share torah logo

Deuteronomy 31:9 - Torah entrusted to Levi's descendants

Deuteronomy 31:9 - דברים 31:9

Hebrew Text

וַיִּכְתֹּב מֹשֶׁה אֶת־הַתּוֹרָה הַזֹּאת וַיִּתְּנָהּ אֶל־הַכֹּהֲנִים בְּנֵי לֵוִי הַנֹּשְׂאִים אֶת־אֲרוֹן בְּרִית יְהוָה וְאֶל־כָּל־זִקְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל׃

English Translation

And Moshe wrote this Tora, and delivered it to the priests the sons of Levi, who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and to all the elders of Yisra᾽el.

Transliteration

Va-yichtov Moshe et ha-Torah ha-zot va-yitnah el ha-kohanim bnei Levi ha-nos'im et aron brit Adonai ve-el kol ziknei Yisrael.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּכְתֹּ֣ב מֹשֶׁה֮ אֶת־הַתּוֹרָ֣ה הַזֹּאת֒ וַֽיִּתְּנָ֗הּ אֶל־הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙ בְּנֵ֣י לֵוִ֔י הַנֹּ֣שְׂאִ֔ים אֶת־אֲר֖וֹן בְּרִ֣ית יְהֹוָ֑ה וְאֶל־כׇּל־זִקְנֵ֖י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
וַיִּכְתֹּ֣ב מֹשֶׁה֮ אֶת־הַתּוֹרָ֣ה הַזֹּאת֒ וַֽיִּתְּנָ֗הּ אֶל־הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙ בְּנֵ֣י לֵוִ֔י הַנֹּ֣שְׂאִ֔ים אֶת־אֲר֖וֹן בְּרִ֣ית יְהֹוָ֑ה וְאֶל־כׇּל־זִקְנֵ֖י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Writing of the Torah by Moshe

The verse states that Moshe wrote "this Torah" (הַתּוֹרָה הַזֹּאת). Rashi explains that this refers to the entire Torah from Bereishit until this point in Devarim, including the mitzvot and narratives. Ramban adds that this act ensured the Torah would be preserved for future generations, emphasizing its divine origin and Moshe's role as the faithful scribe of Hashem's word.

Delivery to the Kohanim and Elders

The Torah was given to two groups:

  • The Kohanim, sons of Levi: As bearers of the Aron HaBrit, they were entrusted with safeguarding the Torah's physical and spiritual integrity. The Talmud (Bava Batra 14b) teaches that a Sefer Torah was placed beside the Aron, symbolizing the inseparable bond between the written law and the Divine Presence.
  • The Elders of Israel: Representing the leadership and wisdom of the nation, they were charged with teaching and transmitting the Torah to the people. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 160) highlights their role in ensuring communal adherence to Torah values.

The Significance of the Aron HaBrit

The mention of those who "bore the Ark" underscores the holiness of the Torah. The Kohanim's connection to the Aron signifies that Torah study must be coupled with reverence, as the Aron contained the Luchot and represented Hashem's covenant with Israel (Rambam, Hilchot Sefer Torah 10:1).

Dual Transmission of Torah

By giving the Torah to both Kohanim and elders, Moshe established a system of checks and balances. The Kohanim preserved the precise text and halachic tradition, while the elders ensured its practical application in daily life (Malbim). This reflects the Torah's dual nature as both a divine blueprint and a living guide for the Jewish people.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Batra 14b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the writing and transmission of the Torah, particularly focusing on the role of Moses and the Levites in preserving the Torah.
📖 Sanhedrin 21b
This verse is referenced in a discussion about the authority and authenticity of the written Torah, emphasizing the chain of transmission from Moses to the priests and elders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Moshe wrote the Torah and gave it to the priests and elders?
A: This verse teaches us that Moshe transcribed the entire Torah (the Five Books of Moses) and entrusted it to the Kohanim (priests from the tribe of Levi) who carried the Ark of the Covenant, as well as to the elders of Israel. According to Rashi, this ensured the Torah would be preserved and taught accurately to future generations. The Kohanim and elders had the responsibility to safeguard and transmit the Torah to the people.
Q: Why did Moshe give the Torah specifically to the Kohanim and elders?
A: The Kohanim (priests) were chosen because they were the spiritual leaders responsible for the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the Tablets of the Law. The elders were the representatives of the people, ensuring the Torah would be accessible to all of Israel. Rambam explains that this dual transmission ensured both the ritual and communal aspects of Torah would be upheld.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe giving the Torah to the Kohanim and elders?
A: This teaches the importance of Torah leadership and communal responsibility. The Kohanim represented the sacred duty of preserving the Torah's holiness, while the elders ensured its practical application in daily life. The Talmud (Eruvin 54b) derives from this that Torah must be taught through proper channels of authority to maintain its authenticity.
Q: How does this verse relate to Torah study today?
A: Just as Moshe entrusted the Torah to the spiritual and communal leaders of his time, today we rely on rabbinic scholars and teachers to transmit Torah accurately. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) emphasizes that Torah must be passed down from teacher to student in an unbroken chain, ensuring its preservation for all generations.
Q: What is the significance of the Ark of the Covenant in this verse?
A: The Ark, carried by the Levites, housed the Tablets of the Ten Commandments and symbolized the Divine presence. By associating the Torah with the Ark, the verse teaches that Torah is sacred and must be treated with reverence. Rashi notes that the Kohanim who bore the Ark were fitting guardians for the written Torah as well.