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Deuteronomy 7:19 - Divine power redeems Israel forever?

Deuteronomy 7:19 - דברים 7:19

Hebrew Text

הַמַּסֹּת הַגְּדֹלֹת אֲשֶׁר־רָאוּ עֵינֶיךָ וְהָאֹתֹת וְהַמֹּפְתִים וְהַיָּד הַחֲזָקָה וְהַזְּרֹעַ הַנְּטוּיָה אֲשֶׁר הוֹצִאֲךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ כֵּן־יַעֲשֶׂה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ לְכָל־הָעַמִּים אֲשֶׁר־אַתָּה יָרֵא מִפְּנֵיהֶם׃

English Translation

the great trials which thy eyes saw, and the signs, and the wonders, and the mighty hand, and the stretched out arm, whereby the Lord thy God brought thee out: so shall the Lord thy God do to all the people of whom thou art afraid.

Transliteration

Hamasot hagdolot asher-ra'u einecha veha'otot vehamoftim vehayad hachazaka vehazro'a hanetuya asher hotzi'cha Adonai Eloheicha ken-ya'aseh Adonai Eloheicha lechol-ha'amim asher-atah yare mipneihem.

Hebrew Leining Text

הַמַּסֹּ֨ת הַגְּדֹלֹ֜ת אֲשֶׁר־רָא֣וּ עֵינֶ֗יךָ וְהָאֹתֹ֤ת וְהַמֹּֽפְתִים֙ וְהַיָּ֤ד הַחֲזָקָה֙ וְהַזְּרֹ֣עַ הַנְּטוּיָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר הוֹצִֽאֲךָ֖ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ כֵּֽן־יַעֲשֶׂ֞ה יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ לְכׇל־הָ֣עַמִּ֔ים אֲשֶׁר־אַתָּ֥ה יָרֵ֖א מִפְּנֵיהֶֽם׃
הַמַּסֹּ֨ת הַגְּדֹלֹ֜ת אֲשֶׁר־רָא֣וּ עֵינֶ֗יךָ וְהָאֹתֹ֤ת וְהַמֹּֽפְתִים֙ וְהַיָּ֤ד הַחֲזָקָה֙ וְהַזְּרֹ֣עַ הַנְּטוּיָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר הוֹצִֽאֲךָ֖ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ כֵּֽן־יַעֲשֶׂ֞ה יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ לְכׇל־הָ֣עַמִּ֔ים אֲשֶׁר־אַתָּ֥ה יָרֵ֖א מִפְּנֵיהֶֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Devarim

This verse appears in Devarim 7:19, part of Moshe's address to Bnei Yisrael before entering Eretz Yisrael. It serves as a reminder of Hashem's miraculous interventions during Yetziat Mitzrayim and as assurance for future challenges.

Key Phrases and Their Meanings

  • הַמַּסֹּת הַגְּדֹלֹת (the great trials): Rashi explains these refer to the tests of faith in Egypt and the wilderness, such as the crisis at Yam Suf when Bnei Yisrael were trapped between the sea and Pharaoh's army.
  • הָאֹתֹת וְהַמֹּפְתִים (the signs and wonders): Ramban notes these include the Ten Plagues, which demonstrated Hashem's mastery over nature and His selection of Israel.
  • הַיָּד הַחֲזָקָה וְהַזְּרֹעַ הַנְּטוּיָה (the mighty hand and outstretched arm): The Talmud (Berachot 9b) interprets these as metaphors for Hashem's direct and powerful intervention in history.

Theological Implications

The Sforno emphasizes that this verse teaches hashgacha pratit (divine providence) - just as Hashem performed miracles for Israel in Egypt, He will continue to protect them from enemies in Eretz Yisrael. The repetition of "Hashem Elokecha" stresses the personal relationship between G-d and each Jew.

Contemporary Application

Rav Hirsch explains that this verse establishes a fundamental principle: recalling past miracles strengthens emunah (faith) when facing current challenges. The "people you fear" applies in every generation to those who threaten Jewish survival, with the assurance that divine protection continues.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'the great trials which your eyes saw' refer to in Deuteronomy 7:19?
A: This refers to the miracles and hardships the Jewish people witnessed during the Exodus from Egypt, such as the Ten Plagues and the splitting of the Red Sea. Rashi explains that these events were meant to strengthen the people's faith in Hashem's power and protection.
Q: Why does the verse mention 'the mighty hand and the outstretched arm'?
A: The 'mighty hand' and 'outstretched arm' symbolize Hashem's immense power and direct intervention in freeing the Jewish people from Egypt. The Rambam teaches that these phrases emphasize that our redemption was not by natural means but through divine miracles.
Q: What is the meaning of 'so shall Hashem do to all the people you fear'?
A: This assures the Jewish people that just as Hashem performed miracles against Egypt, He will similarly protect them from future enemies when they enter the Land of Israel. The Sforno explains that this promise applies whenever the Jewish people remain faithful to Torah and mitzvos.
Q: How can we relate this verse to our lives today?
A: The verse teaches us to remember Hashem's past miracles as a source of strength during difficult times. The Talmud (Berachos 32b) derives from this that we should recall the Exodus daily, as it reinforces our trust in Hashem's ongoing protection and providence.
Q: Why does the Torah repeatedly remind us about the Exodus?
A: The Midrash (Mechilta) explains that constant remembrance of the Exodus reinforces our gratitude to Hashem and our identity as His people. It serves as the foundation for many mitzvos and is mentioned in daily prayers, Shabbos observance, and holidays to keep our faith strong.