Deuteronomy 6:1 - Divine laws guide Israel's destiny

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Hebrew Text

וְזֹאת הַמִּצְוָה הַחֻקִּים וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִים אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם לְלַמֵּד אֶתְכֶם לַעֲשׂוֹת בָּאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר אַתֶּם עֹבְרִים שָׁמָּה לְרִשְׁתָּהּ׃

English Translation

Now this is the commandment, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that you might do them in the land into which you go to possess it:

Transliteration

Ve'zot hamitzvah hachukim vehamishpatim asher tzivah Adonai Eloheichem lelamed etchem la'asot ba'aretz asher atem ovrim shamah lirishtah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְזֹ֣את הַמִּצְוָ֗ה הַֽחֻקִּים֙ וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוָּ֛ה יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֖ם לְלַמֵּ֣ד אֶתְכֶ֑ם לַעֲשׂ֣וֹת בָּאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר אַתֶּ֛ם עֹבְרִ֥ים שָׁ֖מָּה לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ׃

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 6:1) introduces the foundational commandments, statutes, and judgments that Hashem commanded Moshe to teach Bnei Yisrael as they prepared to enter Eretz Yisrael. This serves as a preamble to the Shema and the broader discussion of mitzvot in Sefer Devarim.

Key Terms and Their Meanings

הַמִּצְוָה (the commandment): Rashi explains that this refers specifically to the mitzvah of Torah study, as the verse states "to teach you." The Rambam (Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:1) emphasizes that learning Torah is the foundation for fulfilling all other mitzvot.
הַחֻקִּים (the statutes): These are mitzvot whose reasons are not immediately apparent, such as kashrut or sha'atnez. The Sifrei teaches that these laws test our commitment to obey Hashem even without understanding.
הַמִּשְׁפָּטִים (the judgments): These are logical laws, like those concerning theft or damages, which human intellect would dictate even without divine command (Ibn Ezra).

The Purpose of the Mitzvot in Eretz Yisrael

The verse emphasizes that these laws are to be observed specifically in the land they are about to possess. The Kli Yakar explains that the mitzvot are deeply connected to the land - many commandments (like terumot, ma'aserot, and shemitah) can only be fulfilled in Eretz Yisrael. Even those mitzvot not dependent on the land take on greater spiritual significance when performed there.

The Educational Imperative

The phrase "לְלַמֵּד אֶתְכֶם" (to teach you) underscores the Torah's emphasis on education. The Rambam (Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:3) derives from here the obligation for each person to teach their children Torah. The Sifrei adds that this teaching must be thorough enough to enable proper observance ("לַעֲשׂוֹת" - that you might do them).

Historical Context

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch notes that this verse comes as Bnei Yisrael stand ready to enter the land after 40 years in the wilderness. The repetition of mitzvot here prepares them for the transition from miraculous existence in the desert to natural life in their own land, where they must actively implement Torah law.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Kiddushin 29b

The verse is cited in the context of discussing the obligation of fathers to teach their children Torah, as part of the broader discussion on commandments and education.

📖 Sotah 37a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of observing commandments upon entering the Land of Israel, emphasizing the continuity of Torah observance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 6:1 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 6:1 introduces the commandments, statutes, and judgments that Hashem commanded Moshe to teach Bnei Yisrael. These laws were given to guide them in living a holy life in Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel), which they were about to enter and inherit. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes the importance of both learning and doing the mitzvot (commandments) in the land.

Q: Why is Deuteronomy 6:1 important?
A: This verse is important because it sets the foundation for the Jewish people's obligation to observe Torah laws in their own land. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that the mitzvot are deeply connected to living in Eretz Yisrael, as many commandments can only be fully observed there. This verse reminds us that Torah is not just theoretical but must be practiced in daily life.

Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 6:1 today?
A: We learn that Torah is meant to be lived, not just studied. The Sages teach that the mitzvot apply in all generations, whether in Eretz Yisrael or the diaspora. This verse reminds us to actively fulfill Hashem’s commandments with the intention of sanctifying our lives and the world around us, just as our ancestors did when entering the land.

Q: What are the 'commandments, statutes, and judgments' mentioned in this verse?
A: The 'commandments' (mitzvot) refer to the direct instructions from Hashem, 'statutes' (chukim) are laws whose reasons may not be fully understood (like kashrut), and 'judgments' (mishpatim) are logical laws (like civil justice). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 56b) explains that these categories encompass all aspects of Torah law, guiding both our relationship with Hashem and with others.

Q: How does this verse connect to the Shema, which follows later in Deuteronomy 6?
A: Deuteronomy 6:1 introduces the broader context of mitzvot, leading into the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9), which emphasizes loving Hashem and keeping His commandments. The Midrash (Sifrei) teaches that this verse sets the stage for the fundamental principles of Jewish faith and practice, showing that accepting mitzvot is an expression of our bond with Hashem.