ספר דברים - פרשת כי תבא - כט:א-ח - שביעי

Moshe calls all of the Jewish people together and says to them: "You have seen everything that Hashem did before your eyes in the land of Mitzrayim, to Pharaoh, to all of his servants, and to his entire land." Moshe is reminding the people of all the miracles and wonders that they personally witnessed in Egypt. He is emphasizing that these were not just stories or things they heard about, but events that happened right in front of them, to the greatest king and his nation. Moshe wants them to remember how Hashem showed His power and kindness to them in a way that was undeniable and direct.

Moshe continues and says: "The great trials that your eyes saw, the signs and the great wonders." Here, Moshe is listing the different types of miracles that the Jewish people experienced. He refers to the great tests or challenges (hamasos hagedoilos) that they saw with their own eyes, as well as the great signs and wonders. These include all the plagues and miracles that happened in Egypt and throughout their journey. Moshe is emphasizing that these were not just minor events, but major, open miracles that everyone saw and experienced.

Moshe then says: "But Hashem did not give you a heart to know, eyes to see, and ears to hear until this day." Even though the Jewish people witnessed all these miracles, Moshe is telling them that they did not truly internalize or understand Hashem's kindness until now. They saw the miracles, but they didn't fully recognize what they meant or allow it to change them on a deeper level. Moshe is pointing out that real understanding and appreciation of Hashem's actions requires more than just seeing with the eyes; it needs to be absorbed in the heart and mind. Only now, at the end of the forty years, are they beginning to truly grasp the significance of everything Hashem has done for them.

Rashi explains on the words "VeLo Nosan Hashem Lachem Leiv Ladaas"—that Hashem did not give you a heart to know—means that they did not truly recognize Hashem's kindness and did not cleave to Him. Rashi is saying that the Jewish people, despite seeing all the miracles, did not fully appreciate or connect to Hashem in the way they should have. The recognition of Hashem's kindness and the desire to attach themselves to Him was lacking until this point. This is what Moshe is emphasizing: that now, finally, they are beginning to reach that level of understanding and connection.

Moshe says: "Until this day." Rashi brings that he heard an explanation: On the day that Moshe gave the Sefer Torah to the sons of Levi, as it says later, 'He gave it to the Kohanim, the sons of Levi,' all of the Jewish people came before Moshe and said to him, 'Moshe Rabbeinu! We also stood at Sinai and received the Torah. It was given to us as well. Why are you making your own tribe, the tribe of Levi, the rulers over the Torah? They will say to us tomorrow, "It was not given to you, it was given to us."' Moshe was happy about this complaint. Because of this, he said to them, 'This day you have become a people.' On this day, Moshe understood that the people were truly cleaving to Hashem and desired Him. The fact that they cared so much about the Torah and wanted to make sure it belonged to all of them showed their deep connection and desire for Hashem. Moshe saw that now, finally, they had reached the level where they were truly united as a people, attached to Hashem and His Torah.

Moshe continues: "I have led you forty years in the desert. Your garments did not wear out from upon you, and your shoe did not wear out from upon your foot." Moshe is reminding the people of the miracles that happened to them during their forty years in the desert. Their clothes did not become old or torn, and their shoes did not wear out, even though they were traveling in the harsh conditions of the desert for so many years. This was a clear miracle from Hashem, showing His constant care and protection for the Jewish people throughout their journey.

You did not eat bread, and you did not drink wine or beer, so that you would know that I am Hashem, your God. The teacher explains that during the forty years in the desert, the Jewish people did not eat regular bread, nor did they drink wine or beer. This was so that they would recognize that Hashem is their God. The teacher emphasizes that Hashem sustained them in a miraculous way, providing them with the mann, and they did not have the normal foods or drinks that people usually rely on. The purpose of this was to make it clear to them that their sustenance and survival came directly from Hashem, not from natural means. This was to instill in them the recognition and awareness of Hashem's direct involvement in their lives.

And you came to this place, and Sichon, king of Cheshbon, and Og, king of the Bashan, went out towards us for war, and we struck them. The teacher explains that after all the miracles in the desert, the Jewish people arrived at this place, and then Sichon and Og came out to wage war against them. Hashem gave them victory over these kings. The teacher notes that now, after seeing themselves in greatness and honor, the people might be tempted to become arrogant or to forget Hashem. He warns that even though they have achieved greatness and honor, they should not rebel against Hashem or let their hearts become haughty. The teacher stresses that despite their successes, they must remain humble and recognize that everything comes from Hashem.

On the words "And you came to this place," Rashi explains that now you see yourselves in greatness and honor, so do not kick against Hashem and do not let your hearts become haughty. The teacher elaborates that even though the Jewish people have reached a high status and have seen many miracles, they should not become arrogant or forget Hashem. Rashi continues, quoting the verse "And you shall guard the words of this covenant" (from the next verse), emphasizing that despite their achievements, they must still keep Hashem's covenant.

Rashi then brings another interpretation: on the earlier verse "And Hashem has not given you a heart to know" (from verse 3), he says that a person cannot fully grasp the mind of his teacher or the wisdom of his teachings until forty years have passed. The teacher explains that this means it takes a long time to truly understand the depth of one's teacher and his teachings. Therefore, Hashem was not strict with the Jewish people until this day, but from now on, He will be more particular with them. The teacher points out that now, after forty years, they are expected to keep the words of the covenant with greater responsibility, because they have reached a level of understanding and maturity. Rashi concludes that therefore, as it says in the next verse, "And you shall guard the words of this covenant," from now on, the expectation is higher.

And we took their land and gave it as an inheritance to the tribe of Reuven, to the tribe of Gad, and to half the tribe of Menashe. The teacher explains that after defeating Sichon and Og, their land was given as an inheritance to these specific tribes. This was a fulfillment of Hashem's promise and a sign of the Jewish people's success in conquering the land. The teacher notes that this division of land was significant, as it showed the beginning of the fulfillment of the promise to inherit the land, even before crossing the Jordan River. It also demonstrated Hashem's kindness and the special status of these tribes who received their portion early.

You shall guard the words of this covenant and do them, so that you will be wise in all that you do. The teacher explains that after all the miracles and experiences in the desert, and after receiving the land of Sichon and Og, the Jewish people are now commanded to keep the words of the covenant. By doing so, they will merit wisdom and success in all their actions. The teacher emphasizes that this is a direct result of their experiences and the maturity they have reached after forty years. Now, they are expected to observe the covenant with full understanding and commitment, and this will bring them success in everything they do.