The Weekly Shtikle - Eikev

Traditionally, preventative prohibitions tend to fall under the purview of rabbinic decrees. For example, the laws of muktzeh were instituted to preserve the sanctity of Shabbos and prevent the transgression of biblical prohibitions. However, there are significant instances – particularly in the realm of interaction with surrounding societies – where the Torah declares a prohibitive commandment as a means of preventing further, more serious transgressions. Just at the end of last week's parsha, (7:2-4) we are prohibited from rendering free provisions or making treaties with the 7 nations. We are restricted from allowing our children to marry theirs. All of this, as stated in the pasuk is so that they do not turn future generations away from the service of HaShem. Elsewhere (Bemidbar 33:55) we are warned that if we neglect to expel the nations from the land, they will ever remain a thorn in our side.

 

This sentiment is expressed again in the beginning of this week's parsha in what seems like a rather bizarre warning. After being promised a series of gracious blessings we are warned (7:16) not to show any pity and not to worship their gods for that will be a trap for you. The framework for the above prohibitions is simple – do not do such-and-such slightly less major transgression, in order to avoid one far more grave. But what is the trap to which this pasuk refers? Worshipping other gods is rock bottom. That is the ultimate sin which other prohibitions are designed to prevent.

 

Some commentaries (Seforno, Malbim, Ohr HaChayim) conclude that the phrases in this pasuk must be rearranged in order to properly understand the message. Do not show pity to these nations for this will set a trap for you that will lead to you worshipping their deities. The term mokeish hu, it will be a trap, is still puzzling as it is in the singular form, whereas the nations are mentioned in the plural. Ohr HaChayim explains that it is either a reference to each one of the nations, or a reference to the act of pity we are being warned against.

 

However, other commentaries (Ibn Ezra, Haamek Davar) actually interpret the pasuk in its actual form and understand the foreign gods to be the trap. Netziv explains that you might be inclined to worship their gods without genuine intent in order to please our enemies. But even that will prove to be a trap that will ultimately lead to the actual worship of those gods. Ibn Ezra explains that the singular form refers to each one of those gods.

 

Have a good Shabbos.

Eliezer Bulka
WeeklyShtikle@weeklyshtikle.com

Shtikle Blog Weekly Roundup:
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