Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Exodus 20:6 mean when it says Hashem shows mercy to those who love Him and keep His commandments?
A: This verse teaches that Hashem rewards those who sincerely love Him and observe His mitzvot (commandments) with abundant kindness that extends for generations. Rashi explains that this refers to the reward given to those who serve Hashem out of love, not just obligation. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 10:1) emphasizes that true love of Hashem is demonstrated through dedicated Torah study and mitzvah observance.
Q: Why does the verse mention mercy extending to 'thousands of generations'?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 87a) teaches that Hashem's measure of goodness far exceeds His measure of punishment. While consequences for wrongdoing may extend for a few generations (as mentioned in the previous verse), rewards for righteousness continue for thousands of generations. This shows the immense kindness of Hashem to those who follow His ways.
Q: How can we practically 'love Hashem' as mentioned in Exodus 20:6?
A: The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 418) explains that we love Hashem by studying Torah diligently, performing mitzvot with joy, and recognizing His constant kindness in our lives. The Rambam (Sefer HaMitzvot, Positive Commandment 3) states that loving Hashem includes contemplating His greatness as revealed in creation and Torah.
Q: What's the connection between loving Hashem and keeping commandments in this verse?
A: The Sforno explains that these two concepts are inseparable - true love of Hashem naturally leads to keeping His commandments, and proper mitzvah observance deepens one's love for Hashem. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 6:5) compares this to a king who asks his subjects to both love him and guard his palace - the love motivates the guarding, and the guarding expresses the love.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish parents raising children today?
A: The promise of reward extending to thousands of generations gives parents motivation to instill love of Hashem and Torah observance in their children. As the Mishnah (Avot 2:2) states, the merit of righteous children benefits their parents in this world and the next. The Chofetz Chaim taught that when parents raise children to love Torah, they create an eternal chain of blessing.
Verse Context
The verse וְעֹשֶׂה חֶסֶד לַאֲלָפִים לְאֹהֲבַי וּלְשֹׁמְרֵי מִצְוֺתָי appears in Shemot (Exodus) 20:6 as part of the Ten Commandments, specifically in the context of Hashem's attributes of justice and mercy. It follows the warning against idolatry and emphasizes the enduring divine kindness bestowed upon those who uphold the mitzvot.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that the phrase "לַאֲלָפִים" (to thousands) refers to thousands of generations. He contrasts this with the earlier verse about punishment for idolatry, which extends only to the third or fourth generation. Rashi emphasizes that Hashem's mercy far outweighs His attribute of justice, as His kindness extends exponentially further than retribution.
Rambam's Perspective
In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Teshuvah 10:1), Rambam discusses this verse in the context of divine reward. He explains that the ultimate expression of loving Hashem and keeping His commandments is performing mitzvot out of pure love, without ulterior motives. Those who reach this level merit the full measure of divine kindness promised in this verse.
Talmudic Interpretation
The Talmud (Sotah 31a) analyzes the sequence of "אֹהֲבַי" (those who love Me) preceding "שֹׁמְרֵי מִצְוֺתָי" (those who keep My commandments). It teaches that serving Hashem out of love is superior to serving out of fear, as love motivates one to observe mitzvot with greater enthusiasm and consistency.
Midrashic Insights
Chassidic Interpretation
The Tanya (Likutei Amarim, Chapter 10) explains that true love of Hashem naturally leads to meticulous observance of mitzvot. When one's love is complete, keeping commandments becomes an expression of that love rather than an external obligation, thus meriting the divine kindness promised in this verse.