ואתחנן

ואתחנן. אֵין חִנּוּן בְּכָל מָקוֹם אֶלָּא לְשׁוֹן מַתְּנַת חִנָּם – אַעַ"פִּ שֶׁיֵּשׁ לָהֶם לַצַּדִּיקִים לִתְלוֹת בְּמַעֲשֵׂיהֶם הַטּוֹבִים אֵין מְבַקְּשִׁים מֵאֵת הַמָּקוֹם אֶלָּא מַתְּנַת חִנָּם, (לְפִי שֶׁאָמַר לוֹ וְחַנֹּתִי אֶת אֲשֶׁר אָחֹן אָמַר לוֹ בִּלְשׁוֹן וָאֶתְחַנַּן); דָּ"אַ זֶה אֶחָד מֵעֲשָׂרָה לְשׁוֹנוֹת שֶׁנִּקְרֵאת תְּפִלָּה, כִּדְאִיתָא בְּסִפְרֵי:

I pleaded. The word חִנוּן everywhere signifies an undeserved gift. Although the righteous might claim [reward] based on their good deeds, they ask the Almighty only for an undeserved gift. Because [the Almighty] had said to him, “I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious,” he [Moshe] uses the expression וְאֶתְחַנַּן . There is another explanation: This is one of the ten terms by which prayer is described, as is stated in Sifrei.

בעת ההוא. לְאַחַר שֶׁכָּבַשְׁתִּי אֶרֶץ סִיחוֹן וְעוֹג דִּמִּיתִי שֶׁמָּא הֻתַּר הַנֶּדֶר:

At that time. After I had captured the land of Sichon and Og, I imagined that the vow had been cancelled.

לאמר. זֶה אֶחָד מִגּ' מְקוֹמוֹת שֶׁאָמַר מֹשֶׁה לִפְנֵי הַמָּקוֹם אֵינִי מַנִּיחֲךָ עַד שֶׁתּוֹדִיעֵנִי אִם תַּעֲשֶׂה שְׁאֵלָתִי אִם לָאו (ספרי):

Saying. This is one of the three occasions where Moshe said to the Almighty, “I will not leave You alone until You make known to me whether You will do as I requested or not.”

ה' אלהים. רַחוּם בַּדִּין:

Adonoy, Elohim. Merciful in judgement.

אתה החלות להראות את עבדך. פֶּתַח, לִהְיוֹת עוֹמֵד וּמִתְפַּלֵּל אַעַ"פִּ שֶׁנִּגְזְרָה גְּזֵרָה; אָמַר לוֹ מִמְּךָ לָמַדְתִּי, שֶׁאָמַרְתָּ לִי (שמות ל"ב) "וְעַתָּה הַנִּיחָה לִּי", וְכִי תוֹפֵס הָיִיתִי בְךָ? אֶלָּא לִפְתֹּחַ פֶּתַח, שֶׁבִּי הָיָה תָלוּי לְהִתְפַּלֵּל עֲלֵיהֶם, כְּמוֹ כֵן הָיִיתִי סָבוּר לַעֲשׂוֹת עַכְשָׁו (ספרי):

You have begun to show Your servant an opportunity to stand and pray even though the decree has gone forth. He [Moshe] said to Him, “I learned this from you, for You said to me, ‘Now leave me alone.’ Was I then holding You? [But You said this] to provide an opportunity [and to show] that it was up to me to pray for them. Similarly, I thought to do so now.”

את גדלך. זוֹ מִדַּת טוּבְךָ, וְכֵן הוּא אוֹמֵר (במדבר י"ד) "וְעַתָּה יִגְדַּל נָא כֹּחַ ה'":

Your Greatness. This refers to Your attribute of goodness. Similarly it is said, ”And now please magnify the Might of my Master.”

ואת ידך. זוֹ יְמִינְךָ שֶׁהִיא פְּשׁוּטָה לְכָל בָּאֵי עוֹלָם:

And Your hand. This refers to Your right hand which is extended to all who enter the world.

החזקה. שֶׁאַתָּה כוֹבֵשׁ בְּרַחֲמִים אֶת מִדַּת הַדִּין בְּחָזְקָה (ספרי):

Powerful. You subdue with [Your] compassion the attribute of strict justice.

אשר מי אל וגו'. אֵינְךָ דוֹמֶה לְמֶלֶךְ בָּשָׂר וָדָם שֶׁיֵּשׁ לוֹ יוֹעֲצִין וְסַנְקַתֶּדְרִין הַמַמְּחִין בְּיָדוֹ כְּשֶׁרוֹצֶה לַעֲשׂוֹת חֶסֶד וְלַעֲבֹר עַל מִדּוֹתָיו, אַתָּה אֵין מִי שֶׁיִּמְחֶה בְיָדְךָ אִם תִּמְחֹל לִי וּתְבַטֵּל גְּזֵרָתְךָ; וּלְפִי פְשׁוּטוֹ אַתָּה הַחִלּוֹתָ לְהַרְאוֹת אֶת עַבְדְּךָ מִלְחֶמֶת סִיחוֹן וְעוֹג, – כְּדִכְתִיב (דברים ב') "רְאֵה הַחִלֹּתִי תֵּת לְפָנֶיךָ", – הַרְאֵנִי מִלְחֶמֶת ל"א מְלָכִים:

That there is no power etc. You are unlike a king of flesh and blood who has advisors and critics who would deter him when he wants to do kindness and to forgo his attribute [of strict justice]. You, however, there is no one to deter You, should You pardon me and annul Your decree. But according to its simplistic sense [it means]: You have begun to show Your servant the war with Sichon and Og, as it is written, “I have begun defeating before you;” show me also the war with the thirty-one kings.

אעברה נא. אֵין נָא אֶלָּא לְשׁוֹן בַּקָּשָׁה:

Please allow me to cross over. The word נָא denotes a request.

ההר הטוב הזה. זוֹ יְרוּשָׁלַיִם:

This good mountain. A reference to Jerusalem.

והלבנן. זֶה בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ (ספרי):

And the Lebanon. A reference to the Bais HaMikdosh.

ויתעבר ה'. נִתְמַלֵּא חֵמָה:

Adonoy grew angry [at me]. He was filled with wrath.

למענכם. אַתֶּם גְּרַמְתֶּם לִי, וְכֵן הוּא אוֹמֵר (תהלים ק"ו) "וַיַּקְצִיפוּ עַל מֵי מְרִיבָה וַיֵּרַע לְמֹשֶׁה בַּעֲבוּרָם":

Through your fault. You caused this [to happen] to me. Similarly it is said, “And they provoked Him at the waters of Merivah, and Moshe suffered harm because of them.”

