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Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's eternal covenant with loyal

Deuteronomy 7:9 - דברים 7:9

Hebrew Text

וְיָדַעְתָּ כִּי־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ הוּא הָאֱלֹהִים הָאֵל הַנֶּאֱמָן שֹׁמֵר הַבְּרִית וְהַחֶסֶד לְאֹהֲבָיו וּלְשֹׁמְרֵי מצותו [מִצְוֺתָיו] לְאֶלֶף דּוֹר׃

English Translation

Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, who keeps covenant and troth with those who love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

Transliteration

Veyadata ki-Adonai Elohecha hu ha'Elohim ha'El hane'eman shomer habrit vehachesed le'ohavav ulshomrei mitzvotav le'elef dor.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְיָ֣דַעְתָּ֔ כִּֽי־יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ ה֣וּא הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים הָאֵל֙ הַֽנֶּאֱמָ֔ן שֹׁמֵ֧ר הַבְּרִ֣ית וְהַחֶ֗סֶד לְאֹהֲבָ֛יו וּלְשֹׁמְרֵ֥י <span class="mam-kq-trivial">מִצְוֺתָ֖ו</span> לְאֶ֥לֶף דּֽוֹר׃
וְיָ֣דַעְתָּ֔ כִּֽי־יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ ה֣וּא הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים הָאֵל֙ הַֽנֶּאֱמָ֔ן שֹׁמֵ֧ר הַבְּרִ֣ית וְהַחֶ֗סֶד לְאֹהֲבָ֛יו וּלְשֹׁמְרֵ֥י מִצְוֺתָ֖ו לְאֶ֥לֶף דּֽוֹר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Nature of Hashem's Faithfulness

The verse emphasizes that Hashem is הָאֵל הַנֶּאֱמָן ("the faithful God"), a concept Rashi explains as referring to His unwavering commitment to fulfill His promises. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 7:9) elaborates that this faithfulness applies both to His covenant with the Avot (Patriarchs) and His ongoing relationship with their descendants who follow His commandments.

Covenant and Chesed

The phrase שֹׁמֵר הַבְּרִית וְהַחֶסֶד ("who keeps covenant and troth") highlights two dimensions of Divine commitment:

  • ברית (Covenant): The binding agreement made with Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov, as Ramban (Devarim 7:9) notes, ensuring the eternal Jewish peoplehood.
  • חסד (Kindness): The unearned benevolence Hashem shows beyond strict justice, as the Talmud (Berachot 7a) teaches, extending even when we are undeserving.

Conditions of the Relationship

The verse specifies this applies to לְאֹהֲבָיו וּלְשֹׁמְרֵי מִצְוֺתָיו ("those who love Him and keep His commandments"). The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 2:1-2) explains that true love of Hashem is demonstrated through meticulous mitzvah observance, not mere emotion.

Duration of the Promise

The concluding phrase לְאֶלֶף דּוֹר ("to a thousand generations") is interpreted by Ibn Ezra as hyperbolic language for eternity, while the Talmud (Chagigah 3b) derives from this that Torah study will never cease from the Jewish people.

Practical Implications

The Kli Yakar emphasizes that this verse comes in context of warning against idolatry (Devarim 7:1-5), teaching that our recognition of Hashem's faithfulness should inspire exclusive devotion to Him. The Sforno adds that this knowledge should motivate us to maintain our side of the covenant through Torah observance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 7a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about God's attributes, particularly His faithfulness and the keeping of His covenant with those who love Him and observe His commandments.
📖 Sotah 14a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the importance of emulating God's attributes, such as His faithfulness and kindness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 7:9 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 7:9 teaches that Hashem (God) is faithful and keeps His covenant (brit) and kindness (chesed) with those who love Him and observe His commandments. This verse emphasizes God's unwavering commitment to His people for generations when they remain loyal to Him.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 7:9 important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it reassures the Jewish people of God's eternal faithfulness when they uphold the Torah. Rashi explains that God rewards those who follow His mitzvot (commandments) with kindness that lasts for a thousand generations, highlighting the enduring bond between God and Israel.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 7:9?
A: We learn that God's relationship with the Jewish people is based on loyalty and mutual commitment. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that loving God means fulfilling His commandments with sincerity. This verse reminds us that divine kindness and covenant are everlasting for those who remain devoted.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 7:9 apply to daily life?
A: This verse encourages Jews to trust in God's promises while actively observing mitzvot. The Talmud (Sotah 14a) discusses how imitating God's attributes—like keeping covenants—guides ethical behavior. Practically, it inspires us to maintain faith and perform mitzvot with love and dedication.
Q: What does 'to a thousand generations' mean in Deuteronomy 7:9?
A: The phrase 'to a thousand generations' signifies God's eternal commitment. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) interprets this as an expression of limitless divine reward for righteousness, extending far beyond human timeframes. It underscores that God's kindness transcends generations for those loyal to Him.