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Deuteronomy 9:23 - Rebellion despite divine promise?

Deuteronomy 9:23 - דברים 9:23

Hebrew Text

וּבִשְׁלֹחַ יְהוָה אֶתְכֶם מִקָּדֵשׁ בַּרְנֵעַ לֵאמֹר עֲלוּ וּרְשׁוּ אֶת־הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר נָתַתִּי לָכֶם וַתַּמְרוּ אֶת־פִּי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם וְלֹא הֶאֱמַנְתֶּם לוֹ וְלֹא שְׁמַעְתֶּם בְּקֹלוֹ׃

English Translation

Likewise when the Lord sent you from Qadesh-barne῾a, saying, Go up and possess the land which I have given you; then you rebelled against the commandment of the Lord your God, and you believed him not, nor hearkened to his voice.

Transliteration

Uvishloach Adonai etchem mikadesh barnea lemor alu urshu et-ha'aretz asher natati lachem vatamru et-pi Adonai Eloheichem velo he'emantem lo velo shema'tem bekolo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבִשְׁלֹ֨חַ יְהֹוָ֜ה אֶתְכֶ֗ם מִקָּדֵ֤שׁ בַּרְנֵ֙עַ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר עֲלוּ֙ וּרְשׁ֣וּ אֶת־הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר נָתַ֖תִּי לָכֶ֑ם וַתַּמְר֗וּ אֶת־פִּ֤י יְהֹוָה֙ אֱלֹ֣הֵיכֶ֔ם וְלֹ֤א הֶֽאֱמַנְתֶּם֙ ל֔וֹ וְלֹ֥א שְׁמַעְתֶּ֖ם בְּקֹלֽוֹ׃
וּבִשְׁלֹ֨חַ יְהֹוָ֜ה אֶתְכֶ֗ם מִקָּדֵ֤שׁ בַּרְנֵ֙עַ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר עֲלוּ֙ וּרְשׁ֣וּ אֶת־הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר נָתַ֖תִּי לָכֶ֑ם וַתַּמְר֗וּ אֶת־פִּ֤י יְהֹוָה֙ אֱלֹ֣הֵיכֶ֔ם וְלֹ֤א הֶֽאֱמַנְתֶּם֙ ל֔וֹ וְלֹ֥א שְׁמַעְתֶּ֖ם בְּקֹלֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Devarim 9:23) appears in Moshe's rebuke to Bnei Yisrael, recounting their failure to trust in Hashem's command to enter Eretz Yisrael after the incident of the Meraglim (the spies). The location, Kadesh-Barne'a, is where the tragic episode of the spies unfolded, leading to 40 years of wandering in the desert.

Rebellion Against Hashem's Command

The phrase "וַתַּמְרוּ אֶת־פִּי יְהוָה" ("you rebelled against the commandment of the Lord") is a severe accusation. Rashi explains that this rebellion was not merely disobedience but an outright defiance of Hashem's direct instruction. The Meraglim's report and the people's reaction demonstrated a lack of faith in Hashem's promise to give them the land.

Lack of Faith and Listening

The verse emphasizes two failures:

  • "וְלֹא הֶאֱמַנְתֶּם לוֹ" ("you believed Him not") – The Ramban (Nachmanides) explains that this refers to a fundamental lack of trust in Hashem's ability to fulfill His promise, despite witnessing His miracles in Egypt and the desert.
  • "וְלֹא שְׁמַעְתֶּם בְּקֹלוֹ" ("nor hearkened to His voice") – The Sforno notes that this implies not only a failure to obey but also a refusal to internalize Hashem's words and recognize His authority.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Tanchuma (Shelach 7) elaborates that Bnei Yisrael's sin was compounded by their ingratitude. After experiencing the Exodus, the splitting of the sea, and the giving of the Torah, they still doubted Hashem's power to conquer the land. This lack of faith was seen as a betrayal of their covenant with Hashem.

Lessons for Future Generations

The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 4:1) teaches that this episode serves as a warning against allowing fear and doubt to override emunah (faith). The failure at Kadesh-Barne'a became a defining moment in Jewish history, illustrating the consequences of failing to trust in Hashem's guidance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 9:23 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 9:23 recounts how the Israelites, after being commanded by Hashem to enter and conquer the Land of Israel from Kadesh-barnea, rebelled by refusing to go. They lacked faith in Hashem's promise and did not listen to His voice, as explained by Rashi and other commentators. This verse serves as a reminder of their failure to trust in Hashem during a critical moment.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 9:23 important?
A: This verse is important because it highlights the consequences of lacking faith in Hashem and disobeying His commandments. According to the Talmud and Midrash, this incident led to the 40-year wandering in the wilderness. It teaches us the importance of trust in Hashem and the dangers of rebellion against His will.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 9:23?
A: We learn from this verse the importance of emunah (faith) and listening to Hashem's commandments. The Rambam emphasizes that trust in Hashem is a fundamental principle in Judaism. The Israelites' failure to believe and obey resulted in severe consequences, teaching us to strengthen our faith and follow divine guidance.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 9:23 apply today?
A: Today, this verse reminds us to trust in Hashem's plan, especially during challenges. Just as the Israelites were tested at Kadesh-barnea, we too face moments requiring faith and obedience. The Sages teach that emulating trust in Hashem, rather than rebellion, leads to spiritual growth and fulfillment of His will in our lives.
Q: What was the sin mentioned in Deuteronomy 9:23?
A: The sin was twofold: lack of faith in Hashem ('you believed Him not') and disobedience ('you did not listen to His voice'). Rashi explains that their refusal to enter the Land showed distrust in Hashem's power and promise. This rebellion stemmed from fear of the Canaanites, despite Hashem's assurance of victory.