רב לך. שֶׁלֹּא יֹאמְרוּ הָרַב כַּמָּה קָשֶׁה וְהַתַּלְמִיד כַּמָּה סַרְבָן וּמַפְצִיר (סוטה י"ג); דָּ"אַ — רב לך, הַרְבֵּה מִזֶּה שָׁמוּר לְךָ, רַב טוּב הַצָּפוּן לְךָ (ספרי):

Enough for you. So that people should not say, “How harsh is the Master, and how stubborn and pleading is the disciple.” Another explanation of רַב לָךְ . Much more than this is preserved for you, great is the goodness that is hidden away for you. (Siphre)

וראה בעיניך. בִּקַּשְׁתָּ מִמֶּנִּי וְאֶרְאֶה אֶת הָאָרֶץ הַטּוֹבָה, אֲנִי מַרְאֶה לְךָ אֶת כֻּלָּהּ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים ל"ב) "וַיַּרְאֵהוּ ה' אֶת כָּל הָאָרֶץ":

And see with your own eyes. You asked of Me — “And let me see the good land”; I will show you all of it, as it is said, “And Adonoy showed him all the land.”

וצו את יהושע. עַל הַטְּרָחוֹת וְעַל הַמַּשָּׂאוֹת וְעַל הַמְּרִיבוֹת:

And command Yehoshua. Regarding the troubles, the burdens and the strifes [of leadership.]

וחזקהו ואמצהו. בִּדְבָרֶיךָ, שֶׁלֹּא יֵרַךְ לִבּוֹ לוֹמַר כְּשֵׁם שֶׁנֶּעֱנַשׁ רַבִּי עֲלֵיהֶם, כָּךְ סוֹפִי לֵעָנֵשׁ עֲלֵיהֶם, מַבְטִיחוֹ אֲנִי כִּי הוּא יַעֲבֹר וְהוּא יַנְחִיל (ע' ספרי):

And encourage him and embolden him. With your words so that he will not become faint-hearted, saying, “Just as my teacher (Moshe) was punished because of them, so eventually will I be punished because of them”; I [therefore] assure him that he will cross over and he shall apportion to them [the land.]

כי הוא יעבר. אִם יַעֲבֹר לִפְנֵיהֶם יִנְחֲלוּ, וְאִם לָאו לֹא יִנְחֲלוּ; וְכֵן אַתָּה מוֹצֵא כְּשֶׁשָּׁלַח מִן הָעָם אֶל הָעַי וְהוּא יָשַׁב, "וַיַּכּוּ מֵהֶם אַנְשֵׁי הָעַי וְגוֹ'" (יהושע ז') וְכֵיוָן שֶׁנָּפַל עַל פָּנָיו אָמַר לוֹ "קֻם לָךְ" – קם לך כְּתִיב, אַתָּה הוּא הָעוֹמֵד בִּמְקוֹמְךָ וּמְשַׁלֵּחַ אֶת בָּנַי לַמִּלְחָמָה, לָמָּה זֶּה אַתָּה נֹפֵל עַל פָּנֶיךָ? לֹא כָךְ אָמַרְתִּי לְמֹשֶׁה רַבְּךָ אִם הוּא עוֹבֵר עוֹבְרִין וְאִם לָאו אֵין עוֹבְרִין (ספרי):

Because he will cross. If he will cross at the head [of this people] they will possess [the land], but if not they will not possess it. And similarly you find that when he sent some of the people against Ai and he remained [in the camp], “The men of Ai killed [thirty-six] of them.” And when he fell on his face, he [God] said to him, “Get up.” It [the word קֻם ] is written [without the vov] [so that it can be read] קָם לָךְ — [It is because of] you remaining in your place and sending My children to war [that caused this defeat.] Why is it that you have fallen on your face? Did I not say this to Moshe, your teacher: If he will cross over [at the head] they will cross, and if not, they will not cross.

ונשב בגיא וגו'. וְנִצְמַדְתֶּם לַעֲ"זָ, וְאַעַ"פִּ כֵן ועתה ישראל שמע אל החקים, וְהַכֹּל מָחוּל לְךָ, וַאֲנִי לֹא זָכִיתִי לִמָּחֵל לִי:

We lived in the valley [facing Beis Peor]. And you attached yourselves to idolatry, but nevertheless, “And now Yisroel, listen to the statutes,” and everything is forgiven you. But I was not privileged to be forgiven.

לא תספו. כְּגוֹן חָמֵשׁ פָּרָשִׁיּוֹת בַּתְּפִלִּין, חֲמֵשֶׁת מִינִין בַּלּוּלָב, וְחָמֵשׁ צִיצִיּוֹת, וְכֵן "לֹא תִגְרְעוּ" (ע' ספרי פ' ראה):

Do not add. For instance to place five parshiyos in the tefillin, to take five species [of fruit] for the mitzvah of lulav, to place five fringes [instead of four on one’s garment]; and this also applies to (the command), “And do not subtract from them.”

ושמרתם. זוֹ מִשְׁנָה:

You will preserve them. This refers to the study of the Mishnah.

ועשיתם. כְּמַשְׁמָעוֹ (שם):

And you will fulfill them. As literally implied.

כי הוא חכמתכם ובינתכם וגו'. בָּזֹאת תֵּחָשְׁבוּ חֲכָמִים וּנְבוֹנִים לְעֵינֵי הָעַמִּים:

For that [displays] your wisdom and understanding, etc. Through this you will be considered wise and understanding in the eyes of the nations.

חקים ומשפטים צדיקם. הֲגוּנִים וּמְקֻבָּלִים:

Upright statutes and laws. That are proper and acceptable.

רק השמר לך … פן תשכח את הדברים. אָז, כְּשֶׁלֹּא תִשְׁכְּחוּ אוֹתָם וְתַעֲשׂוּם עַל אֲמִתָּתָם, תֵּחָשְׁבוּ חֲכָמִים וּנְבוֹנִים, וְאִם תְּעַוְּתוּ אוֹתָם מִתּוֹךְ שִׁכְחָה, תֵּחָשְׁבוּ שׁוֹטִים:

[Only] look out for yourself, etc. Lest you forget the words. Then, if you do not forget them, and you fulfill them correctly will you be considered wise and understanding; but if you distort them through forgetfulness, you will be considered fools.

יום אשר עמדת. מוּסָב עַל מִקְרָא שֶׁלְּמַעְלָה מִמֶּנּוּ אשר ראו עיניך – יום אשר עמדת בחרב אֲשֶׁר רָאִיתָ הַקּוֹלוֹת וְאֶת הַלַּפִּידִים:

The day you stood. This verse is connected with the preceding verse: “[the words] your eyes witnessed” on the day you stood at Choreiv, where you saw the thunder and lightning.

יִלְמְדוּן. יֵלְפוּן – לְעַצְמָם:

They will learn. For themselves [ יֵלְפוּן ].

יְלַמֵּדוּן. יְאַלְּפוּן – לַאֲחֵרִים:

They will teach. Others. [ יְאַלְפוּן ].

ואתי צוה ה' ללמד אתכם. תּוֹרָה שֶׁבְּעַל פֶּה:

Adonoy commanded me at that time to teach you. This refers to the Oral Law.

