Deuteronomy 7:16 - Destroy idolatry, avoid its trap

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Hebrew Text

וְאָכַלְתָּ אֶת־כָּל־הָעַמִּים אֲשֶׁר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ נֹתֵן לָךְ לֹא־תָחֹס עֵינְךָ עֲלֵיהֶם וְלֹא תַעֲבֹד אֶת־אֱלֹהֵיהֶם כִּי־מוֹקֵשׁ הוּא לָךְ׃

English Translation

And thou shalt consume all the peoples which the Lord thy God shall deliver to thee; thy eye shall have no pity upon them: neither shalt thou serve their gods; for that will be a snare to thee.

Transliteration

Ve'akhalta et kol ha'amim asher Adonai Elohekha noten lakh lo tachos einekha aleihem velo ta'avod et eloheihem ki mokesh hu lakh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאָכַלְתָּ֣ אֶת־כׇּל־הָֽעַמִּ֗ים אֲשֶׁ֨ר יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ נֹתֵ֣ן לָ֔ךְ לֹא־תָח֥וֹס עֵֽינְךָ֖ עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם וְלֹ֤א תַעֲבֹד֙ אֶת־אֱלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ם כִּֽי־מוֹקֵ֥שׁ ה֖וּא לָֽךְ׃ {ס}

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Commandment

The verse (Devarim 7:16) commands Bnei Yisrael to utterly destroy the nations inhabiting Eretz Canaan and to show no mercy toward them. Rashi explains that this directive is rooted in the danger these nations posed to Israel's spiritual integrity. Their idolatrous practices and moral corruption were considered a "snare" (מוֹקֵשׁ), meaning they would inevitably lead Israel astray from serving Hashem.

The Prohibition Against Compassion

The phrase "לֹא־תָחֹס עֵינְךָ עֲלֵיהֶם" ("thy eye shall have no pity upon them") is emphasized by the Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 5:4), who teaches that misplaced compassion in war can lead to prolonged suffering. The Sforno adds that showing mercy to these nations would ultimately result in greater cruelty, as their influence would corrupt Israel and bring divine retribution.

The Danger of Idolatry

The verse concludes with a warning: "כִּי־מוֹקֵשׁ הוּא לָךְ" ("for that will be a snare to thee"). The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 8a) elaborates that idolatry is not merely a theological error but a spiritual trap that ensnares individuals and communities. The Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that even exposure to foreign deities weakens Israel's exclusive devotion to Hashem, which is why their eradication was necessary.

Historical and Ethical Context

Divine Judgment: The Midrash (Tanchuma, Shoftim 3) teaches that the Canaanite nations were given ample time to repent before their destruction, aligning with Hashem's attribute of justice.
Moral Responsibility: The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) explains that the commandment was not an endorsement of cruelty but a protective measure to ensure Israel's survival as a holy nation.
Limited Scope: The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 6:1) clarifies that these laws applied only to the seven Canaanite nations and Amalek, not to other peoples.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 60b

The verse is discussed in the context of the prohibition against idolatry and the treatment of the seven Canaanite nations.

📖 Avodah Zarah 8b

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the dangers of idolatry and the commandments regarding the Canaanite nations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 7:16 mean when it says 'do not have pity' on the nations?
A: The verse instructs the Jewish people not to show mercy to the idolatrous nations of Canaan when conquering the land, as Rashi explains that showing pity would lead to moral corruption and assimilation. The Torah warns that any compromise with idolatry would become a 'snare' (מוֹקֵשׁ) that endangers Jewish spiritual survival.

Q: Why does the Torah call idol worship a 'snare' in this verse?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 2:2) teaches that idolatry is spiritually dangerous because it leads people away from the truth of Hashem. The term 'snare' (מוֹקֵשׁ) implies that idol worship appears harmless at first but ultimately traps a person in false beliefs and immoral practices, as seen in Canaanite culture.

Q: How does Deuteronomy 7:16 apply to Jews today?
A: While the specific commandment about war applies only to the conquest of Canaan, the principle remains relevant: Jews must avoid spiritual influences that could lead them away from Torah values. The Sforno explains that we must be vigilant against any ideologies or practices that could become a 'snare' by undermining our commitment to mitzvot.

Q: Does this verse mean Jews should hate other nations?
A: No. The commandment applies specifically to the idolatrous nations of Canaan during the conquest. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 39b) teaches that Jews must respect righteous gentiles. The Torah's concern here is eliminating idolatry's influence, not hostility toward other peoples. Rambam (Melachim 6:4) rules that peace must first be offered before battle.

Q: What is the connection between not serving their gods and not showing pity in this verse?
A: Rashi connects these two ideas: showing mercy would lead to intermarriage (Deuteronomy 7:3-4) and eventual idol worship. The Ibn Ezra explains that compassion in this context could cause Jews to tolerate idolatry, which would then ensnare them. The verse teaches that complete separation was necessary to protect Jewish spiritual integrity.