1)

What is the meaning of "ve'Lo Sachnifu es ha'Aretz"?

1.

Rashi and Targum Onkelos: It means that one should not render the land guilty. 1

2.

Ramban #1: It means that one should not make the land 2 a Chanef' (a flatterer - one who does the opposite of what appears) - If we indulge in idolatry, Arayos or murder, the curses will come, and the land will produce much seed, but we will gather little; we will plant vineyards, but not drink wine; we will have olives, but not anoint [with their oil]. 3

3.

Ramban #2 (citing the Sifri): This is a warning (a La'av) against flattery, 4 following the La'av against taking ransom for murderers.


1

See Sifsei Chachamim.

2

Ramban: Having included Chutz la'Aretz in the laws of Mishpat- Refer to 35:29:1:2, the Torah here adds an issue that pertains exclusively to the inhabitants of Eretz Yisrael, in deference to the Shechinah that dwells there.

3

See Devarim 28:38-40.

4

Ramban: Not to flatter the murderers due to their high standing or influence, or their relatives. Because, if one does so, one will turn the land into a flatterer. Refer to 35:33:1:2.

2)

What are the implications of the second half of the Pasuk "ve'ha'Aretz Lo Yechupar Ki-im be'Dam Shofcho"?

1.

Rashi (in Zevachim, 88b) and Abarbanel (in Yeshayah 34:4): It implies that as long as the murderer has not been put to death, they are subject to punishment.

2.

Rashbam: It implies that atonement for murder can only be achieved with the blood of the murderer 1 - and not in any other way. 2

3.

Kerisos, 26a: It implies that if the neck of an Eglah Arufah has not been broken until Yom Kipur has passed, it must still be broken. 3


1

Sotah, 67b: Consequently, if, after the Eglah Arufah has been killed (See Shoftim Devarim, 21:4) the murderer is found, he must still be sentenced to death. See Torh Temimah, note 79.

2

And not even by taking money from the murderer in order to feed the starving orphans of the man he murdered. See Oznayim la'Torah on Pasuk 31 & 32 DH 've'Lo Sikchu Kofer' #1.

3

Kerisos, Ibid.: Even though Yom Kipur atones for sins of which nobody other than Hashem is aware. See Torah Temimah, note 81.

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

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