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Deuteronomy 8:4 - Divine care in wilderness wandering

Deuteronomy 8:4 - דברים 8:4

Hebrew Text

שִׂמְלָתְךָ לֹא בָלְתָה מֵעָלֶיךָ וְרַגְלְךָ לֹא בָצֵקָה זֶה אַרְבָּעִים שָׁנָה׃

English Translation

Thy garment grew not old upon thee, nor did thy foot swell, these forty years.

Transliteration

Simlatcha lo valta me'alecha v'raglecha lo batzeka ze arba'im shana.

Hebrew Leining Text

שִׂמְלָ֨תְךָ֜ לֹ֤א בָֽלְתָה֙ מֵֽעָלֶ֔יךָ וְרַגְלְךָ֖ לֹ֣א בָצֵ֑קָה זֶ֖ה אַרְבָּעִ֥ים שָׁנָֽה׃
שִׂמְלָ֨תְךָ֜ לֹ֤א בָֽלְתָה֙ מֵֽעָלֶ֔יךָ וְרַגְלְךָ֖ לֹ֣א בָצֵ֑קָה זֶ֖ה אַרְבָּעִ֥ים שָׁנָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 8:4

This verse appears in Moshe's speech to Bnei Yisrael, recounting Hashem's miraculous providence during their 40 years in the wilderness. It emphasizes how their basic needs were supernaturally sustained despite the harsh desert conditions.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 8:4) explains that the miracle of their clothing not wearing out was twofold:

  • Children's garments grew with them: The clothes miraculously expanded as the children grew, so they never needed replacement.
  • Clouds cleaned and pressed garments: The Ananei HaKavod (Clouds of Glory) laundered and maintained their clothing, keeping them fresh.

Ibn Ezra on "Nor Did Thy Foot Swell"

Ibn Ezra notes that the phrase "לֹא בָצֵקָה" refers to the feet not becoming swollen despite constant walking. This was miraculous because:

  • Normal desert travel would cause severe foot ailments from heat and rough terrain.
  • Their shoes (given at Yetziat Mitzrayim) remained intact, protecting them.

Midrashic Insights (Devarim Rabbah 3:11)

The Midrash elaborates on these miracles:

  • Garments as Divine Protection: Their clothes didn't fade or tear, symbolizing Hashem's constant protection.
  • Footwear from Exodus: The shoes they wore when leaving Egypt lasted the entire 40 years, showing that their redemption was Divinely sustained.

Rambam's Perspective (Guide for the Perplexed 3:24)

Rambam views these miracles as educational tools:

  • They demonstrated Hashem's ability to override nature for His people.
  • They reinforced emunah (faith) by showing constant Divine care in basic needs.

Chassidic Interpretation (Sefat Emet)

The Sefat Emet connects this to spiritual sustenance:

  • Garments represent mitzvot: Just as their physical clothes didn't wear out, their spiritual "garments" (mitzvot) remained fresh and meaningful.
  • Feet symbolize journey: Their unswollen feet show that with Divine guidance, the journey toward kedusha (holiness) has no debilitating hardships.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 60b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the miraculous provisions for the Israelites during their 40 years in the wilderness, emphasizing God's care for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 8:4 mean when it says 'Thy garment grew not old upon thee'?
A: According to Rashi and other traditional Jewish commentators, this verse refers to the miracles experienced by the Israelites in the desert. Their clothes did not wear out, and their shoes did not deteriorate—showing Hashem's constant care for them during the 40 years of wandering.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 8:4 important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse highlights Hashem's kindness and providence during the Israelites' journey in the wilderness. The Talmud (Chullin 60b) and Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explain that their garments even grew with the children, demonstrating that miracles were continuous and not just one-time events.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 8:4 today?
A: The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that this verse reminds us to recognize Hashem's daily miracles in our lives, even if they are not as obvious as in the desert. Just as He provided for the Israelites, we must trust in His constant care and express gratitude for our sustenance.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 8:4 relate to the concept of bitachon (trust in Hashem)?
A: The verse reinforces the idea of bitachon by showing that Hashem provides for all needs—even clothing and shoes—when we follow His ways. The Sforno explains that this was to teach the Israelites (and future generations) complete reliance on Hashem, especially during difficult journeys.
Q: Why does the verse mention 'forty years' specifically?
A: The forty years correspond to the duration of the Israelites' wandering in the desert (as punishment for the sin of the spies). The Midrash Tanchuma notes that this miracle lasted the entire time to show that Hashem's mercy endures even when we face consequences for our actions.