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Deuteronomy 31:30 - Moshe's final prophetic song

Deuteronomy 31:30 - דברים 31:30

Hebrew Text

וַיְדַבֵּר מֹשֶׁה בְּאָזְנֵי כָּל־קְהַל יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת־דִּבְרֵי הַשִּׁירָה הַזֹּאת עַד תֻּמָּם׃

English Translation

And Moshe spoke in the ears of all the congregation of Yisra᾽el, the words of this poem, until they were ended.

Transliteration

Vayedaber Moshe be'oznei kol-kehal Yisrael et-divrei hashira hazot ad tumam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר מֹשֶׁ֗ה בְּאׇזְנֵי֙ כׇּל־קְהַ֣ל יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֶת־דִּבְרֵ֥י הַשִּׁירָ֖ה הַזֹּ֑את עַ֖ד תֻּמָּֽם׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר מֹשֶׁ֗ה בְּאׇזְנֵי֙ כׇּל־קְהַ֣ל יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֶת־דִּבְרֵ֥י הַשִּׁירָ֖ה הַזֹּ֑את עַ֖ד תֻּמָּֽם׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse appears in Devarim 31:30, introducing Shirat Ha'azinu (the Song of Ha'azinu), which Moshe Rabbeinu delivers to Bnei Yisrael before his passing. This poem serves as both a prophetic warning and a testimony for future generations.

Meaning of "בְּאָזְנֵי כָּל־קְהַל יִשְׂרָאֵל" (In the Ears of All the Congregation of Yisra᾽el)

Rashi explains that Moshe gathered all of Klal Yisrael—young and old, men and women—to ensure the message reached every individual (Devarim 31:12). The Ibn Ezra adds that this emphasizes the song's national significance, binding the entire people to its words.

The Nature of "הַשִּׁירָה הַזֹּאת" (This Poem)

The Sifrei (Devarim 306) teaches that this song was divinely inspired and written as a testimony. The Ramban notes that its poetic form makes it memorable, ensuring its transmission through generations. The Malbim highlights its dual role: a warning against straying from Torah and a promise of eventual redemption.

"עַד תֻּמָּם" (Until They Were Ended)

The Ohr HaChaim interprets this phrase as indicating Moshe’s complete delivery without interruption, ensuring clarity. The Kli Yakar suggests it implies the song’s words would remain eternally relevant, never "ending" in their impact.

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Unity in Transmission: Moshe ensured the entire nation heard the song, teaching the importance of collective responsibility in Torah observance.
  • Prophecy in Poetry: The poetic form underscores the eternal nature of Torah warnings and promises.
  • Clarity and Completion: Moshe’s uninterrupted delivery models the need for precise transmission of Torah teachings.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 101b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of Moses' final words to the Israelites and the significance of the Song (Ha'azinu) as a testimony.
📖 Sotah 35a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the public proclamation of the Torah and the role of Moses in conveying God's message to the entire congregation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'poem' mentioned in Deuteronomy 31:30?
A: The 'poem' refers to 'Ha'azinu' (Deuteronomy 32), a prophetic song that Moshe taught to Bnei Yisrael before his passing. According to Rashi, this song serves as a testimony about future events, warning the Jewish people to remain faithful to Hashem.
Q: Why did Moshe speak this poem to all of Israel?
A: Moshe gathered all of Israel to hear this poem because it contains essential lessons about loyalty to Hashem and the consequences of straying from His commandments. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 306) explains that this was a final opportunity to inspire and guide them before his death.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 31:30 today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of communal Torah learning and transmitting wisdom to future generations. Just as Moshe ensured all of Israel heard these words, we must make Torah teachings accessible to everyone, as emphasized in Rambam's Hilchot Talmud Torah (1:8).
Q: Why is the word 'poem' (שירה) used instead of a regular speech?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 21b) explains that poetry is more memorable and impactful. By framing these prophecies as a song, Moshe ensured they would be passed down through generations, as songs are easier to remember and teach.