Shishi when combined with Nitzavim
- Hashem instructs Moshe before his death:
- Hashem summons Moshe and Yehoshua: Hashem said to Moshe: “Your days are limited, and you will soon pass away. Summon Yehoshua and you and him should stand before Me by the Ohel Moed and I will command you.” Moshe and Yehoshua did as instructed and stood before the Ohel Moed. Hashem appeared in the Ohel Moed in a pillar of cloud.
- Hashem tells Moshe the future sins of the Jewish people and their punishments: Hashem told Moshe that he will soon pass away and the Jewish people will stray after Moshe’s passing. “They will stray after the foreign deities and they will leave Me and annul My covenant which I made with them. I will be very angry on that day and will forsake them and hide My face from them. They will become prey, and much evil and suffering will befall them. On that day it will be said “All this tragedy is happening to me because I do not have G-d found within my midst.” I, Hashem, will hide My face from them on that day due to all the evil they did, as they turned to other Gods.”
- Hashem commands Moshe to write the song of Haazinu:
- “Now, you shall write for yourselves this song and teach it to the Jewish people. Place it on their mouths in order so this song serve as a testimony to them.”
Q&A on Rashi
Parsha Bee – Devarim 31:14–19 (Rashi)
- What did Hashem tell Moshe was approaching?
Answer: The day of his death. - Whom was Moshe told to call?
Answer: Yehoshua. - Where were Moshe and Yehoshua commanded to stand?
Answer: In the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting). - What does “I will inspire him” mean according to Rashi?
Answer: “I will urge him on.” - How did Hashem appear in the Tent?
Answer: In a pillar of cloud. - Where did the pillar of cloud stand?
Answer: At the entrance of the Tent. - What did Hashem tell Moshe would happen after his death?
Answer: The people would stray after foreign gods. - What does “the nations of the land” mean?
Answer: The peoples of the land. - What covenant would the people violate?
Answer: The covenant Hashem made with them. - What would happen when Israel forsook Hashem?
Answer: Hashem’s anger would burn against them. - What does “I will hide My face” mean?
Answer: As though Hashem does not see their distress. - Why would Hashem hide His face?
Answer: Because they turned to other gods. - What would happen to Israel when Hashem hid His face?
Answer: Many troubles and evils would befall them. - What realization would the people eventually make?
Answer: That their troubles came because Hashem was no longer in their midst. - What was Moshe commanded to write?
Answer: This song. - Which song is being referred to?
Answer: Ha’azinu. - Where does the song of Ha’azinu begin?
Answer: “Ha’azinu HaShamayim.” - Where does the song end?
Answer: “V’chipper admato amo.” - Why was the song written down?
Answer: To serve as a witness for the Children of Israel. - Who was to be taught the song?
Answer: The Children of Israel. - What does “place it into their mouths” mean?
Answer: Teach it to them until they know it well. - What role would the song play in the future?
Answer: It would testify against Israel when they abandoned the Torah. - Why was Yehoshua called together with Moshe?
Answer: To receive encouragement and preparation for leadership. - What visible sign of Hashem’s presence appeared at the Tent?
Answer: The pillar of cloud. - What would Israel do after entering the Land according to Hashem’s warning?
Answer: Follow foreign gods. - What would be the consequence of idol worship?
Answer: Broken covenant and divine punishment. - How does Rashi explain Hashem’s “hidden face”?
Answer: As a metaphor for Hashem withholding His visible protection. - What major Torah section is introduced in these verses?
Answer: Shirat Ha’azinu. - What does the song function as besides Torah instruction?
Answer: A witness. - What is the main lesson of this section?
Answer: Israel is warned that abandoning Hashem will bring suffering, and the Song of Ha’azinu will stand as an eternal reminder and witness.
Bonus: According to Rashi, what one-word command from Hashem best describes His instruction regarding Yehoshua?
Answer: “Urge him on” (encourage and strengthen him for leadership).