REFLECTIONS ON PARSHAT DEVARIM – RESPECTING WHAT G-D HAS GIVEN TO OTHERS

בס”ד

Integrating Torah into one’s life through reflection and conversation can be an incredibly fun and engaging experience. It’s a journey of discovery, where ancient wisdom and timeless teachings come to life in our daily experiences. Through reflection, we have the opportunity to dive deep into the rich tapestry of Torah, extracting profound insights and lessons that resonate with our modern lives. The joy lies in the ‘aha’ moments, those instances when a Torah verse or story suddenly connects with our personal challenges, aspirations, and values. And when we engage in conversations about Torah with others, it becomes an interactive exploration, where diverse perspectives and interpretations enhance our understanding. These dialogues often spark excitement and intellectual curiosity, making the learning process both enjoyable and fulfilling. Torah becomes a vibrant and dynamic part of our lives, offering not just guidance but also a source of endless fascination, connection, and growth.

NOTE: Don’t feel obligated to go through every source or answer all the questions—unless you want to. Even one source, or one question will give you plenty of material for discussion and meditation. Enjoy this!

Some thoughts about Parshat Devarim

“Do not contend with them, for I will not give you any of their land as a possession, because I have given Mount Seir to Esau as an inheritance.” (Deuteronomy 2:5)

One of the central teachings of the Torah is that the Land of Israel was given by G-d as the eternal inheritance of the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This promise, repeated throughout Genesis, stands at the heart of Israel’s covenant. Yet, as the nation prepares to enter the Promised Land, Moses pauses to teach another truth that is just as important.

As Israel journeys toward Canaan, they pass through the territories of Edom, Moab, and Ammon. Three times G-d commands them not to provoke these nations. Why? Because these lands have already been assigned by G-d. “I have given Mount Seir to Esau as an inheritance” (Deuteronomy 2:5), “I have given Ar to the descendants of Lot as an inheritance” (2:9), and again concerning Ammon, “I have given it to the descendants of Lot as an inheritance” (2:19).

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch observes that this lesson is taught at precisely the moment when Israel is about to receive its own inheritance. G-d wanted Israel to understand that although its covenant is unique, His providence extends far beyond the Jewish people. The same G-d who promised Canaan to Israel also assigned lands to other nations. Israel was never meant to see itself as a conquering empire before whom no nation could feel secure. Rather, its wars were to be limited to taking possession of the one land G-d had promised to it. Election was never intended to become imperialism.

This carries an important lesson for Noahides. G-d’s covenant with Israel is unique, but His concern is universal. He governs the history of every nation and establishes their boundaries according to His wisdom. Long before political treaties or international law, Scripture teaches that the destinies of nations ultimately rest in the hands of the Creator.

Rabbi Hirsch notes an additional implication found by the Sages. The Talmud (Nazir 61a) understands G-d’s declaration, “I have given Mount Seir to Esau as an inheritance,” as demonstrating that the institution of inheritance itself enjoys divine sanction even among Noahide humanity. The right to own property and to pass it on to one’s descendants is not merely a human convention; it forms part of the moral order established by G-d. Respecting another person’s lawful possessions—and, by extension, the legitimate inheritance of nations—is therefore an expression of reverence for the Creator Himself.

The seriousness of this principle is illustrated by a remarkable teaching preserved in the Jerusalem Talmud. Scripture records that David reigned in Hebron for seven years and six months (II Samuel 5:5), yet elsewhere summarizes his reign there as simply seven years (I Kings 2:11). Why were six months omitted?

The Sages explain that these were the six months during which Joab conducted his campaign against Edom. G-d declared, “I said to you, ‘Do not contend with them,’ yet you sought to contend with them. By your life, those six months will not be counted for you.” (Jerusalem Talmud, Rosh Hashanah 1:1, brought in Torah Temimah on 2:5)

Whether understood literally or as a profound moral teaching, the message is unmistakable. G-d measures our lives not only by what we accomplish, but by whether we accomplish it within the boundaries He has established. Success achieved through disobedience is not true success in the eyes of Heaven. There are accomplishments that the world celebrates but that G-d simply does not count.

For Noahides, this principle reaches far beyond warfare. The Seven Noahide Laws establish the moral boundaries that G-d has given to all humanity. It is not enough to pursue worthy goals; we must pursue them by worthy means. Prosperity gained through theft, influence gained through injustice, or success achieved by violating G-d’s commands cannot be called true success, no matter how impressive it appears.

The opening chapters of Deuteronomy therefore present a vision of remarkable balance. Israel’s inheritance is certain because G-d promised it. At the same time, G-d commands Israel to respect the inheritances He has granted to others. Divine election does not diminish justice; it demands it. The G-d who assigns one nation its calling also assigns another its borders, its history, and its responsibilities.

Whether Jew or Noahide, we honor G-d not only by cherishing what He has entrusted to us, but also by respecting what He has entrusted to others. True righteousness is found not merely in achieving our goals, but in remaining faithful to the moral boundaries established by the One who is L-rd of all the earth.

Now, reflect on the following questions:

Why do you think G-d reminded Israel to respect the lands of Edom, Moab, and Ammon just before they entered the Promised Land?
How does Rabbi Hirsch’s commentary deepen your understanding of G-d’s relationship to the nations of the world?
Why is it important to distinguish between Israel’s unique covenant and G-d’s universal providence over all humanity?
The Jerusalem Talmud teaches that six months of David’s reign were not counted because of Joab’s campaign against Edom. What does this teach about the relationship between success and obedience?
Have you ever been tempted to justify questionable means because the goal seemed worthwhile? What guidance does this Torah portion offer?
How does respecting another person’s property, inheritance, or rightful place in the world demonstrate reverence for G-d?
In what practical ways can you ensure that your own ambitions remain within the moral boundaries G-d has established?

Shabbat Shalom

By Rabbi Tani Burton

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