem's ways includes acts of kindness, such as visiting the sick and burying the dead, as these reflect Divine attributes.

Rewards for Observance

  • תִּחְיוּן ("that you may live"): The Ibn Ezra explains this refers to both physical and spiritual life—observing mitzvot brings vitality to the soul.
  • וְטוֹב לָכֶם ("and that it may be well with you"): The Kli Yakar notes this refers to blessings in Olam HaZeh (this world) and Olam HaBa (the World to Come).
  • וְהַאֲרַכְתֶּם יָמִים ("and that you may prolong your days"): The Chizkuni connects this to the mitzvah of honoring parents (Shemot 20:12), which also promises long life, showing that Torah observance brings both temporal and eternal reward.

Connection to Eretz Yisrael

The phrase "בָּאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר תִּירָשׁוּן" ("in the land which you shall possess") underscores that these blessings are intimately tied to dwelling in Eretz Yisrael. The Ramban (Devarim 4:40) teaches that the Land responds to the spiritual state of its inhabitants—observance brings prosperity, while neglect leads to exile.

Practical Application

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 611) derives from this verse that every mitzvah must be performed with the intention of fulfilling Hashem's will, not for personal gain. However, the Torah promises these rewards to encourage us, as the Mesillat Yesharim (Ch. 1) explains—even if one begins serving Hashem for reward, one should strive to reach the level of serving out of pure love.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 32b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of following God's commandments to ensure a good and long life.
📖 Sotah 14a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the rewards for fulfilling the commandments and walking in God's ways.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'walk in all the ways which the Lord your God has commanded you' mean?
A: This means we must follow all the mitzvot (commandments) given in the Torah, both positive and negative. Rashi explains that this includes both the written Torah and the oral traditions passed down through our sages. Walking in Hashem's ways means living a life dedicated to Torah observance in every aspect.
Q: Why does the verse connect following commandments with long life in the land?
A: The Rambam teaches that observing mitzvot brings both spiritual and physical blessings. The Torah promises that living according to Hashem's will leads to prosperity and stability in the Land of Israel. This reflects the fundamental Jewish belief in reward for mitzvah observance, both in this world and the next.
Q: How can we apply 'walk in all the ways' in daily life today?
A: The Talmud (Makkot 24a) teaches that the 613 mitzvot can be summarized by basic principles like 'the righteous shall live by his faith' (Habakkuk 2:4). Practically, this means we should strive to fulfill mitzvot in our daily actions - from prayer and kosher eating to business ethics and interpersonal relationships - making Torah the guide for all our conduct.
Q: What does 'that it may be well with you' mean in Jewish thought?
A: The Sforno explains that true 'good' comes from spiritual fulfillment through Torah observance, not just material success. While physical blessings may come, the primary 'good' is the closeness to Hashem we achieve by following His commandments. The Midrash teaches that the reward for mitzvot is the opportunity to do more mitzvot.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse encapsulates the fundamental Jewish worldview - that Torah observance brings blessing and is the proper path for Jewish life. The Ramban notes that this principle appears throughout the Torah, emphasizing that our national and individual wellbeing depends on our commitment to mitzvot. It reminds us that Torah is not just rituals, but a complete way of life.