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Deuteronomy 5:6 - Divine liberation defines covenant.

Deuteronomy 5:6 - דברים 5:6

Hebrew Text

אָנֹכִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ אֲשֶׁר הוֹצֵאתִיךָ מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם מִבֵּית עֲבָדִים׃

English Translation

I am the Lord thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Miżrayim, from the house of bondage.

Transliteration

Anokhi Adonai Elohekha asher hotze'tikha me'eretz Mitzrayim mibeit avadim.

Hebrew Leining Text

אָֽנֹכִ֖י֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑֔יךָ אֲשֶׁ֧ר הוֹצֵאתִ֛יךָ מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרַ֖יִם מִבֵּ֣֥ית עֲבָדִ֑͏ֽים׃
אָֽנֹכִ֖י֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑֔יךָ אֲשֶׁ֧ר הוֹצֵאתִ֛יךָ מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרַ֖יִם מִבֵּ֣֥ית עֲבָדִ֑͏ֽים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The First Commandment: Foundation of Faith

The verse "I am the Lord thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage" (Exodus 20:2) serves as the opening of the Ten Commandments and establishes the fundamental principle of Jewish belief in Hashem. Rashi explains that this declaration is not merely an introduction but a commandment in itself—to know and acknowledge the existence and sovereignty of G-d.

Divine Revelation and Historical Experience

Rambam (Maimonides) in Sefer HaMitzvot counts this as the first positive commandment: to believe in Hashem as the One who took us out of Egypt. The mention of the Exodus is significant because, as the Talmud (Berachot 21b) teaches, it serves as tangible proof of G-d's intervention in history. The Midrash (Mechilta) emphasizes that the redemption from Egypt was witnessed by the entire nation, making it an irrefutable basis for faith.

The Nature of G-d's Relationship with Israel

The phrasing "I am the Lord thy God" (אָנֹכִי ה' אֱלֹהֶיךָ) establishes a personal covenant. The Kli Yakar notes that the use of "Anochi" (I) rather than "Ani" suggests a more intimate, direct revelation, as this was the language heard at Sinai. The Vilna Gaon adds that the dual description of Egypt—"the land of Egypt" and "the house of bondage"—highlights both physical and spiritual liberation.

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Emunah (Faith): The foundation of Torah observance begins with recognizing Hashem as the ultimate authority (Rambam, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:1-6).
  • Historical Consciousness: The Exodus is not just a past event but a perpetual reminder of G-d's providence (Sforno).
  • Duty of Gratitude: Since G-d redeemed us, we are bound to serve Him (Sefer HaChinuch, Mitzvah 25).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 12b
The verse is discussed in the context of the recitation of the Shema and the importance of remembering the Exodus from Egypt.
📖 Makkot 23b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the Ten Commandments and their significance in Jewish law.
📖 Shabbat 105b
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the prohibition of idolatry and the uniqueness of God's commandments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'I am the Lord thy God' mean in Deuteronomy 5:6?
A: This verse is the first of the Ten Commandments, establishing Hashem as the one true God who redeemed the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. Rashi explains that this declaration is the foundation of our faith, as it affirms Hashem's authority and our obligation to serve Him.
Q: Why does the verse mention the Exodus from Egypt?
A: The mention of the Exodus serves as proof of Hashem's power and His relationship with the Jewish people. Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that remembering the miracles of the Exodus strengthens our belief in Hashem and His ability to guide and protect us.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse reminds us daily of Hashem's presence and our covenant with Him. The Talmud (Berachot 21a) explains that reciting the Shema, which includes acknowledging Hashem as our God, fulfills this commandment and keeps our connection to the Exodus alive in our hearts.
Q: Is this verse only about the past, or does it have future significance?
A: The Midrash (Mechilta) teaches that this verse is eternal—just as Hashem redeemed us from Egypt, He will redeem us in the future. It is a promise of both past and future salvation, reinforcing our trust in Hashem's ongoing relationship with the Jewish people.
Q: Why is this the first of the Ten Commandments?
A: The Sforno explains that accepting Hashem as our God is the foundation of all mitzvot. Without this belief, the other commandments lack meaning. It comes first because recognizing Hashem's authority is the basis for all Torah observance.