האזינו

Moses stood where everyone could hear him. He looked up at the sky and then down at the ground, as if he were calling the whole world to listen. He wanted his words to land like rain and dew on grass, quiet, steady, and meant to sink in.

He spoke about God’s name and asked the people to give God honor. He called God “the Rock,” steady and true, whose ways are just and faithful.

Then Moses challenged the people to remember: “Ask your parents… your elders.” He reminded them how the Most High gave nations their homes and set boundaries, and how Israel was God’s own portion. God found them in a desert, in an empty howling waste, and guarded them like the pupil of an eye. Like an eagle lifting its young on strong wings, God carried Israel. God fed them with honey from the crag, oil from flinty rock, milk and curds, the best lambs and wheat, and rich drink from grapes.

Moses’ voice grew sharper. He warned that comfort could make them forget. “So Jeshurun grew fat and kicked”, Jeshurun is a Hebrew name for Israel that means “the upright one.” Yet Moses said they might forsake the God who made them and spurn the Rock who supported them.

He described people chasing “no-gods,” new and strange, and even sacrificing to demons. God would see it and say, “I will hide My countenance from them,” because they were acting like children with no loyalty. Moses pictured misfortunes like famine, plague, deadly sickness, and wild beasts, with danger outside and terror inside.

Still, Moses said God would not let enemies brag, “Our own hand has prevailed.” Even foes could admit Israel’s Rock was not like theirs. God’s vengeance was stored up for the right time, “sealed up” until the day their foot faltered and disaster drew near.

Moses went on with Ha’Azinu like a final speech that carried a song inside it. He described God stepping in when Israel’s strength was gone. God would answer those who trusted other powers: “Where are their gods… let them rise up to your help!” Then God declared, “I, I am the One; there is no god beside Me. I deal death and give life; I wounded and I will heal.” Moses spoke of judgment, of a flashing blade, and of repaying foes. The nations would be called to acclaim, because God would avenge and cleanse the land.

After Moses and Hosea son of Nun recited these words, Moses told Israel, “Take to heart all the words… Enjoin them upon your children.” This Teaching was not a trifling thing; it was their very life as they crossed the Jordan.

That same day God told Moses to ascend Mount Nebo, facing Jericho, to view Canaan. Moses would see the land from a distance, but not enter it, because of what happened at the Waters of Meribath-kadesh.