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Leviticus 20:24 - Divinely chosen land promise

Leviticus 20:24 - ויקרא 20:24

Hebrew Text

וָאֹמַר לָכֶם אַתֶּם תִּירְשׁוּ אֶת־אַדְמָתָם וַאֲנִי אֶתְּנֶנָּה לָכֶם לָרֶשֶׁת אֹתָהּ אֶרֶץ זָבַת חָלָב וּדְבָשׁ אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם אֲשֶׁר־הִבְדַּלְתִּי אֶתְכֶם מִן־הָעַמִּים׃

English Translation

But I have said to you, You shall inherit their land, and I will give it to you to possess it, a land that flows with milk and honey: I am the Lord your God, who have separated you from the peoples.

Transliteration

Va'omar lakhem atem tirshu et-admatam va'ani etnenah lakhem lareshet otah eretz zavat chalav udvash ani Adonai Eloheichem asher-hivdalti etchem min-ha'amim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וָאֹמַ֣ר לָכֶ֗ם אַתֶּם֮ תִּֽירְשׁ֣וּ אֶת־אַדְמָתָם֒ וַאֲנִ֞י אֶתְּנֶ֤נָּה לָכֶם֙ לָרֶ֣שֶׁת אֹתָ֔הּ אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּדְבָ֑שׁ אֲנִי֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁר־הִבְדַּ֥לְתִּי אֶתְכֶ֖ם מִן־הָֽעַמִּֽים׃
וָאֹמַ֣ר לָכֶ֗ם אַתֶּם֮ תִּֽירְשׁ֣וּ אֶת־אַדְמָתָם֒ וַאֲנִ֞י אֶתְּנֶ֤נָּה לָכֶם֙ לָרֶ֣שֶׁת אֹתָ֔הּ אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּדְבָ֑שׁ אֲנִי֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁר־הִבְדַּ֥לְתִּי אֶתְכֶ֖ם מִן־הָֽעַמִּֽים׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context and Overview

The verse appears in Vayikra (Leviticus) 20:24, where Hashem reassures Bnei Yisrael of their inheritance of Eretz Yisrael—a land flowing with milk and honey—and emphasizes their unique sanctity as a nation set apart from other peoples. This promise is part of a broader exhortation to uphold kedushah (holiness) by observing mitzvot.

Inheritance of the Land

Rashi explains that the phrase "You shall inherit their land" refers to the expulsion of the Canaanite nations, whose moral corruption (as detailed earlier in the parashah) disqualified them from retaining the land. The land itself is intrinsically holy, as Ramban (Nachmanides) notes, and thus requires a nation living by Hashem’s laws to merit dwelling there. The promise is conditional on Bnei Yisrael’s adherence to Torah.

"A Land Flowing with Milk and Honey"

The description of Eretz Yisrael as "flowing with milk and honey" is interpreted both literally and metaphorically:

  • Literally: The Talmud (Ketubot 111b) describes the land’s abundance—milk representing the richness of livestock, and honey (from dates, not bees) symbolizing agricultural fertility.
  • Metaphorically: The Midrash (Sifra) teaches that "milk" alludes to the sweetness of Torah wisdom, while "honey" represents the reward for mitzvot. The land’s physical bounty reflects its spiritual potential.

Separation from the Nations

Hashem declares, "I have separated you from the peoples," underscoring the unique role of Bnei Yisrael. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 11:1) explains this as a call to avoid assimilation into foreign cultures and their idolatrous practices. The Sforno adds that this separation enables the Jewish people to serve as a "kingdom of priests" (Shemot 19:6), modeling divine ethics to humanity.

The Divine Guarantee

The verse concludes with "I am the Lord your God," affirming that the covenant and land-gift are rooted in Hashem’s eternal authority. As the Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) emphasizes, this declaration reinforces that the bond between Hashem and Klal Yisrael is unchanging, even when challenges arise in inheriting or retaining the land.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ketubot 111a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the virtues of the Land of Israel and God's promise to the Jewish people.
📖 Sotah 11b
The verse is cited in relation to the divine promise of the Land of Israel to the Israelites, emphasizing its fertility and holiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'a land that flows with milk and honey' mean in Leviticus 20:24?
A: The phrase 'a land flowing with milk and honey' is a metaphor describing the fertility and abundance of the Land of Israel. According to Rashi, 'milk' refers to the richness of livestock, and 'honey' refers to the sweetness of fruits like dates and figs. This description emphasizes the land's suitability for sustaining the Jewish people.
Q: Why does G-d say He has 'separated you from the peoples' in this verse?
A: This highlights the unique relationship between G-d and the Jewish people. The Rambam explains that separation (havdalah) means being set apart for holiness through mitzvot (commandments). The Jewish people were chosen to live by a higher spiritual standard, distinct from other nations, as part of their covenant with G-d.
Q: What is the significance of inheriting the land in Leviticus 20:24?
A: The promise of inheriting the Land of Israel is a central theme in the Torah. The Talmud (Ketubot 110b) teaches that living in the Land of Israel is equivalent to observing all the mitzvot. This verse reinforces that the land was given as an eternal inheritance to the Jewish people as part of their covenant with G-d.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today?
A: This verse reminds Jews of their spiritual mission and connection to the Land of Israel. The Midrash (Sifra) teaches that the commandments are best observed in the Land of Israel. Even today, Orthodox Jews pray for the return to and rebuilding of Jerusalem, seeing it as a fulfillment of G-d's promise.
Q: Why does G-d mention His name at the end of this verse?
A: By stating 'I am the L-rd your G-d,' the verse emphasizes that this promise is a divine covenant, not just a historical event. Rashi explains that G-d's name signifies His eternal presence and reliability—assuring the Jewish people that His promises are everlasting and rooted in their special relationship with Him.