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Deuteronomy 1:3 - Final words before entry

Deuteronomy 1:3 - דברים 1:3

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי בְּאַרְבָּעִים שָׁנָה בְּעַשְׁתֵּי־עָשָׂר חֹדֶשׁ בְּאֶחָד לַחֹדֶשׁ דִּבֶּר מֹשֶׁה אֶל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֹתוֹ אֲלֵהֶם׃

English Translation

And it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moshe spoke to the children of Yisra᾽el, according to all that the Lord had given him in commandment to them;

Transliteration

Vayehi be'arba'im shana be'ashtei-asar chodesh be'echad lachodesh diber Moshe el-bnei Yisrael kechol asher tzivah Adonai oto alehem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיְהִי֙ בְּאַרְבָּעִ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה בְּעַשְׁתֵּֽי־עָשָׂ֥ר חֹ֖דֶשׁ בְּאֶחָ֣ד לַחֹ֑דֶשׁ דִּבֶּ֤ר מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל כְּ֠כֹ֠ל אֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֧ה יְהֹוָ֛ה אֹת֖וֹ אֲלֵהֶֽם׃
וַֽיְהִי֙ בְּאַרְבָּעִ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה בְּעַשְׁתֵּֽי־עָשָׂ֥ר חֹ֖דֶשׁ בְּאֶחָ֣ד לַחֹ֑דֶשׁ דִּבֶּ֤ר מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל כְּ֠כֹ֠ל אֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֧ה יְהֹוָ֛ה אֹת֖וֹ אֲלֵהֶֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Timing of Moshe's Address

The verse states that Moshe spoke to Bnei Yisrael in the 40th year, 11th month, and 1st day of the month. Rashi (Devarim 1:3) explains that this precise dating indicates Moshe began reviewing the Torah with the nation shortly before his passing, which occurred on the 7th of Adar. The 40th year marks the end of the wilderness wanderings, emphasizing that this was a final transmission of divine commandments before entering Eretz Yisrael.

Significance of the 40th Year

Ramban (Devarim 1:3) notes that the 40-year period corresponds to the punishment decreed after the sin of the spies (Bamidbar 14:33-34). This timing underscores that Moshe was addressing a new generation—those who would merit entering the Land—unlike their fathers who perished in the wilderness.

The Eleventh Month (Shevat)

The Sifrei (Devarim 1:3) highlights that Moshe chose Shevat for this discourse because it was a time when the people were free from agricultural work (unlike Nisan or Tishrei). This allowed them to focus entirely on absorbing Torah. Additionally, the Midrash Tanchuma (Devarim 2) connects Shevat to renewal, as it precedes Adar and Nisan—months of redemption.

"According to All That Hashem Commanded"

Ibn Ezra (Devarim 1:3) emphasizes that Moshe did not add or omit anything from Hashem's instructions, fulfilling his role as the faithful transmitter of Torah. The Talmud (Megillah 31b) derives from this phrase that Moshe rebuked Bnei Yisrael only when explicitly commanded by Hashem, teaching the proper way to deliver reproof.

  • Chronological Precision: The date anchors Sefer Devarim as Moshe's final teachings before his death (Rashi).
  • Generational Transition: The 40th year signifies the shift from the Exodus generation to their children (Ramban).
  • Divine Authority: Moshe's words were entirely rooted in Hashem's commandments, not his own (Ibn Ezra).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah mention the exact date when Moshe spoke to the Israelites?
A: The Torah specifies the date (40th year, 11th month, 1st day) to emphasize the significance of this moment—it was near the end of Moshe's life and the Israelites' journey in the wilderness. Rashi explains that this marks the beginning of Moshe's final speeches, reviewing the Torah and preparing the people to enter the Land of Israel.
Q: What is the importance of the 'fortieth year' mentioned in this verse?
A: The fortieth year was crucial because it marked the end of the Israelites' 40-year journey in the wilderness, a consequence of the sin of the spies (Numbers 14). Ramban notes that this generation was now ready to enter the Land of Israel, showing Hashem's faithfulness despite past mistakes.
Q: Why does the verse say Moshe spoke 'according to all that the Lord commanded'?
A: This phrase teaches that Moshe did not add or omit anything from Hashem's instructions. The Talmud (Megillah 14a) highlights that a true prophet only conveys divine words exactly as received, reinforcing Moshe's unique role as the greatest prophet.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe addressing the Israelites at this time?
A: This teaches the importance of reviewing Torah teachings, especially at critical life moments. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 1:1) compares Moshe's speeches to a parent's final instructions to a child—emphasizing clarity and repetition to ensure the message endures.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader theme of Sefer Devarim (Deuteronomy)?
A: Sefer Devarim is called 'Mishneh Torah' (Repetition of the Torah) because Moshe reviews laws and history before the Israelites enter Israel. Ibn Ezra explains that this verse introduces Moshe's role as a teacher ensuring the nation remembers their covenant with Hashem as they begin a new chapter.