share torah logo

Deuteronomy 7:21 - Divine presence conquers fear.

Deuteronomy 7:21 - דברים 7:21

Hebrew Text

לֹא תַעֲרֹץ מִפְּנֵיהֶם כִּי־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ בְּקִרְבֶּךָ אֵל גָּדוֹל וְנוֹרָא׃

English Translation

Thou shalt not be terrified by them: for the Lord thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible.

Transliteration

Lo ta'arot mipneihem ki-Adonai Elohecha bekirbecha El gadol ve'nora.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹ֥א תַעֲרֹ֖ץ מִפְּנֵיהֶ֑ם כִּֽי־יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ בְּקִרְבֶּ֔ךָ אֵ֥ל גָּד֖וֹל וְנוֹרָֽא׃
לֹ֥א תַעֲרֹ֖ץ מִפְּנֵיהֶ֑ם כִּֽי־יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ בְּקִרְבֶּ֔ךָ אֵ֥ל גָּד֖וֹל וְנוֹרָֽא׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 7:21) appears in Moshe's address to Bnei Yisrael as they prepare to enter Eretz Yisrael. It reassures them not to fear the nations dwelling in the land, emphasizing Hashem's presence and power.

Grammatical and Literal Meaning

The phrase "לֹא תַעֲרֹץ מִפְּנֵיהֶם" ("Do not be terrified by them") uses the verb "תַעֲרֹץ", which Rashi explains as meaning "do not fear" or "do not break down in terror." The term "נוֹרָא" ("terrible") refers to Hashem's awe-inspiring nature, as noted by Ramban, who connects it to His capacity to instill fear in all creation.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Devarim 7:21) emphasizes that the fear of the nations should not enter the hearts of Bnei Yisrael because "ה' אֱלֹהֶיךָ בְּקִרְבֶּךָ" ("Hashem your God is among you"). He explains that this means the Divine Presence dwells with Israel, ensuring their protection. Rashi also links this to the concept of השגחה פרטית (Divine Providence), where Hashem personally oversees their battles.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:51), Rambam discusses the nature of fear in the face of adversaries. He explains that true bitachon (trust in Hashem) comes from recognizing that He is "אֵל גָּדוֹל וְנוֹרָא" ("a great and awesome God"), meaning His power transcends all earthly forces. Thus, fear of enemies is unnecessary when one internalizes Hashem's supremacy.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Sifrei (Devarim 53) elaborates on the phrase "בְּקִרְבֶּךָ" ("among you"), teaching that Hashem's presence is not merely external but resides within each individual who upholds the Torah. This aligns with the Talmudic principle (Berachos 6a) that "השכינה שורה על כל אחד מישראל" ("the Divine Presence rests upon every Jew").

Practical Lessons

  • Bitachon (Trust in Hashem): The verse teaches that fear of adversaries is misplaced when one recognizes Hashem's constant presence and power.
  • Divine Protection: As the Chizkuni notes, the phrase "אֵל גָּדוֹל וְנוֹרָא" reminds us that no enemy can prevail against Hashem's will.
  • Internalizing Faith: The Kli Yakar stresses that true security comes from feeling Hashem's closeness through Torah and mitzvos.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 33b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the greatness and awe of God, emphasizing that one should not fear other nations because God is mighty and awe-inspiring.
📖 Megillah 31a
The verse is cited in the context of the haftarah readings, highlighting God's presence and might as a source of comfort and strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Thou shalt not be terrified by them' mean in Deuteronomy 7:21?
A: This verse is instructing the Jewish people not to fear their enemies when entering the Land of Israel. Rashi explains that even though the nations living there were mighty, the Israelites should trust in Hashem's protection, as He is 'among you'—meaning His divine presence would assist them in battle.
Q: Why does the verse call Hashem 'a mighty God and terrible'?
A: The terms 'mighty' (גָּדוֹל) and 'terrible' (נוֹרָא) emphasize Hashem's absolute power and awe-inspiring nature. The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah) teaches that recognizing Hashem's greatness leads to love and fear of Him, reinforcing our trust in His protection and justice.
Q: How can we apply this verse to challenges we face today?
A: Just as the Israelites were told not to fear their enemies because Hashem was with them, we today can draw strength from this message. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) teaches that when we uphold Torah and mitzvot, we merit Hashem's protection in all difficulties, reinforcing our faith during hardships.
Q: What does it mean that 'Hashem is among you' in this verse?
A: This phrase means that Hashem's presence dwells with the Jewish people when they are faithful to Him. The Talmud (Berachot 6a) states that wherever ten Jews gather to pray or study Torah, the Shechinah (Divine Presence) rests among them, offering protection and guidance.
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish thought?
A: This verse reinforces the foundational Jewish belief in bitachon (trust in Hashem). The Chovot HaLevavot (Duties of the Heart) explains that true faith means not letting fear overpower us, as Hashem—who controls all events—is always with those who follow His ways.