סמל. צוּרָה:

סָמֶל . Form.

ופן תשא עיניך. לְהִסְתַּכֵּל בַּדָּבָר וְלָתֵת לֵב לִטְעוֹת אַחֲרֵיהֶם:

Or lest you raise your eyes [heavenward] — to speculate about the matter, and to set your heart to blunder after them.

אשר חלק ה'. לְהָאִיר לָהֶם (מגילה ט'); דָּ"אַ לֶאֱלוֹהוֹת, לֹא מְנָעָן מִלִּטְעוֹת אַחֲרֵיהֶם אֶלָּא הֶחֱלִיקָם בְּדִבְרֵי הַבְלֵיהֶם לְטָרְדָם מִן הָעוֹלָם, וְכֵן הוּא אוֹמֵר (תהלים ל"ו) "כִּי הֶחֱלִיק אֵלָיו בְּעֵינָיו לִמְצֹא עֲוֹנוֹ לִשְׂנֹא" (עבודה זרה נ"ה):

When Adonoy has made them available to provide them with light. Another explanation: [He made them available] as deities. He did not prevent them from blundering after them, but paved the way for them [to err] through their meaningless speculations, in order to banish them from the world. Similarly it states: “For he smoothes [the way] before his eyes, causing Him [God] to discover his iniquity for which He will hate him.

מכור. כּוּר הוּא כְלִי שֶׁמְּזַקְּקִים בּוֹ אֶת הַזָּהָב:

[Iron] crucible. This is a vessel in which gold is refined.

התאנף. נִתְמַלֵּא רֹגֶז:

Grew angry. He was filled with wrath.

על דבריכם. עַל אוֹדוֹתֵיכֶם, עַל עִסְקֵיכֶם:

On account of your statements. Because of your attitude and your actions.

כי אנכי מת וגו' אינני עבר. מֵאַחַר שֶׁמֵּת מֵהֵיכָן יַעֲבֹר? אֶלָּא אַף עַצְמוֹתַי אֵינָם עוֹבְרִים (ספרי במדבר כ"ז):

For I am to die — I am not crossing. Since he was to die, how was he to cross? But [what he meant was] “even my bones will not cross over.”

תמונת כל. תְּמוּנַת כָּל דָּבָר:

An image of anything. The likeness of any object.

אשר צוך ה'. אֲשֶׁר צִוְּךָ שֶׁלֹּא לַעֲשׂוֹת:

That Adonoy commanded you. That He commanded you not to make.

אל קנא. מְקַנֵּא לִנְקֹם, אנפר"מנט בְּלַעַז, מִתְחָרֶה עַל רָגְזוֹ לְהִפָּרַע מֵעוֹבְדֵי עֲ"זָ:

A jealous Almighty. He is jealous to take vengeance; In Old French — emportement. His anger is glowing to punish those who worship idols.

ונושנתם. רָמַז לָהֶם שֶׁיִּגְלוּ מִמֶּנָּה לְסוֹף שְׁמוֹנֶה מֵאוֹת וַחֲמִשִּׁים וּשְׁתַּיִם שָׁנָה כְּמִנְיַן "וְנוֹשַׁנְתֶּם", וְהוּא הִקְדִּים וְהִגְלָם לְסוֹף שְׁמוֹנֶה מֵאוֹת וַחֲמִשִּׁים, וְהִקְדִּים שְׁתֵּי שָׁנִים לִ"וְנוֹשַׁנְתֶּם", כְּדֵי שֶׁלֹּא יִתְקַיֵּם בָּהֶם כִּי אָבֹד תֹּאבֵדוּן, וְזֶהוּ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דניאל ט') "וַיִּשְׁקֹד עַל הָרָעָה וַיְבִיאֶהָ עָלֵינוּ כִּי צַדִּיק ה' אֱלֹהֵינוּ" – צְדָקָה עָשָׂה עִמָּנוּ שֶׁמִּהֵר לַהֲבִיאָהּ שְׁתֵּי שָׁנִים לִפְנֵי זְמַנָּהּ (סנהדרין ל"ח; גיטין פ"ח):

And have grown old. He hinted to them that they would be exiled from it at the end of eight hundred and fifty-two years, which is the numerical value [gematria] of וְנוֹשַׁנְתֶּם . But he sent them into exile earlier — at the end of eight hundred and fifty years. He exiled them two years earlier than the numerical value of וְנוֹשַׁנְתֶּם so they would not suffer the fulfillment of “that you will be completely removed [from the land].” And this is [the meaning of] what is said: “And Adonoy precipitated the evil, and He brought it upon us, for Adonoy our God is righteous.” He acted righteously [charitably צְדָקָה) with us, for He hastened to bring [the evil] two years before its time.

העידתי בכם. הִנְנִי מַזְמִינָם לִהְיוֹת עֵדִים שֶׁהִתְרֵיתִי בָכֶם:

I bring as witness against you. I have designated them to be witnesses that I have warned you.

ועבדתם שם אלהים. כְּתַרְגּוּמוֹ, מִשֶּׁאַתֶּם עוֹבְדִים לְעוֹבְדֵיהֶם כְּאִלּוּ אַתֶּם עוֹבְדִים לָהֶם:

There you will serve gods. [This should be understood] as the Targum [has it]: Since you will serve those who worship them [idols] it will be considered as though you worship them [idols].

לא ירפך. מִלְּהַחֲזִיק בְּךָ בְּיָדָיו, וּלְשׁוֹן לֹא יַרְפְּךָ לְשׁוֹן לֹא יַפְעִיל הוּא – לֹא יִתֵּן לְךָ רִפְיוֹן, לֹא יַפְרִישׁ אוֹתְךָ מֵאֶצְלוֹ, וְכֵן "אֲחַזְתִּיו וְלֹא אַרְפֶּנּוּ" (שיר השירים ג') שֶׁלֹּא נִנְקַד אֶרְפֶּנּוּ; כָּל לְשׁוֹן רִפְיוֹן מוּסָב עַל לְשׁוֹן מַפְעִיל וּמִתְפַּעֵל, כְּמוֹ "הַרְפֵּה לָהּ" (מלכים ב ד') – תֵּן לָהּ רִפְיוֹן, "הֶרֶף מִמֶּנִּי" (דברים ט') – הִתְרַפֵּה מִמֶּנִּי:

He will not forsake you by not supporting you with His hands. The expression of לֹא יַרְפְּךָ is an expression signifying that He will not cause something — he will not cause you to be weakened [forsaken], for He will not separate you from Him. Similarly, “I grasped him and would not let him go,” the word אַרְפֶּנוּ is not vocalized אֶרְפֶֶּנוּ . The term רִפְיוֹן always refers to the causative or reflexive form — [one who forsakes others or one who causes himself to be forsaken], as for example: ”Leave her alone,” — let her be released. ”Leave Me alone” — release yourself from Me.

