Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 11:7 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 11:7 reminds the Jewish people that they personally witnessed the great miracles and acts of Hashem, such as the Exodus from Egypt and the splitting of the Red Sea. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes the importance of remembering these events as a foundation for faith and commitment to Torah.
Q: Why is it important that 'your eyes have seen' God's acts?
A: The Torah stresses this because firsthand experience creates a stronger connection to faith than just hearing stories. The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 8:1) teaches that the miracles witnessed by the generation of the Exodus established an unshakable truth of God's power and involvement in the world, which they were commanded to transmit to future generations.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today if we didn't see those miracles?
A: While we didn't witness the Exodus firsthand, the Talmud (Pesachim 116b) teaches that every Jew must see themselves as if they personally left Egypt. We maintain this connection through retelling the story on Passover and recognizing God's hand in historical and personal miracles throughout our lives.
Q: What are some 'great acts of God' mentioned in this verse?
A: Traditional Jewish sources (Mechilta, Rashi) identify these acts as the Ten Plagues in Egypt, the splitting of the Red Sea, the manna from heaven, the well of Miriam, and other wilderness miracles. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) says these demonstrated God's complete control over nature, history, and human affairs.
Q: How should remembering God's miracles affect our behavior?
A: The verse appears in the context of the Shema's second paragraph, teaching that remembering God's miracles should inspire us to keep His commandments. Ramban explains this creates a cycle where observing mitzvot leads to more blessings, just as our ancestors' faithfulness after the Exodus brought them into Israel.
Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy)
The verse (Devarim 11:7) appears in Parashat Eikev, where Moshe Rabbeinu reminds Bnei Yisrael of the miracles they witnessed during the Exodus and their journey in the wilderness. This serves as a foundation for the mitzvah of loving Hashem and keeping His commandments.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi emphasizes that the phrase "כִּי עֵינֵיכֶם הָרֹאֹת" ("but your eyes have seen") refers to the direct, firsthand experience of the generation that left Egypt. They witnessed:
Rashi notes that this experiential knowledge creates a higher level of obligation in serving Hashem compared to future generations who must rely on tradition.
Rambam's Perspective
In Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 3:32), Rambam explains that witnessing miracles serves two purposes:
The phrase "כָּל־מַעֲשֵׂה יְהוָה הַגָּדֹל" ("all the great acts of the Lord") refers not just to supernatural events, but to the precise timing and orchestration of natural phenomena as well.
Midrashic Interpretation
The Sifrei (Eikev 41) connects this verse to the concept of emunah (faith). The generation that saw these miracles had:
Chassidic Insight
The Baal Shem Tov teaches that "עֵינֵיכֶם הָרֹאֹת" implies not just physical sight, but spiritual perception. The miracles were:
Halachic Implication
The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 418) derives from this verse that: