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Deuteronomy 8:19 - Forgetting G-d brings destruction?

Deuteronomy 8:19 - דברים 8:19

Hebrew Text

וְהָיָה אִם־שָׁכֹחַ תִּשְׁכַּח אֶת־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ וְהָלַכְתָּ אַחֲרֵי אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים וַעֲבַדְתָּם וְהִשְׁתַּחֲוִיתָ לָהֶם הַעִדֹתִי בָכֶם הַיּוֹם כִּי אָבֹד תֹּאבֵדוּן׃

English Translation

And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the Lord thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish.

Transliteration

Vehayah im-shakhoach tishkach et-Adonai Eloheicha vehalachta acharei elohim acheirim va'avadtam vehishtachavita lahem ha'idoti vachem hayom ki avod toveidun.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָיָ֗ה אִם־שָׁכֹ֤חַ תִּשְׁכַּח֙ אֶת־יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ וְהָֽלַכְתָּ֗ אַחֲרֵי֙ אֱלֹהִ֣ים אֲחֵרִ֔ים וַעֲבַדְתָּ֖ם וְהִשְׁתַּחֲוִ֣יתָ לָהֶ֑ם הַעִדֹ֤תִי בָכֶם֙ הַיּ֔וֹם כִּ֥י אָבֹ֖ד תֹּאבֵדֽוּן׃
וְהָיָ֗ה אִם־שָׁכֹ֤חַ תִּשְׁכַּח֙ אֶת־יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ וְהָֽלַכְתָּ֗ אַחֲרֵי֙ אֱלֹהִ֣ים אֲחֵרִ֔ים וַעֲבַדְתָּ֖ם וְהִשְׁתַּחֲוִ֣יתָ לָהֶ֑ם הַעִדֹ֤תִי בָכֶם֙ הַיּ֔וֹם כִּ֥י אָבֹ֖ד תֹּאבֵדֽוּן׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context and Meaning of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 8:19) serves as a stern warning against idolatry and forgetting Hashem. It appears in Moshe’s final address to Bnei Yisrael, emphasizing the consequences of abandoning their covenant with Hashem. The repetition of "שָׁכֹחַ תִּשְׁכַּח" ("if you indeed forget") underscores the severity of deliberate neglect of divine commandments.

Rashi’s Interpretation

Rashi explains that forgetting Hashem leads to idol worship ("וְהָלַכְתָּ אַחֲרֵי אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים"). He notes that the progression is inevitable: when one forgets Torah study and mitzvot, they ultimately turn to foreign deities. Rashi also highlights the phrase "הַעִדֹתִי בָכֶם הַיּוֹם" ("I testify against you this day"), emphasizing that Moshe’s warning is a formal testimony for future generations.

Rambam’s Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 1:1-2) discusses how forgetting Hashem leads to theological errors, such as attributing divine power to intermediaries (e.g., stars or angels). He warns that this distortion is the root of idolatry. The verse’s phrasing—"אָבֹד תֹּאבֵדוּן" ("you shall surely perish")—reflects the irreversible spiritual and national consequences of such abandonment.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • Sanhedrin 102a: The Talmud links forgetting Hashem to arrogance, citing how prosperity can lead one to deny divine providence, as seen in the case of King Menashe.
  • Sifrei Devarim 43: The Midrash interprets "הַעִדֹתִי בָכֶם" as a call to constant vigilance, teaching that Torah study and mitzvot are safeguards against forgetfulness.

Theological Implications

The verse underscores the principle of reward and punishment (שכר ועונש). Forgetting Hashem is not passive neglect but an active rejection of the covenant, leading to exile and destruction. The doubling of verbs ("תִּשְׁכַּח," "תֹּאבֵדוּן") intensifies the warning, reflecting the gravity of the sin and its consequences.

Practical Lessons

  • Daily Remembrance: Reciting Shema and studying Torah prevent spiritual forgetfulness (Rambam, Hilchot Kriyat Shema 1:2).
  • Gratitude: Recognizing Hashem’s role in sustenance (as highlighted in Devarim 8:10-18) counters arrogance and idolatrous tendencies.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 47a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the consequences of forgetting God and following other deities, emphasizing the severity of idolatry.
📖 Avodah Zarah 5a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the prohibition of idolatry and the dire warnings associated with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 8:19 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 8:19 is a warning from Hashem to the Jewish people about the consequences of forgetting Him and turning to idol worship. The verse emphasizes that abandoning Hashem and serving other gods will lead to destruction. Rashi explains that this serves as a solemn testimony (העידותי) to remind us of the severity of this sin.
Q: Why is forgetting Hashem considered so serious in this verse?
A: Forgetting Hashem is severe because it leads to idolatry, which is one of the gravest sins in Judaism. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah) teaches that serving other gods contradicts the foundation of our faith—the belief in One G-d. This verse warns that such behavior disrupts our covenant with Hashem and brings dire consequences.
Q: How can we apply Deuteronomy 8:19 in our lives today?
A: Today, this verse reminds us to stay mindful of Hashem in all aspects of life, avoiding distractions that may lead us away from Torah values. The Sforno explains that materialism and arrogance can cause us to 'forget' Hashem, so we must cultivate gratitude and humility to remain spiritually connected.
Q: What does 'I testify against you this day' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase 'I testify against you this day' means that Hashem is giving a clear, eternal warning to the Jewish people. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 43a) teaches that testimony in Torah is binding, emphasizing the seriousness of this message. It serves as an everlasting reminder of the consequences of abandoning Hashem.
Q: Does this verse only refer to literal idol worship?
A: While the primary meaning refers to actual idolatry, our sages also interpret this verse as a warning against any form of spiritual distraction. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) teaches that 'other gods' can include anything that takes the place of Hashem in our lives, such as excessive pursuit of wealth or power.