Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'You shall diligently keep the commandments' mean in Deuteronomy 6:17?
A: The verse emphasizes the importance of carefully observing all of Hashem's commandments (mitzvot), testimonies (edot), and statutes (chukim). Rashi explains that the double language 'שָׁמוֹר תִּשְׁמְרוּן' (shamor tishmerun) teaches us to be extra vigilant in guarding and fulfilling the commandments, both in action and in study.
Q: Why does the Torah mention commandments, testimonies, and statutes separately in this verse?
A: The Ramban explains that 'commandments' (mitzvot) refer to logical laws between man and man, 'testimonies' (edot) are commandments that testify to historical events (like Shabbat or Pesach), and 'statutes' (chukim) are laws whose reasons are not immediately clear (like kashrut). Together, they teach us to observe all types of Torah laws with equal care.
Q: How can we apply 'diligently keeping the commandments' in daily life?
A: The Sforno teaches that this verse reminds us to be mindful in our mitzvah observance - not just performing them mechanically, but with proper intention and attention to details. For example, when saying Shema or performing acts of kindness, we should focus on fulfilling Hashem's will with sincerity.
Q: What is the connection between this verse and the Shema which appears earlier in Deuteronomy 6?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 13a) connects these verses, teaching that accepting the yoke of Heaven (through Shema) must be followed by accepting the yoke of mitzvot. This verse comes to show that true love of Hashem (mentioned in the Shema) must be expressed through careful mitzvah observance.
Q: Why is the word 'commanded' in singular ('צִוָּךְ') when speaking to the entire nation?
A: The Kli Yakar explains this teaches that while the Torah was given to the entire Jewish people, each individual must feel personally commanded. Additionally, the singular form reminds us that mitzvah observance creates a personal bond between each Jew and Hashem.
The Command to Diligently Observe Mitzvot
The verse "שָׁמוֹר תִּשְׁמְרוּן אֶת־מִצְוֺת יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם" ("You shall diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God") emphasizes the importance of not merely performing mitzvot but doing so with vigilance and care. The double language of "שָׁמוֹר תִּשְׁמְרוּן" (literally, "guard, you shall guard") underscores the need for constant attention to mitzvot, as Rashi explains: "This teaches that one must be exceedingly careful in their observance."
Categories of Divine Commandments
The verse lists three categories of commandments:
The Importance of Diligence in Observance
The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:1) explains that the repetition in "שָׁמוֹר תִּשְׁמְרוּן" teaches that one must not only perform mitzvot but also protect them from neglect or distortion. The Sifrei (Devarim 6:17) adds that this phrase implies both positive action (aseh) and caution against neglect (lo ta'aseh).
Connection to Divine Will
The concluding phrase "אֲשֶׁר צִוָּךְ" ("which He has commanded you") reinforces that these mitzvot are not human inventions but direct commandments from Hashem. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 3:1) teaches that this phrase reminds us that every mitzvah, whether easily understood or not, is an expression of Hashem's will and must be observed with equal reverence.