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Deuteronomy 32:22 - Divine wrath's consuming fire

Hebrew Text

כִּי־אֵשׁ קָדְחָה בְאַפִּי וַתִּיקַד עַד־שְׁאוֹל תַּחְתִּית וַתֹּאכַל אֶרֶץ וִיבֻלָהּ וַתְּלַהֵט מוֹסְדֵי הָרִים׃

English Translation

For a fire is kindled in my anger, and shall burn to the nethermost parts of the earth, and shall consume the earth with its produce, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.

Transliteration

Ki-esh kadkha veapi vatikad ad-sheol takhtit vatokhal eretz viybula vatelakhet mosdei harim

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּי־אֵשׁ֙ קָדְחָ֣ה בְאַפִּ֔י וַתִּיקַ֖ד עַד־שְׁא֣וֹל תַּחְתִּ֑ית        וַתֹּ֤אכַל אֶ֙רֶץ֙ וִֽיבֻלָ֔הּ וַתְּלַהֵ֖ט מוֹסְדֵ֥י הָרִֽים׃        

Parasha Commentary

Context in Tanakh

This verse appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 32:22 as part of Shirat Ha'azinu, the song Moses taught Israel before his death. The song warns of severe consequences if Israel abandons the covenant with Hashem. The imagery of fire represents divine wrath against rebellion.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 32:22) interprets this as a metaphor for the far-reaching consequences of sin. The fire of Hashem's anger burns so intensely that it reaches even She'ol Tachtit (the lowest depths of the netherworld), emphasizing that no one can escape divine justice. Rashi connects this to the Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 322), which states that even the righteous in She'ol will feel the effects when judgment comes upon the wicked.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 1:36), Rambam explains that such fiery language is metaphorical, describing the complete destruction that results from abandoning Torah. The "foundations of the mountains" represent the most stable elements of creation—even they cannot withstand divine judgment when provoked by severe wrongdoing.

Midrashic Interpretation

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Ha'azinu 4) compares this fire to a smoldering coal that ignites everything in its path, teaching that sin creates spiritual damage that spreads beyond the immediate offender.
  • Devarim Rabbah (10:4) states this verse alludes to the destruction of both the First and Second Temples, where Hashem's anger "consumed" even the land's fertility as part of the punishment.

Kabbalistic Insight

The Arizal (Rabbi Isaac Luria) notes in Etz Chaim that "fire" here refers to the Gevurah (severity) of divine judgment, which becomes unleashed when the balance of mercy and judgment is disrupted by human actions. The "foundations of the mountains" symbolize the yesod (foundational spiritual levels) that sustain creation.

Halachic Implication

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 416) cites this verse to emphasize the gravity of causing Chillul Hashem (desecration of G-d's name), as such actions provoke divine wrath that affects the entire world, not just the individual sinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 32:22 mean?
A: This verse describes Hashem's intense anger (expressed metaphorically as fire) that can reach the deepest parts of the earth and destroy even the strongest foundations. Rashi explains this as a warning about the consequences of abandoning Torah and mitzvot - that divine punishment can be all-consuming if people stray from the proper path.
Q: Why does the Torah describe God's anger as fire?
A: Fire is used as a metaphor because it represents both destruction and purification. The Rambam teaches that divine anger is not emotional like human anger, but rather the necessary consequence of distancing from truth. Fire imagery conveys how severe consequences can spread uncontrollably when people violate their covenant with Hashem.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 32:22?
A: The Midrash teaches that this verse reminds us how our actions have cosmic consequences. Just as fire spreads, negative behaviors can affect the entire world. Conversely, our positive mitzvot also have far-reaching effects. The verse motivates us to strengthen our connection to Torah to avoid such destructive outcomes.
Q: Does this verse mean God will literally burn the world?
A: No, the Talmud (Berachot 7a) explains that Torah often uses physical metaphors to describe spiritual realities. The 'fire' represents the intensity of divine justice, not necessarily physical flames. However, the Talmud does teach that there is a concept of Gehinnom (purgatory) where souls are purified - but this is different from physical destruction of the world.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: The Sages teach that this warning remains relevant in every generation. When we see difficulties in the world, it should inspire us to examine our ways and return to Torah observance. The verse's imagery reminds us that repairing our relationship with Hashem (through teshuvah/repentance) can transform destructive fire into the warm light of divine blessing.