share torah logo

Deuteronomy 8:7 - Divine promise: Israel's blessed land

Deuteronomy 8:7 - דברים 8:7

Hebrew Text

כִּי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ מְבִיאֲךָ אֶל־אֶרֶץ טוֹבָה אֶרֶץ נַחֲלֵי מָיִם עֲיָנֹת וּתְהֹמֹת יֹצְאִים בַּבִּקְעָה וּבָהָר׃

English Translation

For the Lord thy God brings thee into a good land, a land of water courses, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills;

Transliteration

Ki Adonai Elohecha meviacha el-eretz tova, eretz nachalei mayim, ayanot utehomot yotzim bavik'ah uvahar.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּ֚י יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ מְבִֽיאֲךָ֖ אֶל־אֶ֣רֶץ טוֹבָ֑ה אֶ֚רֶץ נַ֣חֲלֵי מָ֔יִם עֲיָנֹת֙ וּתְהֹמֹ֔ת יֹצְאִ֥ים בַּבִּקְעָ֖ה וּבָהָֽר׃
כִּ֚י יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ מְבִֽיאֲךָ֖ אֶל־אֶ֣רֶץ טוֹבָ֑ה אֶ֚רֶץ נַ֣חֲלֵי מָ֔יִם עֲיָנֹת֙ וּתְהֹמֹ֔ת יֹצְאִ֥ים בַּבִּקְעָ֖ה וּבָהָֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Nature of the Land's Blessings

The verse (Devarim 8:7) describes Eretz Yisrael as a "good land" (eretz tovah) with abundant water sources. Rashi explains that this refers to the Land's natural blessings, which are superior to those of Egypt, where water had to be laboriously drawn from the Nile. In contrast, Eretz Yisrael is sustained by rain (Devarim 11:10-11), demonstrating direct Divine providence.

Water as a Symbol of Torah

The Midrash (Tanchuma, Eikev 2) connects the "water courses" (nachalei mayim) to Torah study, as water is essential for life just as Torah is essential for spiritual sustenance. The Rambam (Hilchot Talmud Torah 3:9) similarly emphasizes that Torah flows like water to those who seek it, reflecting the Land's spiritual abundance.

Variety of Water Sources

The verse lists four types of water sources:

  • Nachalei mayim (water courses) – Rivers that flow continuously (Ibn Ezra).
  • Mayanot (fountains) – Natural springs (Sforno).
  • Tehomot (depths) – Underground water reserves (Ramban).
  • Yotzim bavakah u'vahar (springing from valleys and hills) – Water accessible in all terrains (Malbim).

Physical and Spiritual Parallels

The Kli Yakar notes that the Land's topography mirrors spiritual growth: valleys represent humility (like Moshe Rabbeinu), while mountains symbolize striving for higher spiritual levels. Just as water flows to both, Divine blessings reach all who seek them, whether through simple faith or profound wisdom.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ta'anit 10a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the blessings of the Land of Israel and its natural resources.
📖 Ketubot 112a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the fertility and desirability of the Land of Israel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 8:7 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 8:7 describes the Land of Israel as a 'good land' blessed with abundant water sources—streams, springs, and deep waters—flowing in both valleys and mountains. According to Rashi, this emphasizes the land's fertility and suitability for sustaining life, showing Hashem's kindness in bringing the Jewish people to such a prosperous place.
Q: Why is the Land of Israel called a 'good land' in this verse?
A: The Torah calls it a 'good land' because of its natural blessings, particularly its reliable water sources, which were essential for agriculture and survival in ancient times. The Talmud (Ketubot 112a) praises the Land of Israel's uniqueness, and Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 5:10) highlights its spiritual significance as the designated homeland for the Jewish people.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 8:7?
A: This verse teaches gratitude to Hashem for providing sustenance and a blessed homeland. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 38) explains that recognizing these gifts prevents arrogance and reminds us to rely on Hashem, not just on natural resources. It also reinforces the Jewish connection to the Land of Israel as a divine gift.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today?
A: Today, this verse reminds Jews of our historical and spiritual bond with the Land of Israel. Orthodox tradition, as discussed in Ramban's commentary, views settling and cherishing the land as a mitzvah. It also encourages appreciation for Hashem's ongoing blessings, whether in Israel or the diaspora, by recognizing the sources of our sustenance.