share torah logo

Exodus 23:25 - Serve God, receive divine blessings.

Exodus 23:25 - שמות 23:25

Hebrew Text

וַעֲבַדְתֶּם אֵת יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם וּבֵרַךְ אֶת־לַחְמְךָ וְאֶת־מֵימֶיךָ וַהֲסִרֹתִי מַחֲלָה מִקִּרְבֶּךָ׃

English Translation

And you shall serve the Lord your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.

Transliteration

Va'avadtem et Adonai Eloheichem uverach et-lachmecha ve'et-meimecha vahasiroti machala mikirbecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַעֲבַדְתֶּ֗ם אֵ֚ת יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם וּבֵרַ֥ךְ אֶֽת־לַחְמְךָ֖ וְאֶת־מֵימֶ֑יךָ וַהֲסִרֹתִ֥י מַחֲלָ֖ה מִקִּרְבֶּֽךָ׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וַעֲבַדְתֶּ֗ם אֵ֚ת יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם וּבֵרַ֥ךְ אֶֽת־לַחְמְךָ֖ וְאֶת־מֵימֶ֑יךָ וַהֲסִרֹתִ֥י מַחֲלָ֖ה מִקִּרְבֶּֽךָ׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

The verse appears in Shemot (Exodus) 23:25, within a section detailing the blessings that will follow Bnei Yisrael's faithful service to Hashem. It is part of the broader covenant at Har Sinai, emphasizing the reciprocal relationship between divine commandments and divine reward.

Meaning of "וַעֲבַדְתֶּם אֵת יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם" ("And you shall serve the Lord your God")

Rashi explains that "service" here refers to Torah study and mitzvah observance, particularly avodah shebalev (service of the heart), i.e., prayer (based on Ta'anit 2a). The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 9:1) expands that true divine service must be performed out of love for Hashem, not merely for the sake of reward.

Blessings of Sustenance: "וּבֵרַךְ אֶת־לַחְמְךָ וְאֶת־מֵימֶיךָ" ("He shall bless thy bread, and thy water")

The Midrash Tanchuma (Eikev 1) teaches that bread and water represent the most basic necessities. The blessing signifies that when one serves Hashem sincerely, even minimal sustenance will be spiritually and physically fulfilling. The Sforno adds that this blessing ensures that one's food will nourish properly without causing harm or waste.

Divine Protection from Illness: "וַהֲסִרֹתִי מַחֲלָה מִקִּרְבֶּךָ" ("I will take sickness away from the midst of thee")

The Ibn Ezra connects this to the previous clause—properly blessed food will not bring illness. The Ramban emphasizes that this is a collective promise: when Klal Yisrael lives according to Torah, epidemics and widespread ailments will not afflict them (as seen in Devarim 7:15). The Chizkuni notes that this includes both physical and spiritual maladies, as sin often manifests as suffering.

Halachic and Ethical Implications

  • Priority of Divine Service: The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 432) derives from this verse that one must prioritize serving Hashem over material pursuits, trusting that sustenance will follow.
  • Gratitude for Basic Needs: The Kli Yakar teaches that recognizing Hashem's blessing in bread and water cultivates humility and appreciation, preventing arrogance in times of abundance.
  • Health and Mitzvot: The Baal HaTurim links this verse to Devarim 28:47-48, warning that neglecting divine service leads to hardship, while observance brings health and prosperity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Mekhilta d'Rabbi Yishmael Masekhta d'Vayehi Beshalach, Parasha 6
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the blessings that come from serving God, particularly in relation to the manna in the wilderness as a symbol of divine providence.
📖 Sifrei Devarim Piska 42
The verse is cited in a discussion about the rewards for serving God, linking the physical blessings of food and health to spiritual obedience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'serve the Lord your God' mean in Exodus 23:25?
A: According to Rashi and traditional Jewish interpretation, 'serving the Lord your God' refers to fulfilling the mitzvot (commandments) and studying Torah. This includes both ritual commandments (like prayer and holidays) and ethical commandments (like charity and kindness). The Rambam explains that serving God means directing all actions toward fulfilling His will.
Q: Why does the verse connect serving God with blessings of food and health?
A: The Midrash teaches that when we dedicate ourselves to serving Hashem, He provides for our physical needs so we can focus on spiritual growth. The promise of blessed food and health (removing sickness) shows that material well-being is contingent on our spiritual commitment. This idea appears throughout Tanach - that proper service leads to divine blessing.
Q: How does 'I will take sickness away from your midst' apply today?
A: The Talmud (Bava Metzia 107b) explains that sickness comes when we neglect Torah study and mitzvot. While we don't see this promise fulfilled completely today (as we are not all perfectly serving Hashem), the principle remains - living according to Torah brings spiritual and physical benefits. Many note that Jewish law's emphasis on hygiene and ethical living promotes health.
Q: What does it mean that God will bless 'your bread and water'?
A: Rashi explains that bread and water represent basic sustenance. The blessing means that when we serve Hashem properly, even simple food will satisfy and nourish us. The Talmud (Ta'anit 24b) shares stories of tzaddikim (righteous people) who were sustained miraculously on little food when they were engaged in Torah study.
Q: Is this verse a promise or a commandment?
A: It contains both: The first part ('you shall serve...') is a commandment, while the rest is a promise from Hashem for fulfilling it. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 9:1) explains that these blessings are the natural consequence of proper service - when we align with Hashem's will, we merit His blessings in all areas of life.