share torah logo

Deuteronomy 32:1 - Heavens, earth - hear Torah!

Deuteronomy 32:1 - דברים 32:1

Hebrew Text

הַאֲזִינוּ הַשָּׁמַיִם וַאֲדַבֵּרָה וְתִשְׁמַע הָאָרֶץ אִמְרֵי־פִי׃

English Translation

Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.

Transliteration

Ha'azinu hashamayim va'adabeira vetishma ha'aretz imrei-fi.

Hebrew Leining Text

הַאֲזִ֥ינוּ הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם וַאֲדַבֵּ֑רָה        וְתִשְׁמַ֥ע הָאָ֖רֶץ אִמְרֵי־פִֽי׃
הַאֲזִ֥ינוּ הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם וַאֲדַבֵּ֑רָה        וְתִשְׁמַ֥ע הָאָ֖רֶץ אִמְרֵי־פִֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Introduction to the Verse

The verse "הַאֲזִינוּ הַשָּׁמַיִם וַאֲדַבֵּרָה וְתִשְׁמַע הָאָרֶץ אִמְרֵי־פִי" (Devarim 32:1) opens Moshe's poetic song, Shirat Ha'azinu, which serves as a prophetic warning and testimony for Bnei Yisrael. The call to heaven and earth as witnesses is a recurring motif in Tanach, emphasizing the eternal and unchanging nature of the covenant between Hashem and His people.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 32:1) explains that Moshe calls upon the heavens and earth as enduring witnesses because they will always exist, unlike human witnesses who may perish. Additionally, he notes that if Bnei Yisrael fulfill the mitzvot, the heavens and earth will reward them (e.g., with rain and produce), but if they sin, these elements will testify against them.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra highlights the poetic structure of the verse, noting the parallelism between "הַאֲזִינוּ הַשָּׁמַיִם" (heaven) and "וְתִשְׁמַע הָאָרֶץ" (earth). He suggests that Moshe invokes these elements because they are constant and unchanging, symbolizing the eternal truth of the Torah's message.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 10:4) elaborates that Moshe chose the heavens and earth as witnesses because they were present at the giving of the Torah (Shemot 20:19). Furthermore, the Midrash teaches that the heavens and earth themselves were created through Hashem's word (Bereishit 1), making them fitting witnesses to His covenant.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:13), Rambam explains that Moshe uses the heavens and earth metaphorically to represent the spiritual and physical realms. The heavens symbolize the lofty, divine wisdom, while the earth represents the practical, earthly application of Torah. Together, they embody the totality of Torah's influence.

Key Themes

  • Eternal Witnesses: The heavens and earth are unchanging, ensuring the covenant's permanence.
  • Divine Justice: They serve as instruments of reward and punishment based on Bnei Yisrael's actions.
  • Torah's Universality: The invocation underscores that Torah governs both spiritual and physical existence.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chagigah 12a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the heavens and the earth bearing witness to God's words.
📖 Sotah 37a
The verse is cited in the context of the Israelites accepting the Torah and the role of heaven and earth as witnesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 32:1 mean when it says 'Give ear, O heavens... and hear, O earth'?
A: This verse is the opening of Moshe's (Moses') song in which he calls upon heaven and earth as eternal witnesses to his words (Rashi). The heavens and earth are called because they endure forever, unlike human witnesses who pass away. This emphasizes the eternal truth and importance of Moshe's message to the Jewish people.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 32:1 important in Judaism?
A: This verse introduces the 'Song of Ha'azinu,' which is considered a prophetic warning and testimony about Jewish history. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 101a) teaches that this song will stand as testimony for all generations. It's so important that there's a mitzvah to write it separately in a Sefer Torah (Rambam, Hilchot Sefer Torah 7:4).
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 32:1 today?
A: We learn that Torah teachings are eternal and relevant in every generation. By invoking heaven and earth as witnesses, Moshe teaches us that Torah truth transcends time. The Malbim explains that heaven represents spiritual matters while earth represents physical - showing Torah guides all aspects of life.
Q: How does Moshe's call to heaven and earth in this verse apply to us?
A: Just as Moshe called upon eternal witnesses, we must recognize that our actions are always 'witnessed' by Hashem's creation. The Sforno explains this reminds us that our choices have lasting consequences, and we should live with this awareness in our daily Jewish practice.
Q: Why does the Torah use poetic language in Deuteronomy 32:1?
A: The entire chapter is written as a song (shira) because songs are memorable and stir emotions. Ramban explains that putting Torah teachings into song form helps ensure they are passed down accurately through generations and makes their messages more impactful.