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Exodus 23:32 - Shun idolatrous alliances—Divine command.

Exodus 23:32 - שמות 23:32

Hebrew Text

לֹא־תִכְרֹת לָהֶם וְלֵאלֹהֵיהֶם בְּרִית׃

English Translation

Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods.

Transliteration

Lo-tichrot lahem ve-leiloheihem brit.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹֽא־תִכְרֹ֥ת לָהֶ֛ם וְלֵאלֹֽהֵיהֶ֖ם בְּרִֽית׃
לֹֽא־תִכְרֹ֥ת לָהֶ֛ם וְלֵאלֹֽהֵיהֶ֖ם בְּרִֽית׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition Against Covenants with Idolaters

The verse (Shemot 23:32) states: "לֹא־תִכְרֹת לָהֶם וְלֵאלֹהֵיהֶם בְּרִית" ("Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods"). This prohibition is understood by Orthodox Jewish commentators as a fundamental warning against forming alliances or agreements with idolatrous nations and their deities.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that this prohibition extends to both political treaties and religious compromises. He emphasizes that any covenant with idolaters risks leading Bnei Yisrael astray, as familiarity with their practices may weaken commitment to Torah values. Rashi cites the example of King Solomon's marriages to foreign women, which ultimately led to idolatry being introduced in Yerushalayim (Melachim I 11:1-8).

Rambam's Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 10:6), the Rambam (Maimonides) rules that this prohibition applies even when there is no immediate danger of being drawn to idolatry. He explains that any association with idolaters in a binding agreement constitutes a violation, as it implicitly legitimizes their false beliefs.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • The Mechilta (a halachic Midrash on Shemot) teaches that this prohibition includes both formal treaties and informal alliances, as any such relationship could lead to intermarriage or cultural assimilation.
  • The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 20a) discusses how this verse serves as the basis for limiting business partnerships with idolaters, lest it lead to social bonding and eventual religious compromise.
  • The Sifrei (Devarim 7:2) connects this verse to the broader commandment to eradicate idolatry, explaining that covenants would hinder this mission by creating obligations toward idolaters.

Practical Halachic Implications

Poskim (halachic decisors) derive from this verse several practical laws:

  • Prohibition against forming military alliances with idolatrous nations (Rambam, Hilchot Melachim 10:1).
  • Restrictions on settling idolaters in Eretz Yisrael (Ramban on Devarim 7:2).
  • Caution against any agreements that might lead to recognizing or supporting idolatrous practices (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 151).

Spiritual Dimension

The Kli Yakar (Rabbi Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz) explains that the dual phrasing ("with them and with their gods") teaches that political alliances inevitably lead to spiritual corruption. He notes that the yetzer hara (evil inclination) often begins with seemingly harmless social or economic ties before progressing to religious syncretism.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Avodah Zarah 20a
The verse is discussed in the context of prohibitions against forming alliances with idolaters and their gods, emphasizing the separation required by Jewish law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods' mean in Exodus 23:32?
A: This verse commands the Jewish people not to form alliances or agreements with the idolatrous nations of Canaan or adopt any of their religious practices. Rashi explains that this prohibition includes not making treaties that would lead to intermarriage or adopting their ways, as it could lead to spiritual corruption.
Q: Why is it important not to make a covenant with idol-worshippers?
A: The Torah warns against forming covenants with idol-worshippers because their beliefs and practices contradict monotheism. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 10:1) teaches that such alliances can lead to assimilation and weaken Jewish faith. Maintaining spiritual purity is essential to fulfilling our covenant with Hashem.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today?
A: While we no longer face the same idolatrous nations as in biblical times, the principle remains relevant. Orthodox Judaism teaches that we must avoid spiritual compromises and influences that contradict Torah values. This includes being cautious of ideologies or lifestyles that conflict with halacha (Jewish law).
Q: Does this mean Jews can't have peaceful relations with non-Jews?
A: No. The Torah permits peaceful and ethical dealings with non-Jews (see Rambam, Hilchot Melachim 10:12). The prohibition here specifically refers to covenants that could lead to adopting foreign religious practices or abandoning Torah principles. Basic kindness and fair treatment of all people are still required.
Q: What can we learn from this commandment in Exodus 23:32?
A: This teaches the importance of maintaining Jewish spiritual integrity. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 30:14) emphasizes that closeness to foreign beliefs can lead Jews astray. The verse reminds us to safeguard our unique relationship with Hashem by avoiding influences that contradict Torah values.