Pisqa’ 33⁸⁰

1. “And may these words which I command you this day be upon your heart” (Dt. 6:6). Rabbi says: Why is this said? Because it is also said: “And you shall love HASHEM, your God, with all your heart” (Dt. 6:5) Now, I have no idea how one loves the All-Present! The Teaching therefore states: “And may these words . . . be upon your heart” (Dt. 6:6). Take these words to heart, and as a result, you’ll come to acknowledge the One Who spoke the world into being, and you will cling to His ways.

footnotes: ⁸⁰ H:62-63. JN1:91-92

2. “Which I command you this day” (Dt. 6:6)— you should not regard these words as an out-dated imperial decree which attracts no interest. Rather, regard them] as a fresh decree, which all race to read.

“Upon your heart” **(`**al levavechah; Dt. 6:6). On this basis would R. Josiah say: a person must impose an oath on his rebellious compulsion. For you find everywhere that the Righteous impose oaths on their compulsion.⁸¹

footnotes: ⁸¹ Cf. Sifre Nu 88.

Of Abraham, He says: “I lift my hand before HASHEM, the High God . . . if I have taken anything of yours (Gn. 14:22-23)!

“I will redeem you myself, as HASHEM lives! Lay here till morning!” ⁸² (Ruth 3:13). Of David, He says: “And David said: As HASHEM lives! Let HASHEM strike him down . . . but may HASHEM forbid that I should lay a hand on HASHEM’s anointed!” (1 Sam. 26:10-11) Of Elisha, He says: “As HASHEM lives! . . . I will not accept anything!” (2 Ki. 5:16).3. And just as the Righteous impose oaths on their compulsion, so as to discourage the [evil] deed, thus do the Wicked impose oaths on their compulsion, **so as to encourage the [evil] deed.**⁸³ For it is said of Gehazi: “As HASHEM lives! I will run after him and get something from him” (2 Ki. 5:20).

footnotes: ⁸² = Sifre Nu 88. ⁸³ Cf. Sifre Nu 88.