Deuteronomy 6:3 - Obey for prosperity in Israel

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Hebrew Text

וְשָׁמַעְתָּ יִשְׂרָאֵל וְשָׁמַרְתָּ לַעֲשׂוֹת אֲשֶׁר יִיטַב לְךָ וַאֲשֶׁר תִּרְבּוּן מְאֹד כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי אֲבֹתֶיךָ לָךְ אֶרֶץ זָבַת חָלָב וּדְבָשׁ׃

English Translation

Hear therefore, O Yisra᾽el, and take care to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that you may increase mightily, as the Lord God of thy fathers has promised thee, in the land that flows with milk and honey.

Transliteration

V'shamata Yisrael v'shamarta la'asot asher yitav l'cha va'asher tirbun me'od ka'asher diber Adonai Elohei avotecha lach eretz zavat chalav u'dvash.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשָׁמַעְתָּ֤ יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ וְשָׁמַרְתָּ֣ לַעֲשׂ֔וֹת אֲשֶׁר֙ יִיטַ֣ב לְךָ֔ וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר תִּרְבּ֖וּן מְאֹ֑ד כַּאֲשֶׁר֩ דִּבֶּ֨ר יְהֹוָ֜ה אֱלֹהֵ֤י אֲבֹתֶ֙יךָ֙ לָ֔ךְ אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּדְבָֽשׁ׃ {פ}

Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Devarim

This verse appears in Parashat Va'etchanan (Devarim 6:3), following the Aseret HaDibrot (Ten Commandments) and preceding the first paragraph of the Shema. It serves as a bridge between the foundational commandments and the call to internalize Torah observance in daily life.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship in the verse: "And you shall hear" leads to "and you shall observe to do," which in turn brings about the promised blessings. He notes that the phrase "as the Lord God of your fathers promised you" refers back to the covenant with Avraham (Bereishit 15:5) regarding numerous descendants and the promise of Eretz Yisrael.

Ibn Ezra on "Hear" and "Observe"

Ibn Ezra distinguishes between shemiah (hearing/understanding) and shemirah (observing/doing). True comprehension of Torah must lead to practical observance. The doubling of verbs teaches that intellectual acceptance alone is insufficient without actual performance of mitzvot.

Sforno on National Prosperity

Sforno explains that the blessings of prosperity ("that it may be well with you") and population growth ("that you may increase mightily") are conditional upon Torah observance. He connects this to the agricultural bounty of Eretz Yisrael, where proper observance of mitzvot (especially those dependent on the land) directly impacts material success.

Land of Milk and Honey in Rabbinic Literature

The Talmud (Ketubot 111b) explains "milk" refers to the richness of livestock and "honey" to date honey, showing the land's natural abundance.
Midrash Tanchuma (Eikev 1) teaches that milk flows from goats grazing on fig trees, while honey drips from dates - a metaphor for effortless prosperity when following Torah.
Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 5:11) notes this description emphasizes the land's suitability for both pastoral and agricultural life when properly cultivated according to Torah principles.

Halachic Implications

The verse establishes several important principles in Jewish thought:

The inseparable connection between Torah observance and dwelling in Eretz Yisrael (Ramban, Devarim 4:5)
The concept that mitzvah observance brings material blessing (Talmud, Avodah Zarah 19a)
The national (not just individual) nature of Torah rewards (Malbim on this verse)

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 40b

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the blessings of the land of Israel and the importance of observing the commandments to merit these blessings.

📖 Ketubot 111b

The verse is cited in the context of the promises made to the Jewish people regarding the land of Israel, emphasizing its fertility and abundance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Hear therefore, O Israel' mean in Deuteronomy 6:3?
A: The phrase 'Hear therefore, O Israel' (וְשָׁמַעְתָּ יִשְׂרָאֵל) is a call to attentively listen and internalize the commandments of the Torah. Rashi explains that this emphasizes the importance of not just hearing but also understanding and fulfilling G-d's mitzvot (commandments) with sincerity.

Q: Why does the verse mention 'a land flowing with milk and honey'?
A: The description of the Land of Israel as 'flowing with milk and honey' (אֶרֶץ זָבַת חָלָב וּדְבָשׁ) symbolizes its abundance and fertility. The Talmud (Ketubot 111b) explains that milk represents nourishment and honey represents sweetness, showing that the land is both prosperous and desirable for the Jewish people to fulfill their spiritual mission.

Q: What is the connection between listening to G-d's commandments and prosperity in this verse?
A: The verse teaches that observing the Torah leads to physical and spiritual well-being ('that it may be well with thee'). Rambam (Maimonides) in Hilchot Teshuva explains that fulfilling mitzvot brings blessings, while neglecting them can lead to challenges. This principle reinforces the idea that Torah observance is the foundation of a thriving Jewish life in the Land of Israel.

Q: How does this verse relate to the Shema prayer?
A: Deuteronomy 6:3 precedes the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9), setting the tone for accepting G-d's commandments with devotion. The Sifrei (a halachic Midrash) notes that this verse introduces the idea that listening and keeping the mitzvot lead to blessing, which is then expanded upon in the Shema's declaration of G-d's unity and our duty to love Him.

Q: What practical lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: The verse reminds us that Torah observance is not just about ritual but about creating a meaningful and blessed life. The Chofetz Chaim teaches that listening to G-d's word and acting upon it brings personal and communal success, reinforcing that the Torah's wisdom is timeless and applicable in every generation.