G-D YOUR L-RD WILL BRING BACK YOUR CAPTIVITY AND HAVE MERCY ON YOU. HE WILL RETURN AND GATHER YOU FROM ALL THE NATIONS WHERE THE L-RD YOUR G-D SCATTERED YOU (Devarim 30:3).
This verse appears redundant. Why does it say twice that G-d will gather in the exiles?
The first part is speaking of those who yearn for Eretz Yisrael. The second part speaks of those who are content with the non-Jewish lands. Both will be returned to the Land (Rav Meir Simcha of Dvinsk).
[That R. Meir Simcha distinguishes between the two groups suggests they are not on the same spiritual level and the process of return is not identical for each. This may be an implied criticism of those who feel complete without Eretz Yisrael]
SEE I HAVE PLACED BEFORE YOU TODAY LIFE AND GOOD, DEATH AND EVIL (30:15).
Why add the word "today"?
If you made bad choices yesterday, begin today anew. If you chose well yesterday, do not become complacent- make further progress today (Rav Moshe Feinstein).
LIFE AND DEATH I HAVE PLACED BEFORE YOU, BLESSING AND CURSE. CHOOSE LIFE SO THAT YOU AND YOUR DESCENDANTS WILL LIVE (30:19).
Why does the end of the verse need to give a reason for choosing life? Doesn't the first part of the verse suffice?
It is not enough to choose what is good. It must be chosen in such a way that it will impact on future generations. If mitzvos are done routinely, without joy, then the next generation will assume they cannot endure the "ordeal" of a Jewish life. Only a joyous Judaism can endure (Rav Moshe Feinstein).
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