Deuteronomy 29:9 - All Israel united before God

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Hebrew Text

אַתֶּם נִצָּבִים הַיּוֹם כֻּלְּכֶם לִפְנֵי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם רָאשֵׁיכֶם שִׁבְטֵיכֶם זִקְנֵיכֶם וְשֹׁטְרֵיכֶם כֹּל אִישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל׃

English Translation

You stand this day all of you before the Lord your God; your captains of your tribes, your elders, and your officers, with all the men of Yisra᾽el,

Transliteration

Atem nitzavim hayom kulchem lifnei Adonai Eloheichem rasheichem shivteichem zikneichem v'shotreichem kol ish Yisrael.

Hebrew Leining Text

אַתֶּ֨ם נִצָּבִ֤ים הַיּוֹם֙ כֻּלְּכֶ֔ם לִפְנֵ֖י יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֑ם רָאשֵׁיכֶ֣ם שִׁבְטֵיכֶ֗ם זִקְנֵיכֶם֙ וְשֹׁ֣טְרֵיכֶ֔ם כֹּ֖ל אִ֥ישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim

The verse appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 29:9, as part of Moshe's final address to Bnei Yisrael before his passing. This moment marks the renewal of the covenant between Hashem and Klal Yisrael as they prepare to enter Eretz Yisrael under Yehoshua's leadership.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi emphasizes the word "היום" (this day), explaining that Moshe gathered all of Yisrael—from the leaders to the simplest individuals—to impress upon them the gravity of the moment. The phrase "ניצבים" (standing) suggests a posture of readiness and unity, as if they were standing in judgment before Hashem.

Hierarchy and Unity

The verse lists different groups in a specific order:

ראשיכם (your leaders) - The heads of tribes, representing authority.
שבטיכם (your tribes) - The familial and tribal divisions.
זקניכם (your elders) - The wise and experienced.
שוטריכם (your officers) - Those who enforce justice.
כל איש ישראל (every man of Yisrael) - The entire nation, without exclusion.

The Sforno notes that this structure teaches that the covenant binds every individual, regardless of status, emphasizing collective responsibility.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash Tanchuma (Nitzavim 3) compares this gathering to a king who gathers his subjects to renew their loyalty. Just as a king ensures all are present—from ministers to commoners—so too does Hashem demand the commitment of every Jew. The Midrash further explains that this moment echoes Har Sinai, where all of Yisrael stood united to accept the Torah.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Teshuva (3:4), the Rambam derives from this verse that teshuvah (repentance) and covenant renewal must involve the entire community. The inclusion of all levels of society teaches that spiritual growth is not only an individual pursuit but a collective obligation.

Practical Lesson

The Ohr HaChaim highlights that the phrase "לפני ה' אלקיכם" (before Hashem your God) reminds us that even when leaders or officers are present, the true accountability is to Hashem. This reinforces the idea that all Jews, regardless of position, must live with Divine awareness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chagigah 3a

The verse is cited in a discussion about the importance of communal unity and standing before God, emphasizing the inclusion of all members of the community from leaders to ordinary individuals.

📖 Sanhedrin 19b

Referenced in the context of discussing the roles and responsibilities of leaders and the collective accountability of the Jewish people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'You stand this day all of you before the Lord your God' mean in Deuteronomy 29:9?
A: This verse describes the entire nation of Israel standing together before Hashem as they entered into the covenant at Mount Sinai and reaffirmed it before entering the Land of Israel. Rashi explains that this emphasizes the unity of the Jewish people—leaders and common people alike—standing together in commitment to Torah and mitzvot.

Q: Why does the verse list different groups like leaders, elders, and officers?
A: The Torah lists different groups—heads of tribes, elders, officers, and all of Israel—to teach that every level of society, from leadership to ordinary individuals, has a role in upholding the covenant with Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:1) teaches that leaders must set an example, but every Jew is equally responsible before G-d.

Q: What lesson can we learn from 'You stand this day' in our lives today?
A: The phrase 'this day' teaches that the covenant is eternally relevant, as if we are standing before Hashem anew each day (Sifrei Devarim). This reminds us to renew our commitment to Torah and mitzvot daily, just as our ancestors did at Sinai and before entering Israel.

Q: How does this verse show the importance of unity in Judaism?
A: By stating 'all of you,' the Torah emphasizes that the Jewish people must be united in their service of Hashem. The Midrash (Tanchuma Nitzavim 1) compares this to a bundle of reeds—individually weak, but unbreakable when bound together. Unity strengthens our collective spiritual mission.