לימים ראשונים. עַל יָמִים רִאשׁוֹנִים:

The early years. Regarding the early years.

ולמקצה השמים. וְגַם שְׁאַל לְכָל הַבְּרוּאִים אֲשֶׁר מִקָּצֶה אֶל קָצֶה, זֶהוּ פְּשׁוּטוֹ; וּמִדְרָשׁוֹ, מְלַמֵּד עַל קוֹמָתוֹ שֶׁל אָדָם שֶׁהָיְתָה מִן הָאָרֶץ עַד הַשָּׁמַיִם, וְהוּא הַשִּׁעוּר עַצְמוֹ אֲשֶׁר מִקָּצֶה אֶל קָצֶה (סנהדרין ל"ח):

From one end of the heavens. Also inquire of all the creatures [that exist] from one end [of heaven] to the other end. This is its plain meaning; but a Midrashic explanation teaches us regarding the height of Adam which reached from earth to heaven, which is the same measurement as from one end [of the heavens] to the other end.

הנהיה כדבר הגדול הזה. וּמַהוּ הַדָּבָר הַגָּדוֹל, השמע עם וגו':

Did anything ever happen comparable to this great event? And what is this great event? [See next verses] Did any people [ever hear], etc.

או הנסה אלהים. הֲכִי עָשָׂה נִסִּים שׁוּם אֱלוֹהַּ לבוא לקחת לו גוי וגו', כָּל הֵהִי"ן הַלָּלוּ תְּמִיהוֹת הֵן, לְכָךְ נְקוּדוֹת הֵן בַּחֲטָף פַּתָּח: הֲנִהְיָה, הֲנִשְׁמַע, הֲשָׁמַע הֲנִסָּה:

Did any god ever miraculously [come]. Has any god ever performed such miracles to come and take for himself a nation, etc. All these letters hei (ה) are interrogative prefixes, and are therefore vocalized with chataph patach: הֲנִהְיָה — Did anything ever happen. הֲנִשְׁמַע — Did anyone ever hear הֲשָׁמַע — Did any people ever hear. הֲנִסָּה — Did any god ever miraculously.

במסת. עַל יְדֵי נִסְיוֹנוֹת הוֹדִיעָם גְּבוּרוֹתָיו, כְּגוֹן "הִתְפָּאֵר עָלַי" (שמות ח') אִם אוּכַל לַעֲשׂוֹת כֵּן, הֲרֵי זֶה נִסָּיוֹן:

Through tests. By means of tests, he made His mighty deeds known to them, for example: “Glorify yourself at my expense,” whether I will be able to do so. This is an example of a test.

באתת. בְּסִימָנִין, לְהַאֲמִין שֶׁהוּא שְׁלוּחוֹ שֶׁל מָקוֹם, כְּגוֹן "מַה זֶּה בְיָדֶךָ" (שם ד'):

With signs. With signs to confirm that he [Moshe] is the messenger of the Almighty, for example, “What is that in your hand.”

ובמופתים. הֵם נִפְלָאוֹת, שֶׁהֵבִיא עֲלֵיהֶם מַכּוֹת מֻפְלָאוֹת:

With wonders. These refer to the wonders that He brought upon them — the astonishing plagues.

ובמלחמה. בַּיָּם, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר "כִּי ה' נִלְחָם לָהֶם" (שם י"ד):

Through warfare. [This refers to the episode] of the [Reed] Sea, as it is said, “For Adonoy is fighting for them.”

הראת. כְּתַרְגּוּמוֹ "אִתְחֲזֵיתָא"; כְּשֶׁנָּתַן הַקָּבָּ"ה אֶת הַתּוֹרָה פָּתַח לָהֶם שִׁבְעָה רְקִיעִים, וּכְשֵׁם שֶׁקָּרַע אֶת הָעֶלְיוֹנִים כָּךְ קָרַע אֶת הַתַּחְתּוֹנִים, וְרָאוּ שֶׁהוּא יְחִידִי, לְכָךְ נֶאֱמַר "אַתָּה הָרְאֵתָ לָדַעַת":

You have been shown. The word הָרְאֵתָ according to Targum Onkelos means “You were shown.” When the Holy One, blessed is He, gave the Torah, He lay open for them the seven heavens. And just as he split [opened] the upper spheres so too did He split the lower spheres, and thus they saw that He is the only One. It is therefore stated: “You have been shown that you might know.”

ותחת כי אהב. וְכָל זֶה תַּחַת אֲשֶׁר אָהַב:

Because He loved [your fathers]. And all this was because He loved [your fathers].

ויוצאך בפניו. כְּאָדָם הַמַּנְהִיג בְּנוֹ לְפָנָיו, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר "וַיִּסַּע מַלְאַךְ הָאֱלֹהִים הַהֹלֵךְ וְגוֹ' וַיֵּלֶךְ מֵאַחֲרֵיהֶם" (שם). דָּ"אַ, ויוצאך בפניו – בִּפְנֵי אֲבוֹתָיו, כְּמָה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר "נֶגֶד אֲבוֹתָם עָשָׂה פֶלֶא" (תהילים ע"ח); וְאַל תִּתְמַהּ עַל שֶׁהִזְכִּירָם בִּלְשׁוֹן יָחִיד, שֶׁהֲרֵי כְתָבָם בִּלְשׁוֹן יָחִיד – ויבחר בזרעו אחריו:

And He took you out before Him. Like a man who leads his son before him, as it is said, “the angel of God moved [from its position] when it traveled in front of the Israelite camp, and went behind them.” Another explanation: “And He took you out in His Presence,” in the presence of their fathers, as it is said, “In the presence of their fathers, He did wonders.” Do not be puzzled that it refers to them (the fathers) in the singular for it has [already] written about them in the singular, “And He chose his descendants after him.”

ממך מפניך. סָרְסֵהוּ וְדָרְשֵׁהוּ: לְהוֹרִישׁ מִפָּנֶיךָ גּוֹיִם גְּדוֹלִים וַעֲצוּמִים מִמְּךָ:

[Stronger] than you from before you. Invert [the order of the verse] and then explain it: “to expel from before you nations greater and stronger than you.”

כיום הזה. כַּאֲשֶׁר אַתָּה רוֹאֶה הַיּוֹם:

Like this day. Just like you see this day.

אז יבדיל. נָתַן לֵב לִהְיוֹת חָרֵד לַדָּבָר שֶׁיַּבְדִּילֵם, וְאַעַ"פִּ שֶׁאֵינָן קוֹלְטוֹת עַד שֶׁיֻּבְדְּלוּ אוֹתָן שֶׁבְּאֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן, אָמַר מֹשֶׁה מִצְוָה שֶׁאֶפְשָׁר לְקַיְּמָהּ אֲקַיְּמֶנָּה (מכות י'):

Then Moshe set aside. [ יַבְדִיל is the future tense.] He gave thought in his heart to be concerned about the matter to set them [the cities] aside. And although they would not offer asylum until those cities of Canaan were set aside, Moshe said, a mitzvah that I can fulfil, I will fulfil.

