share torah logo

Deuteronomy 31:22 - Moshe's final prophetic song

Deuteronomy 31:22 - דברים 31:22

Hebrew Text

וַיִּכְתֹּב מֹשֶׁה אֶת־הַשִּׁירָה הַזֹּאת בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא וַיְלַמְּדָהּ אֶת־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל׃

English Translation

Moshe therefore wrote this poem the same day, and taught it the children of Yisra᾽el.

Transliteration

Va'yichtov Moshe et-ha'shira ha'zot ba'yom ha'hu va'yelam'da et-b'nei Yisra'el.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּכְתֹּ֥ב מֹשֶׁ֛ה אֶת־הַשִּׁירָ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את בַּיּ֣וֹם הַה֑וּא וַֽיְלַמְּדָ֖הּ אֶת־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
וַיִּכְתֹּ֥ב מֹשֶׁ֛ה אֶת־הַשִּׁירָ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את בַּיּ֣וֹם הַה֑וּא וַֽיְלַמְּדָ֖הּ אֶת־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Writing and Teaching of the Song

The verse states: "Moshe therefore wrote this poem the same day, and taught it the children of Yisra᾽el" (Devarim 31:22). Rashi explains that this refers to Shirat Ha'azinu (the Song of Ha'azinu), which Moshe was commanded to write as a witness for Bnei Yisrael (Devarim 31:19). The immediacy of Moshe writing and teaching it "the same day" underscores its urgency and importance as a prophetic warning and eternal testimony.

The Purpose of the Song

According to Rambam in Hilchot Teshuvah (7:4), the song serves as a reminder of the consequences of straying from Torah observance. The Ibn Ezra adds that the poetic form ensures it is memorable, allowing future generations to recall its messages even in times of spiritual decline. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 99a) teaches that one who reads Ha'azinu with proper intent is credited as if they had studied the most profound secrets of Torah.

Moshe's Role as Teacher

The phrase "and taught it the children of Yisra᾽el" highlights Moshe's role as Moshe Rabbeinu, the teacher of Israel. The Sifri (Devarim 306) notes that Moshe did not merely recite the song but ensured Bnei Yisrael understood its meaning. The Ramban emphasizes that this teaching was part of Moshe’s final efforts to prepare the nation for life in Eretz Yisrael without his leadership.

Lessons for Future Generations

  • Eternal Witness: The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 10:4) teaches that the song remains a "witness" in every generation, testifying to Hashem’s justice and the covenant with Israel.
  • Oral and Written Transmission: The dual act of writing and teaching reflects the Torah’s transmission through both written text (Torah Shebichtav) and oral explanation (Torah Shebe'al Peh).
  • Preventative Measure: The Kli Yakar suggests that the song was given to prevent future claims of ignorance, ensuring Israel could never say they were unaware of the consequences of abandoning the Torah.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 21b
The verse is discussed in the context of the writing of the Torah by Moses, particularly focusing on the commandment to write the song (Ha'azinu) as part of the Torah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'song' that Moshe wrote in Deuteronomy 31:22?
A: The 'song' refers to Ha'azinu (Deuteronomy 32), which is a prophetic poem Moshe taught to the Israelites before his passing. According to Rashi, this song serves as a testimony and warning to future generations about the consequences of abandoning Hashem's commandments.
Q: Why did Moshe teach this song specifically to the children of Israel?
A: The Ramban explains that Moshe taught the song to the Israelites so it would be passed down through generations as a constant reminder of their covenant with Hashem. The Midrash (Sifrei) adds that songs are easier to remember, ensuring the message would endure.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe writing and teaching this song?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 21b) teaches that Moshe's action demonstrates the importance of using creative and memorable methods to transmit Torah values. By putting the message in poetic form, he ensured it would resonate emotionally and intellectually with all generations.
Q: How does this verse connect to the Jewish tradition of Torah education?
A: As the Rambam (Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:1) explains, this verse establishes the fundamental obligation for each generation to teach Torah to the next. Moshe's act of writing and teaching sets the model for all Jewish education - transmitting both the written text and its oral explanations.
Q: Why is it significant that Moshe wrote the song 'on that same day'?
A: Rashi notes the immediacy shows Moshe fulfilled Hashem's command without delay, teaching us the importance of alacrity in mitzvot. The Sforno adds that 'that day' refers to Moshe's last day of life, showing his devotion to teaching until his final moments.