share torah logo

Deuteronomy 9:3 - Divine fire clears path.

Deuteronomy 9:3 - דברים 9:3

Hebrew Text

וְיָדַעְתָּ הַיּוֹם כִּי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ הוּא־הָעֹבֵר לְפָנֶיךָ אֵשׁ אֹכְלָה הוּא יַשְׁמִידֵם וְהוּא יַכְנִיעֵם לְפָנֶיךָ וְהוֹרַשְׁתָּם וְהַאַבַדְתָּם מַהֵר כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יְהוָה לָךְ׃

English Translation

Understand therefore this day, that the Lord thy God is he who goes over before thee; as a consuming fire he shall destroy them, and he shall bring them down before thy face: so shalt thou drive them out, and destroy them quickly, as the Lord has said to thee.

Transliteration

Veyadata hayom ki Adonai Eloheicha hu ha'over lefaneicha esh ochlah hu yashmidem vehu yachni'em lefaneicha vehorashtam veha'avadtam maher ka'asher diber Adonai lach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְיָדַעְתָּ֣ הַיּ֗וֹם כִּי֩ יְהֹוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֶ֜יךָ הֽוּא־הָעֹבֵ֤ר לְפָנֶ֙יךָ֙ אֵ֣שׁ אֹֽכְלָ֔ה ה֧וּא יַשְׁמִידֵ֛ם וְה֥וּא יַכְנִיעֵ֖ם לְפָנֶ֑יךָ וְהֽוֹרַשְׁתָּ֤ם וְהַֽאֲבַדְתָּם֙ מַהֵ֔ר כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה לָֽךְ׃
וְיָדַעְתָּ֣ הַיּ֗וֹם כִּי֩ יְהֹוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֶ֜יךָ הֽוּא־הָעֹבֵ֤ר לְפָנֶ֙יךָ֙ אֵ֣שׁ אֹֽכְלָ֔ה ה֧וּא יַשְׁמִידֵ֛ם וְה֥וּא יַכְנִיעֵ֖ם לְפָנֶ֑יךָ וְהֽוֹרַשְׁתָּ֤ם וְהַֽאֲבַדְתָּם֙ מַהֵ֔ר כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה לָֽךְ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Nature of Divine Intervention

The verse emphasizes that Hashem is the one who leads Bnei Yisrael into battle, acting as a "consuming fire" (אֵשׁ אֹכְלָה). Rashi explains that this metaphor illustrates Hashem's power to utterly destroy the enemies of Israel, just as fire consumes everything in its path. The Ramban adds that this imagery also serves as a reminder that victory does not come through human strength alone, but through divine providence.

The Role of Human Effort

Despite Hashem's direct intervention, the verse states, "so shalt thou drive them out" (וְהוֹרַשְׁתָּם), indicating that human action is still required. The Talmud (Sotah 44b) derives from this that Bnei Yisrael must actively participate in their redemption, even when miracles occur. This aligns with the principle of hishtadlut (human effort) in Jewish thought, where divine assistance follows human initiative.

The Speed of Fulfillment

The phrase "quickly, as the Lord has said to thee" (מַהֵר כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יְהוָה לָךְ) underscores the certainty and immediacy of Hashem's promises. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 4:3) connects this to the idea that when Bnei Yisrael act with faith and obedience, divine assistance is swift. The Sforno notes that this immediacy is a sign of Hashem's special relationship with His people, ensuring their success when they adhere to His will.

Lessons for Spiritual Warfare

  • Divine Protection: Just as Hashem fought for Israel against physical enemies, He aids in overcoming spiritual challenges when we align with His will (based on Rambam's Hilchot De'ot).
  • Active Partnership: The juxtaposition of divine and human roles teaches that we must combine prayer and effort to achieve success (as emphasized in Mesillat Yesharim).
  • Trust in Promises: The fulfillment "as the Lord has said" reinforces emunah (faith) in Hashem's unwavering commitments (a theme in Chovot HaLevavot).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 7a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about God's attributes and His role as a protector and destroyer of enemies.
📖 Sotah 35a
The verse is cited in the context of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan, emphasizing God's active role in their victories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'the Lord your God is a consuming fire' mean in Deuteronomy 9:3?
A: The phrase 'a consuming fire' symbolizes Hashem's power to destroy evil and protect His people. Rashi explains that just as fire burns and purifies, Hashem will eliminate obstacles for the Jewish people as they enter the Land of Israel. This teaches us about Hashem's justice and protection for those who follow His ways.
Q: Why does the verse say Hashem will 'destroy them quickly'?
A: The Ramban teaches that the phrase 'destroy them quickly' emphasizes Hashem's ability to fulfill His promises without delay. When the Jewish people are faithful to the Torah, Hashem intervenes swiftly to help them overcome enemies, as seen in the conquest of the Land of Israel. This reminds us of divine providence in Jewish history.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 9:3 apply to us today?
A: The Sforno explains that this verse teaches us to recognize Hashem's hand in our lives—just as He guided the Jewish people in biblical times, He continues to protect and assist us when we uphold Torah values. Today, we apply this by trusting in Hashem's justice and seeking His help in overcoming challenges.
Q: What is the significance of 'He shall go before you' in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 35a) interprets this as Hashem leading the Jewish people in battle, showing that victory comes through divine assistance, not human strength alone. This idea reinforces the importance of faith and reliance on Hashem, especially when facing difficult situations in life.
Q: Why does the verse say 'understand this day'?
A: Rashi explains that Moshe emphasizes 'this day' to teach that recognizing Hashem's role in our lives should be a constant, present awareness—not just a historical fact. The Midrash adds that every generation must internalize this lesson of divine protection and guidance in their own time.