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Deuteronomy 31:19 - Torah song: eternal witness?

Deuteronomy 31:19 - דברים 31:19

Hebrew Text

וְעַתָּה כִּתְבוּ לָכֶם אֶת־הַשִּׁירָה הַזֹּאת וְלַמְּדָהּ אֶת־בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל שִׂימָהּ בְּפִיהֶם לְמַעַן תִּהְיֶה־לִּי הַשִּׁירָה הַזֹּאת לְעֵד בִּבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל׃

English Translation

Now therefore write this poem for yourselves, and teach it the children of Yisra᾽el: put it in their mouths, that this poem may be a witness for me against the children of Yisra᾽el.

Transliteration

Ve'atah kitvu lakhem et-hashirah hazot velamdeha et-bnei-Yisrael simah befihem lema'an tihyeh-li hashirah hazot le'ed bivnei Yisrael.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעַתָּ֗ה כִּתְב֤וּ לָכֶם֙ אֶת־הַשִּׁירָ֣ה הַזֹּ֔את וְלַמְּדָ֥הּ אֶת־בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל שִׂימָ֣הּ בְּפִיהֶ֑ם לְמַ֨עַן תִּֽהְיֶה־לִּ֜י הַשִּׁירָ֥ה הַזֹּ֛את לְעֵ֖ד בִּבְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
וְעַתָּ֗ה כִּתְב֤וּ לָכֶם֙ אֶת־הַשִּׁירָ֣ה הַזֹּ֔את וְלַמְּדָ֥הּ אֶת־בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל שִׂימָ֣הּ בְּפִיהֶ֑ם לְמַ֨עַן תִּֽהְיֶה־לִּ֜י הַשִּׁירָ֥ה הַזֹּ֛את לְעֵ֖ד בִּבְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Command to Write and Teach the Song (Shirat Ha'azinu)

The verse (Devarim 31:19) commands Moshe to write the "Shirah" (Song of Ha'azinu) and teach it to Bnei Yisrael. Rashi explains that this song serves as a testimony (eid) against the Jewish people, reminding them of their covenant with Hashem and the consequences of straying from His commandments. The Ramban adds that the poetic form ensures it will be remembered and passed down through generations.

The Purpose of the Shirah as a Witness

The phrase "לְעֵד בִּבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" ("as a witness against the children of Israel") is interpreted by the Sifrei as a means of accountability. The Midrash Tanchuma (Ha'azinu 2) teaches that the song contains hidden prophecies of Israel's future rebellions and exiles, serving as a warning and a call to repentance. The Ibn Ezra emphasizes that the song's words will "testify" when troubles befall the nation, reminding them that their suffering stems from abandoning the Torah.

Writing and Transmitting the Torah

  • Obligation to Write a Sefer Torah: The Rambam (Hilchot Sefer Torah 7:1) derives from this verse the mitzvah for every Jew to write a Torah scroll. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 21b) expands that even if one inherits a Torah, they must still write their own.
  • Teaching the Song: The phrase "וְלַמְּדָהּ אֶת־בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל" underscores the duty of Torah education. The Sforno explains that merely writing the Torah is insufficient—it must be taught diligently to children.
  • Memorization and Recitation: The instruction "שִׂימָהּ בְּפִיהֶם" ("place it in their mouths") implies oral transmission. The Kli Yakar notes that the song must be so ingrained that it flows naturally from their lips, ensuring its eternal relevance.

The Eternal Nature of the Shirah

The Ohr HaChaim highlights that the song's prophetic nature extends beyond its immediate context, serving as a timeless witness. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) adds that its poetic structure allows for layers of interpretation, ensuring its messages resonate in every generation. Thus, the command to write and teach the Shirah is not merely historical but a perpetual obligation for Klal Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 21b
The verse is discussed in the context of the commandment to write a Torah scroll, with the Sages debating whether this verse refers to writing the entire Torah or just the specific song (Ha'azinu).
📖 Megillah 31b
The verse is referenced in relation to the public reading of the Torah, particularly the portion of Ha'azinu, which is considered a witness against Israel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'write this poem' refer to in Deuteronomy 31:19?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Sanhedrin 21b), this refers to the 'Song of Ha'azinu' (Deuteronomy 32), which Moshe was commanded to write and teach to the Jewish people. This song serves as a testimony and warning about the consequences of straying from Torah observance.
Q: Why is this poem important for the Jewish people?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 9:2) explains that this poem serves as an eternal witness, reminding the Jewish people of their covenant with Hashem. It contains prophecies about Jewish history, including exile and redemption, and encourages repentance.
Q: What does it mean to 'put it in their mouths'?
A: Rashi explains that this means the Jewish people should memorize and recite this song regularly, making it part of their oral tradition. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 21b) states that this refers to teaching it to children, ensuring it is passed down through generations.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish education today?
A: The Sifrei (Devarim 31:19) derives from this verse the importance of teaching Torah to children. Today, this mitzvah is fulfilled through Jewish day schools, Torah study, and parents teaching their children - ensuring the transmission of Torah from generation to generation.
Q: Why is the poem called a 'witness'?
A: The Midrash (Tanchuma Ha'azinu 2) explains that this song testifies to Hashem's justice and the Jewish people's obligations. When future generations see the events foretold in the song come to pass, they will recognize Divine providence and the truth of Torah.