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Deuteronomy 7:15 - Divine health for faithful Israel?

Deuteronomy 7:15 - דברים 7:15

Hebrew Text

וְהֵסִיר יְהוָה מִמְּךָ כָּל־חֹלִי וְכָל־מַדְוֵי מִצְרַיִם הָרָעִים אֲשֶׁר יָדַעְתָּ לֹא יְשִׂימָם בָּךְ וּנְתָנָם בְּכָל־שֹׂנְאֶיךָ׃

English Translation

And the Lord will take away from thee all sickness, and will put none of the evil diseases of Miżrayim, which thou knowst, upon thee; but will lay them upon all those who hate thee.

Transliteration

Ve'hesir Adonai mimcha kol-choli ve'chol-madvei Mitzrayim hara'im asher yada'ta lo yasimam bach u'netanam be'chol-son'echa.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהֵסִ֧יר יְהֹוָ֛ה מִמְּךָ֖ כׇּל־חֹ֑לִי וְכׇל־מַדְוֵי֩ מִצְרַ֨יִם הָרָעִ֜ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר יָדַ֗עְתָּ לֹ֤א יְשִׂימָם֙ בָּ֔ךְ וּנְתָנָ֖ם בְּכׇל־שֹׂנְאֶֽיךָ׃
וְהֵסִ֧יר יְהֹוָ֛ה מִמְּךָ֖ כׇּל־חֹ֑לִי וְכׇל־מַדְוֵי֩ מִצְרַ֨יִם הָרָעִ֜ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר יָדַ֗עְתָּ לֹ֤א יְשִׂימָם֙ בָּ֔ךְ וּנְתָנָ֖ם בְּכׇל־שֹׂנְאֶֽיךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy 7:15) as part of Moshe's address to Bnei Yisrael before their entry into Eretz Yisrael. It follows a series of blessings for those who uphold the covenant with Hashem.

Literal Meaning (Peshat)

Rashi explains that this verse is a promise from Hashem to protect Bnei Yisrael from the diseases they witnessed in Mitzrayim (Egypt), such as boils and other plagues. Instead, these afflictions will befall their enemies. The phrase "כָּל־מַדְוֵי מִצְרַיִם הָרָעִים" ("all the evil diseases of Egypt") refers to the plagues that struck Egypt, which Bnei Yisrael saw firsthand.

Midrashic Interpretation (Derash)

The Midrash Tanchuma (Eikev 7) elaborates that the diseases of Egypt were particularly severe because they were a consequence of their cruelty and immorality. The promise here is that if Bnei Yisrael remain faithful to the Torah, they will be spared such suffering. The Sforno adds that this is not merely physical protection but also spiritual—Hashem will remove the root causes of illness by ensuring their deeds align with divine will.

Halachic and Philosophical Insights

  • Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 4:20): Health is intertwined with divine providence. Observance of mitzvot and ethical living contribute to physical well-being, as implied in this verse.
  • Chizkuni: The phrase "אֲשֶׁר יָדַעְתָּ" ("which you knew") emphasizes that Bnei Yisrael personally witnessed these diseases, making the promise of protection more tangible.

Spiritual Implications

The Kli Yakar teaches that the "diseases of Egypt" symbolize spiritual corruption—such as idolatry and moral decay. The verse thus assures that clinging to Torah will shield Bnei Yisrael from such spiritual maladies. The transfer of these afflictions to their enemies (שֹׂנְאֶיךָ) reflects the principle of middah k'neged middah (measure for measure)—those who oppose Hashem's people will suffer the consequences of their own hatred.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 7:15 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 7:15 is a promise from Hashem that if the Jewish people keep His commandments, He will protect them from the diseases and afflictions they witnessed in Egypt. Rashi explains that this refers to the plagues and illnesses that affected the Egyptians, which will not harm Bnei Yisrael as long as they remain faithful to the Torah.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse highlights the concept of reward for following mitzvot (commandments) and the special protection Hashem provides to the Jewish people. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 4:20) teaches that maintaining physical health is part of serving Hashem, and this verse shows that Divine protection is connected to our spiritual commitment.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 7:15 today?
A: We learn that Hashem's protection is tied to our spiritual state. The Sforno explains that just as physical health was dependent on faithfulness in biblical times, today we must still recognize that our wellbeing is ultimately in Hashem's hands. This encourages us to strengthen our Torah observance and trust in Divine providence.
Q: How does this verse apply to modern health concerns?
A: While this verse promises protection from specific Egyptian diseases, the Talmud (Berachot 60a) teaches that we should still pray for health and take reasonable precautions. The verse reminds us that ultimate healing comes from Hashem, and we should combine medical care with spiritual growth, as the Rambam emphasizes in his writings on medicine and Torah.
Q: What are the 'evil diseases of Egypt' mentioned in this verse?
A: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:34) describes these as particularly severe plagues and illnesses that affected Egypt. Ibn Ezra suggests they may refer to the ten plagues or to endemic diseases of the Nile region. The verse contrasts these with the health Bnei Yisrael would enjoy when living according to Torah values.