Ki Tavo / Learning to walk in the ways of Hashem

The bulk of Parshat Ki Tavo is occupied by the Tokhacha, the great Rebuke that is promised to the Israelite nation in exchange for their infidelity to G-d. Prior to the curses and promises of destruction, there are 14 verses of blessing which, were we to keep our end of the deal, paint the Israelite existence in the Land as the most fantastic we could ever dream to experience.

In the middle of the blissful depiction of Divine Grace, we read, “The Lord will establish you as His holy people as He swore to you, if you observe the commandments of the L-rd, your G-d, and walk in His ways.” (Devarim 28:9)

The simple reading of this verse seems to be descriptive and straightforward. G-d will do “Y” for you on account of your having done “X.” Nowhere does there seem to be a commandment in this verse. While not exactly a throwaway line, the phrase “walk in His ways” on a base level does not seem to be an instruction as much as it is an example of how to observe the commandments. In the original text, the phrase is two words, “V’halakhta B’drakhav.”

Another example of this is the phrase “Zeh eili v’anvehu” (Shmot 15:2) – this is my G-d and I will glorify Him. In Mesekhet Sofrim 3:17, this verse is utilized to explain how a Jew should go the extra mile to fulfill mitzvot with nicer products rather than with inferior products.

Some examples include: decorating the sukkah, finding the best lulav set, using the best materials (ink, quill, parchment, etc.) when writing a Torah, mezuzah or putting together tefillin.

The original phrase was uttered by the people in the context of the Song of the Sea, and while perhaps not a throwaway line, it is certainly not viewed as a mitzvah! While the people may have accepted upon themselves a commitment to glorifying G-d, this does not turn their “chumrah” choices (stringencies) into an absolute requirement.

Similarly, the notion of “V’halakhta B’drakhav” could arguably be viewed in the same way. How does one best fulfill commandments? Or more accurately, how does one behave in the most complete and perfect fashion? Through walking in His ways. The same source in Mesekhet Sofrim (and Yerushalmi Peah 1:1) quotes Abba Shaul as saying, “Just as He is merciful, you should be merciful.”