Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 20:18 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 20:18 warns the Jewish people not to learn from or adopt the idolatrous practices of the nations they encounter when entering the Land of Israel. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes the danger of being influenced by foreign customs that are considered 'abominations' (תועבות) in the eyes of Hashem. The Torah commands us to maintain spiritual purity by distancing ourselves from these practices.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it establishes a key principle in Jewish life: the need to guard against negative influences that can lead to idolatry or immoral behavior. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim) discusses how even indirect exposure to foreign practices can weaken one's commitment to Torah values. The verse reminds us to stay true to our covenant with Hashem.
Q: How does this verse apply today?
A: While we no longer face the same idolatrous practices as in ancient times, the principle remains relevant. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah) teaches that we must be cautious of cultural influences that contradict Torah values. Today, this means being mindful of media, ideologies, or societal norms that may lead us away from mitzvot and proper Jewish conduct.
Q: What are examples of 'abominations' mentioned in this verse?
A: The 'abominations' (תועבות) refer to the immoral and idolatrous practices of the Canaanite nations, which included child sacrifice (as mentioned in Deuteronomy 12:31), divination, and other forbidden forms of worship. The Sifrei explains that these practices were particularly repulsive because they represented a complete rejection of moral boundaries and the sanctity of life.
Q: What is the consequence of ignoring this warning, according to the verse?
A: The verse concludes by stating that adopting these practices would cause one to 'sin against Hashem your God.' The Kli Yakar explains that this implies a double betrayal: first by violating Torah commandments, and second by rejecting the unique relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people. Historically, the Tanach shows how such assimilation led to national tragedies.
Context and Source
The verse (Devarim 20:18) appears in the context of the Torah's laws regarding warfare, specifically the prohibition against allowing the Canaanite nations to remain in the land of Israel. The concern is that their influence would lead Bnei Yisrael to adopt idolatrous practices, which are described as "תּוֹעֲבֹתָם" (abominations). Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes the severity of spiritual contamination—even passive exposure to idolatrous cultures can lead to sinful behavior against Hashem.
Idolatry as an Abomination
The term "תּוֹעֲבֹתָם" (their abominations) is used throughout Tanach to describe idolatrous practices. Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 11:1) elaborates that these practices often included immoral rites, child sacrifice, and other detestable acts. The Torah warns that exposure to such behaviors could corrupt Bnei Yisrael's pure service of Hashem.
The Danger of Cultural Influence
The Sifrei (Devarim 199) interprets this verse as a broader warning against assimilation. Even if Bnei Yisrael do not intend to adopt idolatry, prolonged interaction with foreign nations could lead to inadvertent sin ("וַחֲטָאתֶם לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם"). The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 36b) extends this principle to all generations, teaching that one must distance oneself from influences that could lead to spiritual decline.
Halachic Implications
Spiritual Consequences
The phrase "וַחֲטָאתֶם לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם" underscores that sinning through foreign influence is still a betrayal of the covenant with Hashem. The Meshech Chochmah notes that the verse does not say "to their gods" but "to Hashem your God," teaching that assimilation is not merely a cultural issue but a direct affront to the divine relationship.