share torah logo

Deuteronomy 9:24 - Israel's persistent defiance questioned

Deuteronomy 9:24 - דברים 9:24

Hebrew Text

מַמְרִים הֱיִיתֶם עִם־יְהוָה מִיּוֹם דַּעְתִּי אֶתְכֶם׃

English Translation

You have been rebellious against the Lord from the day that I knew you.

Transliteration

Mamrim heyitem im-Adonai miyom da'ati etkhem.

Hebrew Leining Text

מַמְרִ֥ים הֱיִיתֶ֖ם עִם־יְהֹוָ֑ה מִיּ֖וֹם דַּעְתִּ֥י אֶתְכֶֽם׃
מַמְרִ֥ים הֱיִיתֶ֖ם עִם־יְהֹוָ֑ה מִיּ֖וֹם דַּעְתִּ֥י אֶתְכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 9:24) appears in Moshe's rebuke to Bnei Yisrael before his death, recalling their repeated rebellions during their journey in the wilderness. Moshe emphasizes their persistent defiance against Hashem despite witnessing His miracles.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "מִיּוֹם דַּעְתִּי אֶתְכֶם" ("from the day that I knew you") refers to the very beginning of Moshe's leadership, starting from the Exodus from Mitzrayim. He cites examples of their rebellions, such as the sin of the Golden Calf (Cheit HaEgel) and the complaints at Mei Merivah, demonstrating a pattern of disobedience.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra notes that the term "מַמְרִים" ("rebellious") implies a deliberate and ongoing resistance to Hashem's authority. He connects this behavior to the natural human tendency to challenge divine commandments, especially when facing hardship or uncertainty.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 3:6) elaborates that Bnei Yisrael's rebellious nature was evident even before receiving the Torah at Har Sinai. Their lack of complete faith and constant testing of Hashem's patience demonstrated a deep-seated struggle with submission to divine will.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 4:1) uses this verse to highlight the concept of free will. Despite witnessing open miracles, Bnei Yisrael chose rebellion, underscoring that even in the face of clear divine revelation, human beings retain the capacity to disobey.

Practical Lessons

  • Self-Reflection: The verse serves as a reminder to examine our own actions for moments of rebellion against Hashem's commandments.
  • Gratitude: Recognizing Hashem's constant benevolence can help counteract tendencies toward complaint and defiance.
  • Community Responsibility: The collective nature of the rebuke teaches the importance of fostering a community dedicated to Torah values.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 110a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the rebellion of Korach and his followers, illustrating the theme of rebellion against divine authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'You have been rebellious against the Lord' mean in Deuteronomy 9:24?
A: This verse refers to the Israelites' repeated disobedience and lack of faith in Hashem during their journey in the wilderness, despite witnessing His miracles. Rashi explains that this rebellion included incidents like the Golden Calf and complaints about food and water.
Q: Why does the verse say 'from the day that I knew you'?
A: The phrase 'from the day that I knew you' means from the very beginning of their relationship with Hashem, starting from their redemption from Egypt. The Midrash teaches that this shows how quickly they turned away, emphasizing human tendencies toward ingratitude and forgetfulness of divine kindness.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 9:24 today?
A: This verse reminds us to reflect on our own actions and avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that recognizing our faults is the first step toward repentance (teshuvah). We must strive for consistent faith and gratitude to Hashem in our daily lives.
Q: How does Orthodox Judaism interpret the word 'rebellious' in this context?
A: In Jewish tradition, 'rebellious' (מַמְרִים) implies deliberate defiance against Hashem's commandments. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 110a) discusses how rebellion often stems from arrogance or lack of trust in divine providence. This serves as a warning to avoid stubbornness in spiritual matters.
Q: Why is this verse important in the Book of Deuteronomy?
A: This verse is part of Moshe's rebuke to the Israelites before entering the Land of Israel. It underscores that their success depends on obedience to Hashem, not their own merit. As the Sifrei explains, it prepares them for the challenges ahead by reminding them of past failures to avoid repeating them.