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Deuteronomy 9:22 - Israel's repeated rebellions angered God

Deuteronomy 9:22 - דברים 9:22

Hebrew Text

וּבְתַבְעֵרָה וּבְמַסָּה וּבְקִבְרֹת הַתַּאֲוָה מַקְצִפִים הֱיִיתֶם אֶת־יְהוָה׃

English Translation

And at Tav῾era, and at Massa, and at Qivrot-hatta᾽ava, you provoked the Lord to anger.

Transliteration

Uvetav'era uvemasa uvkivrot hata'avah maktzifim heyitem et-Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבְתַבְעֵרָה֙ וּבְמַסָּ֔ה וּבְקִבְרֹ֖ת הַֽתַּאֲוָ֑ה מַקְצִפִ֥ים הֱיִיתֶ֖ם אֶת־יְהֹוָֽה׃
וּבְתַבְעֵרָה֙ וּבְמַסָּ֔ה וּבְקִבְרֹ֖ת הַֽתַּאֲוָ֑ה מַקְצִפִ֥ים הֱיִיתֶ֖ם אֶת־יְהֹוָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 9:22) recalls three instances where Bnei Yisrael provoked Hashem's anger during their journey in the wilderness: Tav'era, Massa, and Kivrot HaTa'avah. These events serve as rebukes for the people's lack of faith and disobedience.

Explanation of the Three Incidents

  • Tav'era (תבערה): Rashi (Bamidbar 11:1-3) explains that this refers to the incident where the people complained, leading to a fire from Hashem consuming the outskirts of the camp. The name "Tav'era" (burning) reflects the divine punishment.
  • Massa (מסה): Ramban (Shemot 17:7) connects this to the episode at Refidim, where Bnei Yisrael tested Hashem by doubting His presence, asking, "Is Hashem among us or not?" The name "Massa" (testing) signifies their lack of faith.
  • Kivrot HaTa'avah (קברות התאוה): The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:22) describes how the people craved meat, leading to the plague after consuming quail. The name "Kivrot HaTa'avah" (graves of craving) reflects their sinful desire and its consequences.

Spiritual Lessons

The Sforno emphasizes that these incidents demonstrate the dangers of ingratitude and misplaced desires. Instead of trusting in Hashem's providence, Bnei Yisrael succumbed to complaints and physical cravings, leading to divine chastisement.

Connection to Moshe's Rebuke

Rabbeinu Bachya notes that Moshe mentions these events in Devarim to remind the people of their past failures before entering Eretz Yisrael. The repetition serves as a warning to avoid repeating these sins in the future.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 9:22 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 9:22 refers to three incidents where the Israelites angered Hashem during their journey in the wilderness: Tav'era (where they complained about hardships), Massa (where they tested Hashem by doubting His presence), and Kivrot HaTa'avah (where they craved meat and rejected the manna). Rashi explains that these events demonstrated the people's lack of faith and gratitude despite Hashem's constant miracles.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 9:22 important?
A: This verse is important because it reminds us of the consequences of ingratitude and lack of trust in Hashem. The Talmud (Berachot 32a) teaches that complaining and testing Hashem can lead to spiritual downfall. The verse serves as a warning to avoid repeating these mistakes and to strengthen our faith.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 9:22 today?
A: We learn that even when facing challenges, we must avoid complaining and instead trust in Hashem's plan. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:3) teaches that cultivating gratitude and patience helps us grow spiritually. The incidents in this verse remind us to appreciate Hashem's blessings rather than focus on temporary desires.
Q: What were the specific sins mentioned in Deuteronomy 9:22?
A: The three sins were: 1) At Tav'era, the Israelites complained about their hardships (Numbers 11:1-3). 2) At Massa, they doubted Hashem's presence and demanded water (Exodus 17:7). 3) At Kivrot HaTa'avah, they craved meat and rejected the manna (Numbers 11:4-34). The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 9:22) explains that these sins showed a pattern of rebellion.
Q: How does this verse connect to repentance?
A: Deuteronomy 9:22 is part of Moshe's rebuke to the Israelites before entering the Land of Israel, reminding them of past failures to encourage improvement. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 2:1) teaches that acknowledging past mistakes is the first step toward repentance. This verse emphasizes learning from history to avoid repeating sins.