Deuteronomy 8:20 - Obedience or destruction?

Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy)

This verse appears in Devarim 8:20, part of Moshe Rabbeinu's admonition to Bnei Yisrael before entering Eretz Yisrael. The broader passage warns against forgetting Hashem's commandments upon entering the land and enjoying its bounty. The verse serves as a stark reminder that disobedience will lead to the same fate as the nations displaced before them.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi emphasizes the phrase "כַּגּוֹיִם אֲשֶׁר ה' מַאֲבִיד" ("as the nations which the Lord destroys"), clarifying that just as these nations were utterly destroyed for their idolatry and moral corruption, so too could Bnei Yisrael face destruction if they abandon Torah observance. He connects this to the earlier warning in Devarim 8:19, where idolatry leads to annihilation.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Teshuva, Rambam discusses how divine punishment corresponds to the severity of transgression. Here, the comparison to the destroyed nations underscores that rebellion against Hashem's commandments—particularly idolatry—invites the harshest consequences. The phrase "עֵקֶב לֹא תִשְׁמְעוּן" ("because you would not be obedient") highlights that the root cause is a deliberate refusal to heed divine instruction.

Midrashic Insight

The Sifrei (Devarim 43) interprets this verse as a warning about the dangers of assimilation. Just as the Canaanite nations were eradicated for their wickedness, Bnei Yisrael must not adopt their ways lest they suffer the same fate. The Midrash stresses that survival in Eretz Yisrael depends on maintaining spiritual distinctiveness through Torah and mitzvot.

Ibn Ezra's Linguistic Analysis

Ibn Ezra notes the word "תֹאבֵדוּן" ("you shall perish") is in the plural, addressing the entire nation collectively. This reinforces the idea that national destiny is tied to communal adherence to Torah. He also links "עֵקֶב" ("because") to causality—destruction is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of disobedience.

Practical Lesson

• The verse teaches that divine favor is conditional upon faithfulness to the covenant.
• It warns against pride and self-sufficiency, as echoed in Devarim 8:17-18.
• The comparison to the Canaanite nations serves as a historical precedent for the consequences of moral and spiritual failure.