Deuteronomy 19:1 - Divine conquest, moral responsibility.

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Hebrew Text

כִּי־יַכְרִית יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ אֶת־הַגּוֹיִם אֲשֶׁר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ נֹתֵן לְךָ אֶת־אַרְצָם וִירִשְׁתָּם וְיָשַׁבְתָּ בְעָרֵיהֶם וּבְבָתֵּיהֶם׃

English Translation

When the Lord thy God has cut off the nations, whose land the Lord thy God gives thee, and thou hast driven them out, and dost dwell in their cities, and in their houses;

Transliteration

Ki-yachrit Adonai Eloheicha et-hagoyim asher Adonai Eloheicha noten lecha et-artzam veyirishtam veyashavta be'areihem uv'vateihem.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּֽי־יַכְרִ֞ית יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ אֶת־הַגּוֹיִ֔ם אֲשֶׁר֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ נֹתֵ֥ן לְךָ֖ אֶת־אַרְצָ֑ם וִֽירִשְׁתָּ֕ם וְיָשַׁבְתָּ֥ בְעָרֵיהֶ֖ם וּבְבָתֵּיהֶֽם׃

Parasha Commentary

Context in Deuteronomy

This verse appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy 19:1) as part of Moshe’s instructions to Bnei Yisrael regarding their future conquest and settlement of Eretz Canaan. The verse emphasizes Hashem’s role in dispossessing the nations and enabling Israel to inherit their land, cities, and homes.

Rashi’s Explanation

Rashi comments that the phrase "כי־יכרית ה' אלקיך את־הגוים" ("When the Lord thy God has cut off the nations") refers to the gradual process of conquest. He notes that Hashem did not command Israel to destroy all the nations at once, but rather in stages, as stated in Shemot (Exodus 23:30): "Little by little I will drive them out from before you." This ensured the land would not become desolate and overrun by wild animals before Bnei Yisrael could settle it.

Rambam’s Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Melachim 5:1), Rambam explains that the commandment to dispossess the Canaanite nations was conditional upon their refusal to accept the Seven Noahide Laws and make peace. If they had surrendered and accepted these basic moral laws, they would have been permitted to remain as tributaries. The verse underscores that the conquest was not arbitrary but a divine judgment against corrupt nations.

Midrashic Insights

Devarim Rabbah (5:13) teaches that the phrase "וירשת אתם" ("and thou hast driven them out") implies that Bnei Yisrael would only fully inherit the land if they upheld the Torah. Otherwise, they would not merit complete possession.
The Midrash also highlights that dwelling in the enemies’ cities and houses was a sign of divine kindness—Hashem provided ready-made settlements so Israel would not need to build anew.

Halachic Implications

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 425) connects this verse to the broader mitzvah of settling Eretz Yisrael. The inheritance of the land is not merely a historical event but an ongoing obligation to establish Jewish sovereignty and build a society based on Torah values. The verse serves as a reminder that dwelling securely in the land is contingent upon faithfulness to Hashem’s commandments.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Avodah Zarah 20a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the prohibition of deriving benefit from idols and the land of the nations.

📖 Sotah 35b

The verse is cited in the context of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan and the divine command to dispossess the nations dwelling there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 19:1 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 19:1 describes the process of the Israelites inheriting the Land of Israel. Hashem promises to help them conquer and settle in the land by driving out the nations that previously lived there. According to Rashi, this verse emphasizes that the conquest and settlement of the land is divinely ordained and not merely a human achievement.

Q: Why is inheriting the land mentioned in this verse important?
A: Inheriting the Land of Israel is a central theme in the Torah and Jewish tradition. The Rambam (Maimonides) explains that settling in the land is one of the 613 mitzvot (commandments) and is essential for fulfilling many other mitzvot that can only be performed in the land. This verse highlights that the land is a gift from Hashem to the Jewish people.

Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today?
A: While the literal conquest described in this verse refers to the biblical era, the principle of settling and living in the Land of Israel remains important in Jewish law and tradition. Many Orthodox Jews see living in Israel as a mitzvah and a fulfillment of divine promise, as discussed in halachic sources like the Shulchan Aruch and later rabbinic writings.

Q: What can we learn from the phrase 'Hashem your G-d gives you' in this verse?
A: The phrase teaches that the Land of Israel is a divine gift, not something earned through human effort alone. The Sforno explains that this reminds us to attribute our successes to Hashem's kindness rather than our own strength. This principle applies to all blessings in life, encouraging gratitude and humility.

Q: Why does the verse mention dwelling in their cities and houses?
A: The Talmud (Gittin 47b) explains that this detail shows the Israelites would inherit developed settlements, demonstrating Hashem's kindness in providing ready-made dwellings. The Midrash (Sifrei) adds that this teaches we shouldn't fear conquering the land, as Hashem prepares everything we need for successful settlement.