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Deuteronomy 6:10 - Divinely gifted flourishing cities

Deuteronomy 6:10 - דברים 6:10

Hebrew Text

וְהָיָה כִּי יְבִיאֲךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ אֶל־הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּע לַאֲבֹתֶיךָ לְאַבְרָהָם לְיִצְחָק וּלְיַעֲקֹב לָתֶת לָךְ עָרִים גְּדֹלֹת וְטֹבֹת אֲשֶׁר לֹא־בָנִיתָ׃

English Translation

And it shall be, when the Lord thy God shall bring thee to the land of which he swore to thy fathers, to Avraham, to Yiżĥaq, and to Ya῾aqov, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou didst not build,

Transliteration

Ve'haya ki yevi'acha Adonai Elohecha el-ha'aretz asher nishba la'avotecha le'Avraham le'Yitzchak ule'Ya'akov latet lach arim gedolot vetovot asher lo vanita.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָיָ֞ה כִּ֥י יְבִיאֲךָ֣ <b>׀</b> יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ אֶל־הָאָ֜רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֨ר נִשְׁבַּ֧ע לַאֲבֹתֶ֛יךָ לְאַבְרָהָ֛ם לְיִצְחָ֥ק וּֽלְיַעֲקֹ֖ב לָ֣תֶת לָ֑ךְ עָרִ֛ים גְּדֹלֹ֥ת וְטֹבֹ֖ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־בָנִֽיתָ׃
וְהָיָ֞ה כִּ֥י יְבִיאֲךָ֣ ׀ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ אֶל־הָאָ֜רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֨ר נִשְׁבַּ֧ע לַאֲבֹתֶ֛יךָ לְאַבְרָהָ֛ם לְיִצְחָ֥ק וּֽלְיַעֲקֹ֖ב לָ֣תֶת לָ֑ךְ עָרִ֛ים גְּדֹלֹ֥ת וְטֹבֹ֖ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־בָנִֽיתָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and Overview

The verse (Devarim 6:10) appears in Parashat Eikev, where Moshe Rabbeinu reminds Bnei Yisrael of the blessings awaiting them upon entering Eretz Yisrael. The promise of inheriting "great and goodly cities" underscores Hashem's fulfillment of the covenant with the Avot (Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov).

Key Themes and Interpretations

  • Covenantal Promise: Rashi emphasizes that this verse reaffirms the oath (שבועה) made to the Avot, linking their merit (זכות אבות) to the future inheritance of the land. The mention of all three patriarchs signifies the enduring nature of the covenant.
  • Unearned Blessings: The phrase "which thou didst not build" highlights that these cities were prepared by others (e.g., the Canaanites), illustrating that Bnei Yisrael would receive these gifts without labor—a demonstration of Hashem's kindness (חסד). Ramban expands on this, noting that this mirrors the promise of "vineyards and olive trees which thou didst not plant" (Devarim 6:11), reinforcing the theme of divine benevolence.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Tanchuma (Eikev 3) teaches that these "great and goodly cities" were not merely physically impressive but also spiritually significant. They were centers of Torah and righteousness, echoing the ideal of a society built on divine values. The Sforno adds that their "goodness" (טובות) refers to their suitability for sustaining a holy nation, with fertile land and strategic locations.

Halachic and Ethical Implications

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 5:11) derives from this verse that conquering Eretz Yisrael is a mitzvah tied to the broader obligation of settling the land (ישוב הארץ). The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) further notes that the phrasing "when the Lord thy God shall bring thee" implies that entry into the land must be guided by divine will, not human ambition alone.

Lessons for Contemporary Life

  • Gratitude: Recognizing that material blessings ultimately come from Hashem, as emphasized by the phrase "which thou didst not build."
  • Spiritual Purpose: The cities' "goodness" reminds us to infuse physical acquisitions with kedushah (holiness), transforming them into vehicles for avodat Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 5a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the rewards and promises given to the righteous in the afterlife, drawing a parallel between the earthly promises to the patriarchs and spiritual rewards.
📖 Sotah 11a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the fulfillment of divine promises, particularly in relation to the Israelites' entry into the land of Canaan as promised to their ancestors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 6:10 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 6:10 describes G-d's promise to bring the Jewish people into the Land of Israel, giving them cities they did not build. This verse emphasizes that the land is a gift from G-d, fulfilling the oath He made to Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov. Rashi explains that these 'great and goodly cities' refer to well-established cities with all necessary amenities, showing G-d's kindness in providing ready-made dwellings.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 6:10 important?
A: This verse is important because it highlights the fulfillment of G-d's covenant with the forefathers and reinforces the idea that the Land of Israel is a divine gift to the Jewish people. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that recognizing G-d's kindness in giving us the land is a fundamental aspect of Jewish faith, as it reminds us of His ongoing providence and our responsibilities in the land.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 6:10?
A: We learn from this verse the importance of gratitude to G-d for His blessings. Even though the Jewish people did not build these cities, they were given to them as a gift. The Talmud (Berachot 35a) discusses how we must acknowledge G-d's role in providing our sustenance and comforts, teaching us humility and thankfulness for what we receive without our own efforts.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 6:10 apply to us today?
A: Today, this verse reminds us to recognize G-d's hand in our lives, whether in the physical land of Israel or in the blessings we enjoy daily. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) connects this verse to the broader idea that all good things come from G-d, encouraging us to live with faith and appreciation for His gifts, both in the past and present.