Deuteronomy 4:20 - From slavery to divine inheritance?

Join Our Newsletter To Be Informed When New Videos Are Posted

Join the thousands of fellow Studends who rely on our videos to learn how to read the bible in Hebrew for free!

Hebrew Text

וְאֶתְכֶם לָקַח יְהוָה וַיּוֹצִא אֶתְכֶם מִכּוּר הַבַּרְזֶל מִמִּצְרָיִם לִהְיוֹת לוֹ לְעַם נַחֲלָה כַּיּוֹם הַזֶּה׃

English Translation

But the Lord has taken you, and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Miżrayim, to be to him a people of inheritance, as you are this day.

Transliteration

Ve'etkhem lakakh Adonai vayotzi etkhem mikur habarzel miMitzrayim lihyot lo le'am nachala kayom hazeh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶתְכֶם֙ לָקַ֣ח יְהֹוָ֔ה וַיּוֹצִ֥א אֶתְכֶ֛ם מִכּ֥וּר הַבַּרְזֶ֖ל מִמִּצְרָ֑יִם לִהְי֥וֹת ל֛וֹ לְעַ֥ם נַחֲלָ֖ה כַּיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

The Iron Furnace of Egypt

The verse describes Egypt as a "כּוּר הַבַּרְזֶל" (iron furnace), a metaphor Rashi explains as a crucible that purifies metal. Just as a furnace removes impurities from iron, the suffering in Egypt refined Bnei Yisrael, preparing them to receive the Torah and become Hashem's chosen nation. The Midrash Tanchuma (Va'era 5) compares this to a king who tests his son through hardship to prepare him for royal duties.

Becoming a Treasured Nation

The phrase "לְעַם נַחֲלָה" (people of inheritance) is interpreted by Ramban as indicating Israel's eternal status as Hashem's treasured possession. The Sforno notes this parallels the language of "עם סגולה" (treasured nation) in Shemot 19:5, emphasizing our unique covenant relationship with the Divine that persists "כַּיּוֹם הַזֶּה" (as you are this day).

Theological Implications

The Ohr HaChaim highlights how the verse connects physical redemption (exodus from Egypt) with spiritual purpose (becoming God's nation).
Malbim explains the iron furnace imagery teaches that our suffering had divine purpose - to forge us into vessels worthy of receiving Torah.
The Kli Yakar notes the permanence implied by "this day" shows our status as God's inheritance is unchanging through generations.

Contemporary Application

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch teaches that this verse reminds every generation that our national identity stems from the Exodus experience. Just as the furnace purified our ancestors, life's challenges continue to refine the Jewish people for our eternal mission. The Netziv in Ha'amek Davar emphasizes that our survival "as you are this day" proves the enduring truth of this divine relationship.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 32b

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the merit of the Israelites and God's choice of them as His people, highlighting the metaphor of the iron furnace to describe their suffering in Egypt.

📖 Megillah 14a

The verse is cited in the context of discussing the miracles performed for Israel, emphasizing their deliverance from Egypt as a foundational event in their relationship with God.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'iron furnace' mean in Deuteronomy 4:20?
A: Rashi explains that the 'iron furnace' is a metaphor for the harsh and oppressive slavery in Egypt. Just as metal is purified in a furnace, the Jewish people were refined through their suffering, emerging as a nation ready to receive the Torah and serve Hashem.

Q: Why does the verse say 'a people of inheritance'?
A: The Rambam teaches that 'a people of inheritance' means the Jewish people were chosen by Hashem to be His treasured nation, entrusted with the Torah and mitzvot. This relationship is eternal, as emphasized by the phrase 'as you are this day,' showing our ongoing bond with Hashem.

Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: The Sforno explains that this verse reminds us of our unique role as Hashem's chosen people. Just as He redeemed us from Egypt, we must remember our purpose—to live according to the Torah and be a light to the nations. This applies in every generation, including today.

Q: Why is the Exodus from Egypt mentioned so often in the Torah?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 12b) teaches that remembering the Exodus is a fundamental mitzvah because it demonstrates Hashem's power and love for us. This verse in Deuteronomy reinforces that our identity as Jews is rooted in this redemption, shaping our faith and commitment to Torah.

Q: What lesson can we learn from being called 'a people of inheritance'?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) teaches that just as an inheritance is passed down through generations, our covenant with Hashem is everlasting. This teaches us that no matter the challenges we face, we must uphold our heritage and transmit it faithfully to future generations.