בעבר הירדן מזרחה שמש. בְּאוֹתוֹ עֵבֶר שֶׁבְּמִזְרָחוֹ שֶׁל יַרְדֵּן:

Across the Yardein where the sun rises. On that side which is on the east of Yardein.

מזרחה שמש. לְפִי שֶׁהוּא דָּבוּק, נְקוּדָה רֵי"שׁ בַּחֲטָף, מִזְרָח שֶׁל שֶׁמֶשׁ – מְקוֹם זְרִיחַת הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ:

Where the sun rises Because מִזְרָחָה is in the construct state, the letter reish is vocalized with a chataf [sheva], [meaning] the rising of the sun — i.e., the place of the sun’s rising.

וזאת התורה. זוֹ שֶׁהוּא עָתִיד לְסַדֵּר אַחַר פָּרָשָׁה זוֹ:

And this is the Torah. This refers to that which he was about to set forth after this chapter.

אלה העדת, אשר דבר. הֵם הֵם אֲשֶׁר דִּבֵּר בְּצֵאתָם מִמִּצְרַיִם, חָזַר וּשְׁנָאָהּ לָהֶם בְּעַרְבוֹת מוֹאָב:

These are the testimonies . . . that Moshe addressed. They are the very same [testimonies etc.] that he spoke when they went out of Egypt. He reviewed and taught it to them on the plains of Moav.

אשר בעבר הירדן. שֶׁהוּא בַּמִּזְרָח, שֶׁהָעֵבֶר הַשֵּׁנִי הָיָה בַּמַּעֲרָב:

Who were across the Yardein. That is on the east, because the second side was to the west.

לא את אבתינו בִּלְבַד כרת ה' וגו'. כי אתנו וגו':

Not with our fathers alone did Adonoy make this covenant, etc., but with us, etc..

פנים בפנים. אָ"רַ בֶרֶכְיָה: כָּךְ אָמַר מֹשֶׁה, אַל תֹּאמְרוּ אֲנִי מַטְעֶה אֶתְכֶם עַל לֹא דָבָר, כְּדֶרֶךְ שֶׁהַסַּרְסוּר עוֹשֶׂה בֵּין הַמּוֹכֵר לַלּוֹקֵחַ, הֲרֵי הַמּוֹכֵר עַצְמוֹ מְדַבֵּר עִמָּכֶם (פסיקתא רבתי):

Face to face. R’ Berachia said, “This is what Moshe said [implied], Do not say that I am misleading you about something that is not a matter of fact such as an agent does acting as a middleman between the buyer and seller; for in this case, the seller himself is speaking to you.

לאמר. מוּסָב עַל דבר ה' עמכם בהר מתוך האש, לאמר אנכי ה' וגו' ואנכי עומד בין ה' וביניכם:

Saying. [The word לֵאמֹר ] is connected [with the previous verse]: Adonoy spoke to you at the mountain from within the fire saying I am Adonoy etc.”; while I was standing between Adonoy and you.

על פני. בְּכָל מָקוֹם אֲשֶׁר אֲנִי שָׁם, וְזֶהוּ כָּל הָעוֹלָם. דָּ"אַ — כָּל זְמַן שֶׁאֲנִי קַיָּם. עֲשֶׂרֶת הַדִּבְּרוֹת כְּבָר פֵּרַשְׁתִּים:

In My presence. In any place where I am and that includes the entire world. Another explanation: So long as I exist. I have already explained the Ten Commandments.

שמור. וּבָרִאשׁוֹנוֹת הוּא אוֹמֵר "זָכוֹר", שְׁנֵיהֶם בְּדִבּוּר אֶחָד וּבְתֵבָה אַחַת נֶאֶמְרוּ, וּבִשְׁמִיעָה אַחַת נִשְׁמְעוּ (מכילתא):

Preserve. In the previous [Ten Commandments] it states “remember.” [the explanation is] both of them (שָׁמוֹר וְזָכוֹר) were pronounced simultaneously and as one word, and were heard in one sound.

כאשר צוך. קֹדֶם מַתַּן תּוֹרָה בְּמָרָה (שבת פ"ז):

As . . . commanded you. Before the giving of the Torah [you were commanded to do so] at Marah.

וזכרת כי עבד היית וגו'. עַל מְנָת כֵּן פְּדָאֲךָ שֶׁתִּהְיֶה לוֹ עֶבֶד וְתִשְׁמֹר מִצְווֹתָיו:

Remember that you were a slave, etc. He freed you on the condition that you shall be His servant and preserve His commandments.

כאשר צוך. אַף עַל כִּבּוּד אָב וָאֵם נִצְטַוּוּ בְמָרָה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמות ט"ו) שָׁם שָׂם לוֹ חֹק וּמִשְׁפָּט (סנהדרין נ"ו):

As the way . . . commanded you. Also regarding the honor of father and mother were they commanded at Marah, as it is said, “there He set before them a statute and an ordinance.”

ולא תנאף. אֵין לְשׁוֹן נִאוּף אֶלָּא בְאֵשֶׁת אִישׁ:

Do not commit adultery. The term נִאוּף, adultery, is applicable only in reference to a married woman.

ולא תתאוה. וְלָא תֵרוֹג, אַף הוּא לְשׁוֹן חֶמְדָּה, כְּמוֹ נֶחְמָד לְמַרְאֶה (בראשית ב') דִּמְתַרְגְּמִינָן דִּמְרַגַּג לְמִחְזֵי:

Do not covet. [“ לָא תִתְאִַבֶה “ is translated by Targum Onkeles] — “ לֹא תֵירוֹג “ which is also an expression of desiring, similar to נֶחְמָד לְמַרְאֶה (pleasant to look at), which the Targum translates דִּמְרַגַּג לְמֶחֱזֵי (desirable to behold.)

ולא יסף. מְתַרְגְּמִינָן "וְלָא פָּסִיק" (וּלְפִי שֶׁמִּדַּת בָּשָׂר וָדָם אֵינָן יָכוֹלִין לְדַבֵּר כָּל דְּבְרֵיהֶם בִּנְשִׁימָה אַחַת וּמִדַּת הַקָּבָּ"ה אֵינוֹ כֵן — לֹא הָיָה פוֹסֵק, וּמִשֶּׁלֹּא הָיָה פוֹסֵק לֹא הָיָה מוֹסִיף) כִּי קוֹלוֹ חָזָק וְקַיָּם לְעוֹלָם (סנהדרין י"ז); דָּ"אַ — ולא יסף לֹא הוֹסִיף לְהֵרָאוֹת בְּאוֹתוֹ פֻּמְבִּי:

Without cessation. The Targum translates וְלֹא יָסָף, — וְלָא פְסַק without interruption, (Because it is the nature of a human being that he is incapable of speaking all his words in one breath [and therefore he must pause between words]; and it is characteristic of the Holy One, blessed is He, that this is not so, [Therefore] He did not pause, and since He did not pause, there was no need to resume,) because His voice is strong and eternal. Another explanation of וְלֹא יָסָף : He never again revealed Himself in such a public demonstration.

