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Deuteronomy 8:15 - Divine protection in harsh wilderness

Deuteronomy 8:15 - דברים 8:15

Hebrew Text

הַמּוֹלִיכֲךָ בַּמִּדְבָּר הַגָּדֹל וְהַנּוֹרָא נָחָשׁ שָׂרָף וְעַקְרָב וְצִמָּאוֹן אֲשֶׁר אֵין־מָיִם הַמּוֹצִיא לְךָ מַיִם מִצּוּר הַחַלָּמִישׁ׃

English Translation

who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, in which were venomous serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought forth water for thee out of the rock of flint;

Transliteration

Ha-molee-cha-cha ba-mid-bar ha-ga-dol ve-ha-no-ra na-chash sa-raf ve-a-krav ve-tzi-ma-on a-sher ein ma-yim ha-mo-tzi le-cha ma-yim mi-tzur ha-cha-la-mish.

Hebrew Leining Text

הַמּוֹלִ֨יכְךָ֜ בַּמִּדְבָּ֣ר <b>׀</b> הַגָּדֹ֣ל וְהַנּוֹרָ֗א נָחָ֤שׁ <small>׀</small> שָׂרָף֙ וְעַקְרָ֔ב וְצִמָּא֖וֹן אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֵֽין־מָ֑יִם הַמּוֹצִ֤יא לְךָ֙ מַ֔יִם מִצּ֖וּר הַֽחַלָּמִֽישׁ׃
הַמּוֹלִ֨יכְךָ֜ בַּמִּדְבָּ֣ר ׀ הַגָּדֹ֣ל וְהַנּוֹרָ֗א נָחָ֤שׁ ׀ שָׂרָף֙ וְעַקְרָ֔ב וְצִמָּא֖וֹן אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֵֽין־מָ֑יִם הַמּוֹצִ֤יא לְךָ֙ מַ֔יִם מִצּ֖וּר הַֽחַלָּמִֽישׁ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy)

This verse appears in Devarim 8:15, where Moshe Rabbeinu reminds Bnei Yisrael of Hashem's miracles during their 40-year journey in the wilderness. The passage emphasizes divine providence amid harsh conditions, reinforcing gratitude and trust in Hashem.

Interpretation of the Wilderness

Rashi explains that the term "הַגָּדֹל וְהַנּוֹרָא" ("great and terrible") refers to the vastness and inherent dangers of the desert, where survival without divine intervention would be impossible. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 38) elaborates that the wilderness was a place of testing and refinement, where Bnei Yisrael learned complete reliance on Hashem.

Symbolism of the Serpents and Scorpions

  • Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that the "נָחָשׁ שָׂרָף" (venomous serpents) and "עַקְרָב" (scorpions) represent both literal dangers and spiritual challenges. The serpent alludes to the yetzer hara (evil inclination), while the scorpion symbolizes sudden, hidden trials.
  • Ibn Ezra adds that these creatures were providentially restrained by Hashem, as their natural habitat is the wilderness, yet Bnei Yisrael were protected.

The Miracle of Water from the Rock

The phrase "הַמּוֹצִיא לְךָ מַיִם מִצּוּר הַחַלָּמִישׁ" ("who brought forth water from the rock of flint") recalls the incident at Mei Merivah (Numbers 20). The Talmud (Ta'anit 9a) teaches that the rock accompanied Bnei Yisrael throughout their travels, a continuous miracle underscoring Hashem's unwavering care. Chazal (Pirkei Avot 5:6) count this among the ten miraculous creations made at twilight on the sixth day of Creation.

Spiritual Lessons

The Kli Yakar highlights the contrast between the "צִמָּאוֹן אֲשֶׁר אֵין־מָיִם" (drought without water) and the sudden abundance of water. This teaches that even in the most desolate circumstances, Hashem provides sustenance—both physical and spiritual. The verse serves as a reminder of gratitude (hakarat hatov) and the importance of recognizing divine kindness in every challenge.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ta'anit 9a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the miracles performed for the Israelites in the wilderness, particularly the provision of water from the rock.
📖 Chullin 60b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the hardships faced by the Israelites in the wilderness and God's providence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 8:15 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 8:15 describes how Hashem guided the Jewish people through the harsh wilderness, protecting them from dangers like venomous snakes and scorpions, and providing water from a rock despite the dry conditions. This verse highlights Hashem's constant care and miracles during the Exodus.
Q: Why is the wilderness called 'great and terrible' in Deuteronomy 8:15?
A: Rashi explains that the wilderness was 'great' because of its vast, uninhabitable size, and 'terrible' because of its dangers, such as snakes and scorpions. Despite these challenges, Hashem protected and sustained the Jewish people, showing His kindness and power.
Q: What is the significance of the 'rock of flint' in Deuteronomy 8:15?
A: The 'rock of flint' (צוּר הַחַלָּמִישׁ) refers to the miracle when Moshe struck the rock to bring forth water (Numbers 20:11). The Midrash teaches that this rock was hard like flint, emphasizing that Hashem can provide sustenance even from the most unlikely sources.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 8:15 apply to us today?
A: This verse reminds us to recognize Hashem's constant protection in our lives, even in difficult times. Just as He provided for the Jewish people in the wilderness, we must trust in His kindness and remember that He sustains us in all circumstances.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the dangers mentioned in Deuteronomy 8:15?
A: The snakes and scorpions symbolize life's challenges. The Rambam teaches that just as Hashem protected the Jewish people from physical dangers, we must seek His guidance to overcome spiritual and physical obstacles, reinforcing our faith in His providence.