Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 9:8 mean when it says 'you provoked the Lord to anger'?
A: This verse refers to the incident of the Golden Calf, when the Israelites worshiped an idol shortly after receiving the Torah at Mount Horeb (Sinai). Rashi explains that despite witnessing God's miracles, they quickly turned to idolatry, provoking His anger.
Q: Why is Mount Horeb mentioned in Deuteronomy 9:8?
A: Mount Horeb is another name for Mount Sinai, where the Torah was given. The verse highlights the severity of the sin—the people rebelled against God at the very place they entered into a covenant with Him. The Talmud (Berachot 32a) teaches that this shows how grave their actions were.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 9:8 about angering God?
A: The verse teaches that even after experiencing great divine kindness (like the Exodus and receiving the Torah), disobedience can lead to severe consequences. Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 3:3) explains that this serves as a warning to avoid repeating such mistakes and to repent sincerely.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 9:8 apply to us today?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) teaches that this verse reminds us to remain faithful to God even after spiritual highs. Just as the Israelites faltered after receiving the Torah, we must guard against complacency in our own religious commitments.
Q: Why does the verse say God wanted 'to destroy' the Israelites?
A: Rashi explains that this reflects the severity of the sin of idolatry, which nearly caused their annihilation. However, Moshe's prayers (mentioned later in Deuteronomy 9) averted this punishment, teaching the power of repentance and intercession.
Context in Sefer Devarim
The verse (Devarim 9:8) appears in Moshe Rabbeinu's rebuke to Bnei Yisrael, reminding them of their past transgressions, particularly the incident of the Golden Calf at Har Sinai (Chorev is another name for Har Sinai, as noted by Rashi on Shemot 3:1). This serves as a warning against arrogance, emphasizing that their merits alone did not earn them Eretz Yisrael.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi clarifies that "ויתאנף ה' בכם" ("the Lord was angry with you") refers to Hashem's wrath during the Chet Ha'Egel (Sin of the Golden Calf). The phrase "להשמיד אתכם" ("to have destroyed you") indicates that Hashem's initial decree was complete annihilation, but Moshe's tefillah (prayer) averted this punishment (see Shemot 32:10-14).
Rambam on Divine Anger
In Moreh Nevuchim (1:36), Rambam explains that anthropomorphic terms like "anger" are metaphorical, describing divine justice as perceived by humans. Here, "ויתאנף" reflects the severe consequence of violating the covenant at Har Sinai, where Bnei Yisrael pledged unwavering loyalty (Shemot 24:7).
Midrashic Insights
Halachic Implications
The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 387) derives from this incident the gravity of idolatry, one of the three cardinal sins for which one must sacrifice their life (Sanhedrin 74a). The near-destruction at Chorev serves as a eternal caution against avodah zarah.