ואת תדבר אלינו. הִתַּשְׁתֶּם אֶת כֹּחִי כַּנְּקֵבָה, שֶׁנִּצְטַעַרְתִּי עֲלֵיכֶם וְרִפִּיתֶם אֶת יָדִי כִּי רָאִיתִי שֶׁאֵינְכֶם חֲרֵדִים לְהִתְקָרֵב אֵלָיו מֵאַהֲבָה, וְכִי לֹא הָיָה יָפֶה לָכֶם לִלְמֹד מִפִּי הַגְּבוּרָה וְלֹא לִלְמֹד מִמֶּנִּי?:

And you will tell us. You have diminished my strength like that of a woman, for I was distressed about you and you weakened my hands, because I saw you were not anxious to come near to Him out of love. Would it not have been better for you to learn [directly] from the Mighty One, and not to learn from me.

ה' אלהינו ה' אחד. ה' שֶׁהוּא אֱלֹהֵינוּ עַתָּה, וְלֹא אֱלֹהֵי הָאֻמּוֹת, הוּא עָתִיד לִהְיוֹת ה' אֶחָד, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (צפניה ג') כִּי אָז אֶהְפֹּךְ אֶל עַמִּים שָׂפָה בְרוּרָה לִקְרֹא כֻלָּם בְּשֵׁם ה', וְנֶאֱמַר (זכריה י"ד) בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא יִהְיֶה ה' אֶחָד וּשְׁמוֹ אֶחָד (ע' ספרי):

Adonoy is our God, Adonoy is one. Adonoy who is presently our God and not the God of the nations, will in the future be [recognized] as the One God, as is said, “For then I will turn over to the peoples a pure language that they may all call upon the Name of Adonoy.” And it is said, “On that day Adonoy will be One and His name One.”

ואהבת. עֲשֵׂה דְּבָרָיו מֵאַהֲבָה, אֵינוֹ דוֹמֶה הָעוֹשֶׂה מֵאַהֲבָה לָעוֹשֶׂה מִיִּרְאָה, הָעוֹשֶׂה אֵצֶל רַבּוֹ מִיִּרְאָה, כְּשֶׁהוּא מַטְרִיחַ עָלָיו מַנִּיחוֹ וְהוֹלֵךְ לוֹ (שם):

You are to love. You are to obey His words (commands) because of your love [for Him]. There is no comparison between one who obeys out of love and one who obeys out of fear. He who obeys (serves) his master out of fear, should the master over burden him, he will leave him and go away.

בכל לבבך. בִּשְׁנֵי יְצָרֶיךָ (ספרי; ברכות נ"ד); דָּבָר אַחֵר בכל לבבך שֶׁלֹּא יִהְיֶה לִבְּךָ חָלוּק עַל הַמָּקוֹם (ספרי):

With all your heart. With your two inclinations. Another interpretation, “with all your heart” — your heart should not be fragmented with God.

ובכל נפשך. אֲפִלּוּ הוּא נוֹטֵל אֶת נַפְשְׁךָ (ספרי; ברכות נ"ד):

With all your soul. Even if He were to take your soul.

ובכל מאדך. בְּכָל מָמוֹנְךָ, יֵשׁ לְךָ אָדָם שֶׁמָּמוֹנוֹ חָבִיב עָלָיו מִגּוּפוֹ (בראשית נ"ז), לְכָךְ נֶאֱמַר בְּכָל מְאֹדֶךָ. דָּ"אַ — ובכל מאדך בְּכָל מִדָּה וּמִדָּה שֶׁמּוֹדֵד לְךָ, בֵּין בְּמִדָּה טוֹבָה בֵּין בְּמִדַּת פֻּרְעָנוּת, וְכֵן דָּוִד הוּא אוֹמֵר (תהלים קט"ז) כּוֹס יְשׁוּעוֹת אֶשָּׂא צָרָה וְיָגוֹן אֶמְצָא וְגוֹ' (ע' ספרי):

And with all your possesions. With all your wealth. There are men whose wealth is dearer to them than their bodies. It is therefore said, “With all your possessions.” Another interpretation, “With what ever measure” — with what ever measure He apportions you, whether it is a measure of goodness or a measure of punishment (you must love Him). Similarly did Dovid say: “the cup of deliverance I will raise [and upon the Name, Adonoy, I will call]. “Trouble and sorrow I encounter, [and upon the Name, Adonoy, I call].”

והיו הדברים האלה. וּמַהוּ הָאַהֲבָה? והיו הדברים האלה, שֶׁמִּתּוֹךְ כָּךְ אַתָּה מַכִּיר בְּהַקָּבָּ"ה וּמְדַּבֵּק בִּדְרָכָיו (ספרי):

And these words. What is the form of love [you are commanded]? “These words [that I command you today, etc.]” For in this manner you be aware of the Holy One blessed is He, and You will cling to His ways.

אשר אנכי מצוך היום. לֹא יִהְיוּ בְּעֵינֶיךָ כִדְיוּטְגְּמָא יְשָׁנָה שֶׁאֵין אָדָם סוֹפְנָהּ, אֶלָּא כַּחֲדָשָׁה שֶׁהַכֹּל רָצִין לִקְרָאתָהּ; דְּיוּטְגְּמָא – מִצְוַת הַמֶּלֶךְ הַבָּאָה בְּמִכְתָּב (ספרי):

That I command you today. [These words] shall not be in your eyes like an outdated decree which no one takes seriously, but rather like a newly given one, which is read eagerly by all. [The word] דְיוֹטַגְמָא [implies] a royal command in written form.

ושננתם. לְשׁוֹן חִדּוּד הוּא, שֶׁיִּהְיוּ מְחֻדָּדִים בְּפִיךָ, שֶׁאִם יִשְׁאָלְךָ אָדָם דָּבָר לֹא תְהֵא צָרִיךְ לְגַמְגֵּם בּוֹ אֶלָּא אֱמֹר לוֹ מִיָּד (ספרי; קידושין ל'):

And you shall teach them. The word שִׁנַנְתָּם is an expression of sharpness, implying that they (words of Torah) should be sharp in your mouth, so that if a person asks you anything about them, you will not need to stammer (hesitate) about it, but tell him (the answer) immediately.

