Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 8:18 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us that all success and wealth come from Hashem (God). It teaches that when we achieve prosperity, we must remember that it is not our own strength or abilities alone that brought it about, but rather Hashem's blessing. This verse emphasizes gratitude and humility, recognizing that Hashem gives us the power to succeed in order to uphold the covenant He made with our ancestors.
Q: Why is remembering Hashem important when we become successful?
A: Remembering Hashem when we become successful is crucial because it prevents arrogance and ingratitude. The Sages teach (as seen in Rashi and Rambam) that forgetting Hashem's role in our success leads to spiritual downfall. Acknowledging that all blessings come from Hashem keeps us humble and aligned with His will, ensuring that we use our wealth and abilities for good and to uphold the Torah's values.
Q: How does this verse apply to our lives today?
A: Today, this verse reminds us to recognize Hashem's hand in our achievements—whether in business, career, or personal growth. The Talmud (Berachot 35b) teaches that we must make a blessing over our sustenance to acknowledge Hashem as the source. Practically, this means expressing gratitude through prayer, tzedakah (charity), and using our resources to fulfill mitzvot and strengthen our connection to Hashem.
Q: What does 'establish His covenant' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase 'establish His covenant' refers to Hashem's eternal promise to the Jewish people, beginning with Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov. According to Rashi and the Midrash, our material success is not an end in itself but a means to uphold our spiritual mission—keeping the Torah and living as a holy nation. Wealth is a tool to serve Hashem and perpetuate Jewish tradition.
Q: How can we practically 'remember Hashem' in daily life?
A: We can remember Hashem daily by reciting blessings before and after eating (Berachot 21a), giving tzedakah, studying Torah, and expressing gratitude in prayer (like Modim in the Amidah). The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 3:3) also teaches that reflecting on Hashem's kindness before enjoying physical pleasures helps us stay mindful. Small acts of recognition, like saying 'Baruch Hashem' for successes, embody this verse's message.
Understanding the Verse in Context
The verse (Devarim 8:18) appears in Moshe's final address to Bnei Yisrael, warning them against arrogance when they enter Eretz Yisrael and prosper. It emphasizes that all success comes from Hashem and serves the purpose of fulfilling His covenant with the Avot.
Key Themes in Orthodox Jewish Interpretation
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash Tanchuma (Eikev 8) connects this verse to the manna in the wilderness, illustrating that just as Bnei Yisrael relied entirely on Hashem for sustenance then, they must recognize His hand in their prosperity in Eretz Yisrael. Wealth is a test of humility and gratitude.
Practical Halachic Implications
The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 437) derives from this verse the obligation to recite Birkat HaMazon after eating, reinforcing the idea that we must acknowledge Hashem as the source of all sustenance. Similarly, the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 231:1) rules that one must recite a bracha before deriving benefit from the physical world.