Deuteronomy 28:63 - Divine justice: reward or punishment?

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Hebrew Text

וְהָיָה כַּאֲשֶׁר־שָׂשׂ יְהוָה עֲלֵיכֶם לְהֵיטִיב אֶתְכֶם וּלְהַרְבּוֹת אֶתְכֶם כֵּן יָשִׂישׂ יְהוָה עֲלֵיכֶם לְהַאֲבִיד אֶתְכֶם וּלְהַשְׁמִיד אֶתְכֶם וְנִסַּחְתֶּם מֵעַל הָאֲדָמָה אֲשֶׁר־אַתָּה בָא־שָׁמָּה לְרִשְׁתָּהּ׃

English Translation

And it shall come to pass, that as the Lord rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the Lord will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to annihilate you; and you shall be plucked from off the land into which thou goest to possess it.

Transliteration

Vehaya ka'asher-sas Adonai aleichem leheitiv etchem ul'harbot etchem ken yasis Adonai aleichem leha'avid etchem ul'hashmid etchem venisachtem me'al ha'adama asher-ata ba-shama l'rishtah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְ֠הָיָ֠ה כַּאֲשֶׁר־שָׂ֨שׂ יְהֹוָ֜ה עֲלֵיכֶ֗ם לְהֵיטִ֣יב אֶתְכֶם֮ וּלְהַרְבּ֣וֹת אֶתְכֶם֒ כֵּ֣ן יָשִׂ֤ישׂ יְהֹוָה֙ עֲלֵיכֶ֔ם לְהַאֲבִ֥יד אֶתְכֶ֖ם וּלְהַשְׁמִ֣יד אֶתְכֶ֑ם וְנִסַּחְתֶּם֙ מֵעַ֣ל הָאֲדָמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־אַתָּ֥ה בָא־שָׁ֖מָּה לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ׃

Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Devarim

This verse appears in Parashat Ki Tavo (Devarim 28:63) as part of the Tochacha (the rebuke), where Moshe warns Bnei Yisrael of the severe consequences of abandoning the covenant with Hashem. The language is stark, contrasting Hashem's joy in blessing the nation with His potential response to their disobedience.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 28:63) interprets the phrase "כֵּן יָשִׂישׂ יְהוָה עֲלֵיכֶם" ("so the Lord will rejoice over you") as an expression of measure for measure. Just as Hashem takes delight in rewarding Israel when they fulfill His will, He will similarly respond with strict justice when they rebel. Rashi emphasizes that this is not cruelty, but a reflection of the intimate relationship between Hashem and His people—their actions directly invoke His response.

Rambam's Perspective on Divine Justice

In Hilchot Teshuvah (7:1), the Rambam explains that reward and punishment are fundamental principles of Torah. The severity of the consequences described here stems from the gravity of the covenant—when Israel knowingly rejects the Torah after experiencing its blessings, the repercussions are proportionate. The Rambam stresses that teshuvah (repentance) always remains possible, mitigating these harsh decrees.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 104a) connects this verse to the destruction of the First Temple, teaching that the phrase "וְנִסַּחְתֶּם מֵעַל הָאֲדָמָה" ("you shall be plucked from the land") foresaw the exile resulting from idolatry and social corruption.
Midrash Devarim Rabbah (7:11) compares this dynamic to a king who lavishly honors a beloved servant but must punish him severely if he betrays that trust. The midrash underscores that Hashem's "rejoicing" in punishment reflects the pain of a parent disciplining a wayward child.

Maharal's Philosophical Approach

The Maharal (Gur Aryeh, Devarim 28:63) explains that the verse highlights the principle of middah k'neged middah (measure for measure). Israel's unique relationship with Hashem means their blessings and curses are both intense—unlike other nations, whose fate is governed by general providence. The very capacity for great closeness with the Divine also makes the consequences of rebellion more severe.

Practical Lesson from the Kli Yakar

The Kli Yakar notes the repetition of "לְהַאֲבִיד אֶתְכֶם וּלְהַשְׁמִיד אֶתְכֶם" ("to destroy you and to annihilate you"), interpreting it as a warning against both physical exile (leha'avid) and spiritual assimilation (lehashmid). The verse thus teaches that abandoning Torah leads to national vulnerability and loss of spiritual identity—a call to vigilance in maintaining the covenant.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 28:63 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 28:63 teaches that just as Hashem rejoices in blessing the Jewish people when they follow His commandments, He will also bring severe consequences if they abandon His ways. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes the principle of 'measure for measure'—just as Hashem takes joy in rewarding goodness, He will also bring punishment for wrongdoing.

Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it highlights the seriousness of the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches in Hilchot Teshuvah that divine justice operates with precision—blessings for obedience and consequences for disobedience. This serves as a reminder of our responsibility to uphold the Torah.

Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 28:63?
A: We learn that Hashem's relationship with the Jewish people is dynamic—based on our actions. The Talmud (Berachot 7a) discusses how divine judgment is exact, reflecting our deeds. This verse reminds us that our choices have real spiritual consequences, urging us to strive for righteousness.

Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: The Sforno explains that this verse is a timeless lesson about accountability. Just as in biblical times, our actions today—whether in mitzvot or aveirot (commandments or sins)—affect our relationship with Hashem. It encourages us to examine our ways and return to Torah values.

Q: Does this mean Hashem wants to punish us?
A: No—the Midrash (Devarim Rabbah) teaches that Hashem does not desire punishment but seeks our repentance. The imagery of 'rejoicing' in this verse is a stark warning to awaken us to teshuvah (repentance). The Rambam emphasizes that even severe consequences are ultimately for our spiritual correction, not destruction.