לבניך. אֵלּוּ הַתַּלְמִידִים, מָצִינוּ בְּכָל מָקוֹם שֶׁהַתַּלְמִידִים קְרוּייִם בָּנִים, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים י"ד) בָּנִים אַתֶּם לַה' אֱלֹהֵיכֶם, וְאוֹמֵר (מלכים ב ב') בְּנֵי הַנְּבִיאִים אֲשֶׁר בֵּית אֵל, וְכֵן בְּחִזְקִיָּהוּ, שֶׁלִּמֵּד תּוֹרָה לְכָל יִשְׂרָאֵל, וּקְרָאָם בָּנִים שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברי הימים ב' כ"ט) בָּנַי עַתָּה אַל תִּשָּׁלוּ. וּכְשֵׁם שֶׁהַתַּלְמִידִים קְרוּיִים בָּנִים (שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר בָּנִים אַתֶּם לַה' אֱלֹהֵיכֶם) כָּךְ הָרַב קָרוּי אָב, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (מלכים ב ב') אָבִי אָבִי רֶכֶב יִשְׂרָאֵל וְגוֹ' (ספרי):

To your children. [In this instance בָנֶיךָ ] refers to the disciples (students). We find everywhere that disciples are referred to as children, as it is said, “You are children of Adonoy, your God,” and it says, “the children (disciples) of the prophets who were in Beis Eil.” Similarly in reference to King Chizkiyahu who taught the Torah to all of Yisroel, and he called them children, as it is said, “My children, now, do not be carelessely forgetful.” And even as disciples are called children as it is said, “You are children of Adonoy, your God, so too is the Rav (teacher) called father, as it is said, “My father, my father, the chariot of Yisroel, etc.”

ודברת בם. שֶׁלֹּא יְהֵא עִקַּר דִּבּוּרְךָ אֶלָּא בָּם – עֲשֵׂם עִקָּר וְאַל תַּעֲשֵׂם טָפֵל (שם):

And you are to discuss them. Your main discussions should be only about them. Make them (words of Torah) primary and do not make them of secondary importance.

ובשכבך. יָכוֹל אֲפִלּוּ שָׁכַב בַּחֲצִי הַיּוֹם, תַּ"ל ובקומך, יָכוֹל אֲפִלּוּ עָמַד בַּחֲצִי הַלַּיְלָה, תַּ"ל בשבתך בביתך ובלכתך בדרך – דֶּרֶךְ אֶרֶץ דִּבְּרָה תוֹרָה, זְמַן שְׁכִיבָה וּזְמַן קִימָה (שם):

When you go to sleep. I might conclude that this means even if you go to sleep in midday, it is therefore stated, “When you arise.” I might then conclude that this means even if you arise in midnight, it is therefore stated, “When you sit at home and when you walk on the road”; thus the Torah speaks of the usual way of life, [indicating that בְּשָׁכְבְךָ means] the usual time of sleeping [and בְקוּמֶךָ means] the usual time of rising.

וקשרתם לאות על ידך. אֵלּוּ תְּפִלִּין שֶׁבַּזְּרוֹעַ:

And you are to tie them as a sign upon your arm. These are the tefillin that are placed on the arm.

והיו לטטפת בין עיניך. אֵלּוּ תְּפִלִּין שֶׁבָּרֹאשׁ, וְעַל שֵׁם מִנְיַן פָּרָשִׁיּוֹתֵיהֶם נִקְרְאוּ טֹטָפוֹת, טט בְּכַתְפִּי שְׁתַּיִם פת בְּאַפְרִיקֵי שְׁתַּיִם (סנהדרין ד'):

And they are to be totafos between your eyes. These are the tefillin that are placed on the head. It is due to the number of Scriptural sections [contained in them] that they are called totafos, for טֹט in Coptic language means two, and פֹת in the African language means two.

מזזות ביתך. מזזת כְּתִיב, שֶׁאֵין צָרִיךְ אֶלָּא אַחַת:

The doorposts of your house. The word מְזֻזוֹת is written defectively to indicate that only one is necessary [for each door.]

ובשעריך. לְרַבּוֹת שַׁעֲרֵי חֲצֵרוֹת וְשַׁעֲרֵי מְדִינוֹת וְשַׁעֲרֵי עֲיָרוֹת (יומא י"א):

And on your gateposts. [The plural is used] to include the gates of courtyards, the gates of provinces and the gates of cities.

חצובים. לְפִי שֶׁהוּא מְקוֹם טְרָשִׁין וּסְלָעִים נוֹפֵל בּוֹ לְשׁוֹן חֲצִיבָה:

Hewn cisterns. since it [Eretz Yisroel] is a place of stones and cliffs, the word חַצִיבָה, hewn, is an appropriate term here.

מבית עבדים. כְּתַרְגּוּמוֹ מִבֵּית עַבְדוּתָא – מִמָּקוֹם שֶׁהֱיִיתֶם שָׁם עֲבָדִים:

From the house of slavery. As the Targum explains: “From the house of slavery,” from the place where you were slaves.

ובשמו תשבע. אִם יֵשׁ בְּךָ כָּל הַמִּדּוֹת הַלָּלוּ, שֶׁאַתָּה יָרֵא אֶת שְׁמוֹ וְעוֹבֵד אוֹתוֹ, אָז בִּשְׁמוֹ תִּשָּׁבֵעַ, שֶׁמִּתּוֹךְ שֶׁאַתָּה יָרֵא אֶת שְׁמוֹ תְּהֵא זָהִיר בִּשְׁבוּעָתְךָ, וְאִם לָאו — לֹא תִשָּׁבֵעַ:

And swear by His Name. If you possess all these qualities: You fear His Name and you serve Him, then you may swear by His Name; for since you fear His Name you will be prudent with your oath, otherwise you should not swear.

מאלהי העמים אשר סביבותיכם. הוּא הַדִּין לָרְחוֹקִים, אֶלָּא לְפִי שֶׁאַתָּה רוֹאֶה אֶת סְבִיבוֹתֶיךָ תּוֹעִים אַחֲרֵיהֶם, הֻצְרַךְ לְהַזְהִיר עֲלֵיהֶם בְּיוֹתֵר:

From the gods of the peoples around you. This laws also applies to those that are far away, but since you observe how those around you go astray after them, the need to warn you against them was of greater necessity.

במסה. כְּשֶׁיָּצְאוּ מִמִּצְרַיִם שֶׁנִּסּוּהוּ בַמַּיִם, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר הֲיֵשׁ ה' בְּקִרְבֵּנוּ (שמות י"ז):

At Massoh. When they went out of Egypt, it was there that they tested Him regarding water, as it is said, “Is Adonoy among us (or not).”

הישר והטוב. זוֹ פְשָׁרָה לִפְנִים מִשּׁוּרַת הַדִּין:

The upright and the good. This refers to compromises beyond what is outlined by the law.

כאשר דבר. וְהֵיכָן דִּבֵּר? "וְהַמֹּתִי אֶת כָּל הָעָם וְגוֹ'" (שמות כ"ג):

As (Adonoy) declared. And where did He so declare? “And I will bring panic to all the people, etc.”

כי ישאלך בנך מחר. יֵשׁ מָחָר שֶׁהוּא אַחַר זְמַן:

When your son asks you tomorrow. The word מָחָר (tomorrow) is used sometimes in reference to a distant future.

