Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the 'hornet' symbolize in Deuteronomy 7:20?
A: According to Rashi and other traditional Jewish commentators, the 'hornet' (צִרְעָה) in this verse is understood literally as actual hornets that HaShem would send to drive out the Canaanite nations. The Midrash (Sifrei) explains that these hornets would sting the enemies' eyes and inject venom, causing confusion and fear, making it easier for Bnei Yisrael to conquer the land.
Q: Why did HaShem send the hornet to help Bnei Yisrael?
A: The Ramban explains that this miracle demonstrated HaShem's direct involvement in securing the Land of Israel for the Jewish people. By using the hornet, HaShem showed that victory did not depend solely on human strength but on divine intervention, reinforcing the covenant and the promise made to the Avot (Patriarchs).
Q: Does the hornet have any spiritual significance in Jewish tradition?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 36a) discusses how the hornet was one of the miraculous means HaShem used to fulfill His promise. It symbolizes divine assistance in overcoming obstacles, teaching that even when facing formidable enemies, HaShem provides help in unexpected ways. This reinforces the idea of bitachon (trust) in HaShem's plan.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: While we no longer experience miracles like the hornet, Orthodox Judaism teaches that this verse reminds us of HaShem's constant protection. Just as He fought for Bnei Yisrael, we trust that He guides and assists us in overcoming challenges, both nationally and individually, when we uphold the Torah and mitzvot.
Q: What is the meaning of 'those who are left and hide' in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that even the enemies who survived previous battles or tried to hide from Bnei Yisrael would not escape—the hornet would seek them out until they were completely driven from the land. This emphasizes the completeness of HaShem's justice and the fulfillment of His promise to give Eretz Yisrael to the Jewish people.
The Hornet in Divine Judgment
The verse (Devarim 7:20) describes Hashem sending the tzirah (hornet) to assist Bnei Yisrael in conquering the land. Rashi explains that this refers to actual hornets that would sting the eyes of the Canaanites and inject lethal venom, weakening them before battle. The Midrash Tanchuma (Shoftim 18) elaborates that these hornets miraculously did not harm Jews, demonstrating divine discrimination in judgment.
Two Categories of Enemies
The verse mentions two groups who would be destroyed:
Spiritual Dimensions
The Sforno suggests the hornet symbolizes how Hashem uses natural phenomena to execute justice, showing that even when nature appears to act, it is truly divine providence. The Kli Yakar adds that the hornet's small size teaches that Hashem doesn't need mighty forces to accomplish His will - even a tiny creature can defeat mighty warriors when directed by divine command.
Historical Fulfillment
Masechet Sotah 36a records that these hornets actually crossed the Jordan with Yehoshua, fulfilling this prophecy during the conquest. The Maharsha notes this demonstrates how precisely divine promises are fulfilled, even when the mechanism seems improbable.