Deuteronomy 4:40 - Commandments ensure eternal blessings

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Hebrew Text

וְשָׁמַרְתָּ אֶת־חֻקָּיו וְאֶת־מִצְוֺתָיו אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוְּךָ הַיּוֹם אֲשֶׁר יִיטַב לְךָ וּלְבָנֶיךָ אַחֲרֶיךָ וּלְמַעַן תַּאֲרִיךְ יָמִים עַל־הַאֲדָמָה אֲשֶׁר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ נֹתֵן לְךָ כָּל־הַיָּמִים׃

English Translation

Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayst prolong thy days upon the earth, which the Lord thy God gives thee, for ever.

Transliteration

Veshamarta et-chukav ve'et-mitzvotav asher anochi metzavecha hayom asher yitav lecha ulevanecha acharecha ulemaan taarich yamim al-ha'adama asher Adonai Eloheicha notein lecha kol-hayamim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשָׁמַרְתָּ֞ אֶת־חֻקָּ֣יו וְאֶת־מִצְוֺתָ֗יו אֲשֶׁ֨ר אָנֹכִ֤י מְצַוְּךָ֙ הַיּ֔וֹם אֲשֶׁר֙ יִיטַ֣ב לְךָ֔ וּלְבָנֶ֖יךָ אַחֲרֶ֑יךָ וּלְמַ֨עַן תַּאֲרִ֤יךְ יָמִים֙ עַל־הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר יְהֹוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ נֹתֵ֥ן לְךָ֖ כׇּל־הַיָּמִֽים׃ {פ}

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 4:40) emphasizes the importance of observing Hashem's chukim (statutes) and mitzvot (commandments) as a means to secure prosperity, continuity for future generations, and long life in Eretz Yisrael. This is a recurring theme in Sefer Devarim, reinforcing the covenant between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that "asher yitav lach" (that it may go well with you) refers to the reward in Olam Hazeh (this world), while "ulemaan taarich yamim" (that you may prolong your days) alludes to Olam Haba (the World to Come). This dual promise underscores that Torah observance brings both material and spiritual benefits.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Teshuva (9:1), Rambam teaches that the primary reward for mitzvot is not in this world but in the afterlife. However, Hashem grants temporal blessings as a means to facilitate continued Torah study and mitzvah observance without undue hardship.

Talmudic Insights

Kiddushin 39b: The Gemara discusses how reward for mitzvot is primarily in Olam Haba, but certain mitzvot—like honoring parents—carry the promise of long life in this world as well.
Eruvin 22a: The Talmud states that Torah study and mitzvah observance ensure the preservation of Jewish continuity ("ulevanecha acharecha").

Midrashic Interpretation

The Sifrei (Devarim 43) elaborates that "asher yitav lach" refers not only to individual reward but also to communal blessings—when Klal Yisrael keeps the mitzvot, the entire nation thrives in Eretz Yisrael.

The Concept of "Chukim" and "Mitzvot"

Ramban distinguishes between chukim (decrees beyond human understanding, e.g., kashrut) and mitzvot (commandments with rational basis, e.g., honoring parents). Both must be observed equally, as both are divine decrees.

Eternal Connection to Eretz Yisrael

The phrase "al ha'adamah asher Hashem Elokecha notein lach" emphasizes that dwelling securely in Eretz Yisrael is contingent upon Torah observance. This theme is central to Nevi'im and is echoed in the blessings and curses of Ki Tavo (Devarim 28).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Kiddushin 39b

The verse is cited in a discussion about the rewards for fulfilling commandments, emphasizing the long-term benefits for the individual and their descendants.

📖 Eruvin 22a

Referenced in the context of the importance of observing commandments to ensure a good and prolonged life on the land given by God.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 4:40 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 4:40 teaches that observing Hashem's commandments brings blessings—both to us and to future generations. Rashi explains that keeping mitzvot ensures our well-being ('that it may go well with thee') and grants long life in the Land of Israel ('prolong thy days upon the earth'). The verse emphasizes the eternal bond between the Jewish people, Torah observance, and the Land of Israel.

Q: Why is keeping mitzvot connected to living in the Land of Israel?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 8:11) teaches that the mitzvot are deeply tied to the Land of Israel, as many commandments (like agricultural laws) can only be fully observed there. This verse highlights that our right to dwell securely in the land depends on our commitment to Torah. The Talmud (Ketubot 110b) also states that living in Israel is equivalent to observing all mitzvot.

Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: Even today, this verse reminds us that Torah observance brings spiritual and physical blessings. The Sforno explains that 'it may go well with thee' refers to both material success and inner peace. While we await the Final Redemption, keeping mitzvot strengthens our connection to Hashem and prepares us for the ultimate return to our land.

Q: What does 'prolong thy days upon the earth' mean?
A: On a simple level, it refers to long life in this world (Ibn Ezra). On a deeper level, the Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) connects it to the World to Come—observing mitzvot earns eternal reward. The phrase also alludes to the Jewish people's eternal inheritance of the Land of Israel, as promised to our ancestors.

Q: Why does the verse mention children ('thy children after thee')?
A: The Torah teaches that our actions impact future generations. Ramban explains that when parents live by Torah values, they inspire their children to continue this legacy. This creates a chain of merit—as the Talmud (Berachot 7a) states, the righteousness of parents brings protection and blessings to their descendants.