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Deuteronomy 6:18 - Divine goodness brings promised land

Deuteronomy 6:18 - דברים 6:18

Hebrew Text

וְעָשִׂיתָ הַיָּשָׁר וְהַטּוֹב בְּעֵינֵי יְהוָה לְמַעַן יִיטַב לָךְ וּבָאתָ וְיָרַשְׁתָּ אֶת־הָאָרֶץ הַטֹּבָה אֲשֶׁר־נִשְׁבַּע יְהוָה לַאֲבֹתֶיךָ׃

English Translation

And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the Lord: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayst go in and possess the good land which the Lord swore to thy fathers,

Transliteration

Ve'asita hayashar ve'hatov be'enei Adonai lema'an yitav lakh u'vata ve'yarashta et-ha'aretz hatova asher-nishba Adonai la'avoteicha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעָשִׂ֛יתָ הַיָּשָׁ֥ר וְהַטּ֖וֹב בְּעֵינֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה לְמַ֙עַן֙ יִ֣יטַב לָ֔ךְ וּבָ֗אתָ וְיָֽרַשְׁתָּ֙ אֶת־הָאָ֣רֶץ הַטֹּבָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־נִשְׁבַּ֥ע יְהֹוָ֖ה לַאֲבֹתֶֽיךָ׃
וְעָשִׂ֛יתָ הַיָּשָׁ֥ר וְהַטּ֖וֹב בְּעֵינֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה לְמַ֙עַן֙ יִ֣יטַב לָ֔ךְ וּבָ֗אתָ וְיָֽרַשְׁתָּ֙ אֶת־הָאָ֣רֶץ הַטֹּבָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־נִשְׁבַּ֥ע יְהֹוָ֖ה לַאֲבֹתֶֽיךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

General Meaning and Context

The verse (Devarim 6:18) instructs the Jewish people to act in accordance with what is "right and good in the sight of the Lord," promising divine favor and the fulfillment of the covenant—entry into the Land of Israel. This commandment appears in the broader context of Parshat Eikev, which emphasizes adherence to mitzvot and the rewards of faithfulness to Hashem.

Rashi's Interpretation

Rashi explains that "the right and the good" refers to actions that go beyond the strict letter of the law (lifnim mishurat hadin). He cites the Talmud (Bava Metzia 16b), which teaches that one should act with fairness and kindness even when not legally obligated. This principle ensures societal harmony and reflects the ethical demands of Torah beyond mere technical compliance.

Rambam's Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot De'ot 6:3), Rambam expands on this idea, stating that a person should strive for moral excellence in all dealings—business, speech, and interpersonal conduct. The phrase "right and good" encompasses ethical behavior that fosters trust and righteousness in the community, ensuring divine blessing.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 49) connects this verse to the mitzvah of tzedakah (charity) and gemilut chasadim (acts of kindness), emphasizing that these deeds embody "the right and the good." By performing them, one merits the blessings of prosperity and inheritance of the Land, as promised to the Avot (Patriarchs).

Chassidic Interpretation

The Baal Shem Tov teaches that "right and good" also refers to serving Hashem with joy and sincerity. True fulfillment of mitzvot requires not only external compliance but also inner devotion, aligning one’s heart with divine will. This holistic approach ensures spiritual and material success.

Practical Application

  • Beyond Legal Obligation: Strive for ethical conduct even when not strictly required by halacha.
  • Interpersonal Mitzvot: Prioritize kindness, fairness, and charity in all relationships.
  • Intentionality: Serve Hashem with heartfelt commitment, not merely mechanical observance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Metzia 108a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing ethical behavior and fairness in business dealings, emphasizing the importance of doing what is right and good in the eyes of God.
📖 Kiddushin 36a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the commandments and the inheritance of the land, highlighting the connection between righteous behavior and divine promise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'do that which is right and good in the sight of the Lord' mean in Deuteronomy 6:18?
A: This verse teaches us to act beyond the strict letter of the law, performing acts of kindness and fairness even when not explicitly commanded. Rashi explains that this refers to 'compromise and going beyond the letter of the law' (lifnim mishurat hadin), showing that true righteousness includes moral sensitivity in all situations.
Q: Why does the Torah connect doing what's 'right and good' with inheriting the land?
A: The Talmud (Bava Kamma 30a) teaches that this verse shows the Land of Israel can only be properly maintained through righteous behavior. Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:5-6) explains that ethical conduct creates societal harmony, which is essential for the Jewish people to merit dwelling securely in their land.
Q: How can we apply 'do what is right and good' in daily life today?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 12:28) teaches this verse applies to all interpersonal relationships. Practically, this means being honest in business, showing kindness to others, and making moral choices even when no one is watching. The Chofetz Chaim emphasized that this verse obligates us to consider how our actions affect others.
Q: What's the difference between 'right' (yashar) and 'good' (tov) in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that 'right' refers to following halacha (Jewish law), while 'good' means acting with extra kindness (chessed). The Meshech Chochmah adds that 'right' applies between man and God, while 'good' governs relationships between people. Both are necessary for complete service of God.
Q: Does this verse mean we should follow our own ideas of what's good?
A: No, the verse specifies 'in the sight of the Lord' - our actions must align with Torah values. Ramban explains this means consulting Torah wisdom to determine what's truly good, not personal opinion. The Talmud (Berachot 7a) teaches we must seek guidance from Torah scholars to properly understand this concept.