ונשל. לְשׁוֹן הַשְׁלָכָה וְהַתָּזָה, וְכֵן "וְנָשַׁל הַבַּרְזֶל" (דברים י"ט):

And He will cast out. This is an expression of casting away and displacing, and similarly, “And the iron flies off.”

ולא תחנם. לֹא תִתֵּן לָהֶם חֵן, אָסוּר לוֹ לָאָדָם לוֹמַר "כַּמָּה נָאֶה גוֹי זֶה". דָּבָר אַחֵר, לֹא תִּתֵּן לָהֶם חֲנִיָּה בָּאָרֶץ (עבודה זרה כ'):

And do not favor them. Do not hold them in esteem. It is forbidden to say, “How handsome is the heathen.” Another interpretation: do not give them an encampment (settlement) in the land.

כי יסיר את בנך מאחרי. בְּנוֹ שֶׁל גוֹי כְּשֶׁיִּשָּׂא אֶת בִּתְּךָ יָסִיר אֶת בִּנְךָ אֲשֶׁר תֵּלֵד לוֹ בִתְּךָ מֵאַחֲרַי, לִמְּדָנוּ שֶׁבֶּן בִּתְּךָ הַבָּא מִן הַגּוֹי קָרוּי בִּנְךָ, אֲבָל בֶּן בִּנְךָ הַבָּא מִן הַגּוֹיָה אֵינוֹ קָרוּי בִּנְךָ אֶלָּא בְּנָהּ, שֶׁהֲרֵי לֹא נֶאֱמַר עַל בִּתּוֹ לֹא תִקַּח כִּי תָסִיר אֶת בִּנְךָ מֵאַחֲרַי:

For he will turn your son away from me. If the son of the gentile will marry your daughter, he will turn away your son (grandson) whom your daughter will bear for him, from following after Me. From this we learn that your daughter’s son, who is born of a gentile, is considered your son; but your son’s son, born of a gentile woman, is not considered your son, rather her son; for it is not said [regarding the prohibition:] “Do not take his daughter for your son,” because she will turn [your (grand)son away from Me], but only that he (the gentile) will turn your son, etc.

מזבחתיהם. שֶׁל בִּנְיָן:

Their altars. Constructed of several stones.

ומצבתם. אֶבֶן אַחַת:

Their monuments. Made of a single stone.

ואשירהם. אִילָנוֹת שֶׁעוֹבְדִין אוֹתָן:

Their worship-trees. Trees which they worship.

ופסיליהם. צְלָמִים:

Their statues. Carved images.

לא מרבכם. כִּפְשׁוּטוֹ; וּמִדְרָשׁוֹ לְפִי שֶׁאֵין אַתֶּם מַגְדִּילִים עַצְמְכֶם כְּשֶׁאֲנִי מַשְׁפִּיעַ לָכֶם טוֹבָה, לְפִיכָךְ חשק … בכם

Not because of the multitude of your population. This is to be taken literally, but there is also a Midrashic interpretation: Because you do not magnify yourselves (boasting) when I shower you with goodness, therefore did [Adonoy] delight in you.

כי אתם המעט – הַמְמַעֲטִין עַצְמְכֶם, כְּגוֹן אַבְרָהָם שֶׁאָמַר (בראשית י"ח) "וְאָנֹכִי עָפָר וָאֵפֶר", וּכְגוֹן מֹשֶׁה וְאַהֲרֹן שֶׁאָמְרוּ (שמות ט"ז) "וְנַחְנוּ מָה", לֹא כִנְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּר שֶׁאָמַר (ישעיהו י"ד) "אֶדַּמֶּה לְעֶלְיוֹן", וְסַנְחֵרִיב (שם ל"ו) שֶׁאָמַר "מִי בְּכָל אֱלֹהֵי הָאֲרָצוֹת", וְחִירָם שֶׁאָמַר (י"ח כ"ח) "אֵל אָנִי מוֹשַׁב אֱלֹהִים יָשַׁבְתִּי" (חולין פ"ט):

For you are the least. You diminish yourselves, as did Avrohom, who said, “I am but dust and ashes,” and like Moshe and Aharon who said, “What are we”? And you are not as Nevuchadnetzar, who said, “I will be compared to the Most High,” or like like Sancherev, who said, “Who are they among all the gods of these lands, [that have delivered their land out of my hand that Adonoy should deliver Jerusalem and of my hand”?] or like Chirom, who said, “I am a god, in the seat of God, I sit.”

כי אתם המעט. הֲרֵי כִּי מְשַׁמֵּשׁ בִּלְשׁוֹן דְּהָא:

For you are the least. Here the word כִּי is used to express “for.”

כי מאהבת ה'. הֲרֵי כִּי מְשַׁמֵּשׁ בִּלְשׁוֹן אֶלָּא – לא מרבכם חשק ה' בכם, אֶלָּא מאהבת ה' אתכם:

Rather, out of Adonoy’s love. Here the word כִּי is used to express “rather.” “Not because of the multitude of your population, did Adonoy desire you, rather, out of Adonoy’s love for you.”

ומשמרו את השבעה. מֵחֲמַת שָׁמְרוֹ אֶת הַשְּׁבוּעָה:

And out of His keeping the oath. On account of His keeping the oath.

לאלף דור. וּלְהַלָּן (דברים ה') הוּא אוֹמֵר "לַאֲלָפִים". כָּאן שֶׁהוּא סָמוּךְ אֵצֶל לְשֹׁמְרֵי מִצְוֹתָיו, הוּא אוֹמֵר לאלף, וּלְהַלָּן שֶׁהוּא סָמוּךְ אֵצֶל לְאֹהֲבַי, הוּא אוֹמֵר לַאֲלָפִים (סוטה ל"א):

For a thousand generations. But below it states: “For thousands of generations.” Here where it is connected to “and for those who keep His commandments” [referring to those who do so out of fear] it states “for a thousand generations; but below it is connected to “for those who love Me” [referring to those who do so out of love, whose reward is greater,] it states for thousands of generations.

לאהביו. אֵלּוּ הָעוֹשִׂין מֵאַהֲבָה:

For those who love Him. They obey [God’s commandments] out of love.

ולשמרי מצותיו. אֵלּוּ הָעוֹשִׂין מִיִּרְאָה:

And for those who keep His commandments. Referring to those who do so out of fear.

ומשלם לשנאיו אל פניו. בְּחַיָּיו מְשַׁלֵּם לוֹ גְמוּלוֹ הַטּוֹב, כְּדֵי לְהַאֲבִידוֹ מִן הָעוֹלָם הַבָּא:

And He pays His enemy to his face. During his lifetime He rewards him for his good deeds, in order to destroy him [from participating] in the World to Come.

היום לעשותם. וּלְמָחָר, לָעוֹלָם הַבָּא, לִטֹּל שְׂכָרָם (עירובין כ"ב):

Today, to fulfill. And tomorrow in the World to Come, [will you] receive the reward for them.