Exodus 34:12 - Beware idolatrous alliances' snare

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Hebrew Text

הִשָּׁמֶר לְךָ פֶּן־תִּכְרֹת בְּרִית לְיוֹשֵׁב הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר אַתָּה בָּא עָלֶיהָ פֶּן־יִהְיֶה לְמוֹקֵשׁ בְּקִרְבֶּךָ׃

English Translation

Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land to which thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee:

Transliteration

Hishamer lekha pen-tichrot brit leyoshev ha'arets asher atah ba aleha pen-yihye lemokesh bekirbekha.

Hebrew Leining Text

הִשָּׁ֣מֶר לְךָ֗ פֶּן־תִּכְרֹ֤ת בְּרִית֙ לְיוֹשֵׁ֣ב הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר אַתָּ֖ה בָּ֣א עָלֶ֑יהָ פֶּן־יִהְיֶ֥ה לְמוֹקֵ֖שׁ בְּקִרְבֶּֽךָ׃

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Shemot 34:12) appears in the context of Hashem's warning to Bnei Yisrael after the sin of the Golden Calf, as Moshe receives the second set of Luchot. This admonition follows the renewal of the covenant and emphasizes the dangers of forming alliances with the inhabitants of Eretz Canaan.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the warning against making a covenant with the inhabitants of the land is to prevent Bnei Yisrael from being influenced by their idolatrous practices. He notes that the phrase "פֶּן־יִהְיֶה לְמוֹקֵשׁ בְּקִרְבֶּךָ" ("lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee") refers to the spiritual danger of assimilation, where close relationships with these nations could lead Bnei Yisrael astray from serving Hashem.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Avodat Kochavim (Laws of Idolatry 10:1), the Rambam elaborates that forming covenants with idolatrous nations inherently leads to adopting their beliefs and customs. He derives from this verse that maintaining strict boundaries is essential to preserving the spiritual integrity of Klal Yisrael.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tisa 18) compares this warning to a father advising his son not to associate with corrupt individuals, lest he learn their ways. The Midrash emphasizes that the "snare" is not merely political but moral and religious, as the Canaanites' influence could corrupt Bnei Yisrael's commitment to Torah.

Practical Implications

Spiritual Boundaries: The verse teaches the importance of maintaining separation from influences that contradict Torah values, even in seemingly neutral agreements.
Historical Fulfillment: As seen in Sefer Shoftim, Bnei Yisrael's failure to fully heed this warning led to cycles of idolatry and punishment.
Contemporary Lesson: The principle applies to avoiding alliances or cultural engagements that may compromise religious observance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Avodah Zarah 15b

The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the prohibitions against forming alliances or covenants with idolaters, emphasizing the danger of being ensnared by their practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 34:12 mean when it warns against making a covenant with the inhabitants of the land?
A: Exodus 34:12 warns the Jewish people not to form alliances or agreements with the idolatrous inhabitants of Canaan. According to Rashi, making such covenants could lead to adopting their sinful practices, which would become a 'snare'—a spiritual trap leading Jews away from Torah observance.

Q: Why is this commandment in Exodus 34:12 important for the Jewish people?
A: This commandment is crucial because it protects Jewish spiritual integrity. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 10:1) explains that close associations with idolaters could lead to intermarriage or adopting their beliefs. The Torah emphasizes separation to maintain purity of faith and mitzvot.

Q: How does Exodus 34:12 apply to Jews today?
A: While we no longer face the same Canaanite nations, the principle remains relevant. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 36b) teaches that we must avoid influences that could lead us away from Torah values. Today, this includes being cautious of cultural trends or ideologies contrary to halacha.

Q: What does 'lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee' mean in practical terms?
A: The 'snare' refers to subtle spiritual dangers. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 42:6) compares it to a hidden trap—seemingly harmless interactions can gradually lead to assimilation or moral compromise. The verse teaches Jews to be vigilant in guarding their religious identity.

Q: Does this verse mean Jews can't have any relationships with non-Jews?
A: No. The prohibition is specifically against covenants that compromise Torah values. The Talmud (Gittin 61a) teaches that we must treat all people kindly ('darchei shalom'), but Exodus 34:12 cautions against alliances that endanger Jewish beliefs or practices, as explained by traditional commentators like Ibn Ezra.