Derech Hashem (“The Way of G-d”) by the Ramchal: what it is and structure
Derech Hashem (דרך ה׳), “The Way of G-d,” is a philosophical work by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, the Ramchal. It sets out systematically the purpose of creation, divine providence, prophecy and the service of G-d.
Quick facts
| Title | Derech Hashem (“The Way of G-d” or “the way of the Name”) |
| Author | Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, the Ramchal |
| Written | Around 1736 according to Wikipedia; Sefaria gives between 1735 and 1745, in Amsterdam |
| Language | Hebrew |
| Structure | Introduction and four parts |
| English translation | The Way of God, by Aryeh Kaplan (Feldheim, 1997) |
Structure
The work has an introduction and four parts, which Wikipedia breaks down into sections:
- Part One (five sections): the Creator, the purpose of creation, mankind, human responsibility and the spiritual realm.
- Part Two (eight sections): divine providence in general and in this world, personal providence, Israel and the nations, how providence works and its system, the influence of the stars and the particular modes of providence.
- Part Three (five sections): the soul and its activities, divine names and witchcraft, divine inspiration and prophecy, the prophetic experience and Moshe’s unique position.
- Part Four (nine sections): divine service, Torah study, love and fear of G-d, the Shema and its blessings, prayer, the daily order of prayers, divine service and the calendar, the seasonal commandments and blessings.
Themes
Sefaria sums it up as a philosophical work on G-d’s purpose in creation, divine providence, prophecy and prayer. It moves from the general plane (why the world exists and what man’s place is) to concrete practice, since the fourth part deals with prayer, Torah study and the commandments.
A work distinct from Mesillat Yesharim
Derech Hashem and Mesillat Yesharim complement each other: the latter is a gradual path of ethics and work on character, while Derech Hashem offers the theological and philosophical framework. Other works of the Ramchal, such as Daat Tevunot, are discussed in his biography.
Translations
Aryeh Kaplan’s English translation, The Way of God (Feldheim, 1997), is the one cited by Wikipedia. Wikipedia gives no data on the place of first printing or on its influence, so this guide does not invent them.
Frequently asked questions
What is Derech Hashem about?
The purpose of creation, providence, prophecy and the service of G-d, in four parts.
When was it written?
Around 1736 according to one source, or between 1735 and 1745 according to another.
Is there an English translation?
Yes, The Way of God, by Aryeh Kaplan.
Sources
- Derekh Hashem, reference article (English Wikipedia)
- Derekh Hashem, entry on Sefaria (dates and structure)
- Biography of the Ramchal on this site
