share torah logo

Deuteronomy 31:21 - Song foretells Israel's future struggles

Deuteronomy 31:21 - דברים 31:21

Hebrew Text

וְהָיָה כִּי־תִמְצֶאןָ אֹתוֹ רָעוֹת רַבּוֹת וְצָרוֹת וְעָנְתָה הַשִּׁירָה הַזֹּאת לְפָנָיו לְעֵד כִּי לֹא תִשָּׁכַח מִפִּי זַרְעוֹ כִּי יָדַעְתִּי אֶת־יִצְרוֹ אֲשֶׁר הוּא עֹשֶׂה הַיּוֹם בְּטֶרֶם אֲבִיאֶנּוּ אֶל־הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבָּעְתִּי׃

English Translation

And it shall come to pass, when many evils and troubles have befallen them, that this poem shall testify against them as a witness; for it shall not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed: for I know their inclination, and what they do, even now, before I have brought them into the land of which I swore.

Transliteration

Vehayah ki-timtzena oto ra'ot rabot vetzarot ve'aneta hashira hazot lefanav le'ed ki lo tishakach mipi zar'o ki yadati et-yitzro asher hu oseh hayom beterem avi'enu el-ha'aretz asher nishba'ti.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְ֠הָיָ֠ה כִּי־תִמְצֶ֨אןָ אֹת֜וֹ רָע֣וֹת רַבּוֹת֮ וְצָרוֹת֒ וְ֠עָנְתָ֠ה הַשִּׁירָ֨ה הַזֹּ֤את לְפָנָיו֙ לְעֵ֔ד כִּ֛י לֹ֥א תִשָּׁכַ֖ח מִפִּ֣י זַרְע֑וֹ כִּ֧י יָדַ֣עְתִּי אֶת־יִצְר֗וֹ אֲשֶׁ֨ר ה֤וּא עֹשֶׂה֙ הַיּ֔וֹם בְּטֶ֣רֶם אֲבִיאֶ֔נּוּ אֶל־הָאָ֖רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר נִשְׁבַּֽעְתִּי׃
וְ֠הָיָ֠ה כִּי־תִמְצֶ֨אןָ אֹת֜וֹ רָע֣וֹת רַבּוֹת֮ וְצָרוֹת֒ וְ֠עָנְתָ֠ה הַשִּׁירָ֨ה הַזֹּ֤את לְפָנָיו֙ לְעֵ֔ד כִּ֛י לֹ֥א תִשָּׁכַ֖ח מִפִּ֣י זַרְע֑וֹ כִּ֧י יָדַ֣עְתִּי אֶת־יִצְר֗וֹ אֲשֶׁ֨ר ה֤וּא עֹשֶׂה֙ הַיּ֔וֹם בְּטֶ֣רֶם אֲבִיאֶ֔נּוּ אֶל־הָאָ֖רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר נִשְׁבַּֽעְתִּי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Parashat Ha'azinu

This verse (Devarim 31:21) appears in the context of Moshe Rabbeinu's final instructions to Bnei Yisrael before his passing. The "song" (השירה הזאת) refers to Shirat Ha'azinu, which serves as both a warning and a testimony about the consequences of abandoning the covenant with Hashem.

The Role of the Song as a Witness

Rashi explains that the song will serve as a "witness" (לעד) because it will always be remembered by future generations, even during times of exile and suffering. The Midrash Tanchuma (Ha'azinu 2) elaborates that the song's poetic nature makes it memorable, ensuring its transmission through the ages.

Understanding "Their Inclination" (יצרו)

The phrase "I know their inclination" (ידעתי את יצרו) is interpreted by Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 5:4) as referring to the yetzer hara (evil inclination) that leads people astray. The Sforno adds that Hashem foresaw Bnei Yisrael's future struggles with idolatry and moral failings even before entering Eretz Yisrael.

The Eternal Nature of the Covenant

  • Ibn Ezra: The song's permanence ("it shall not be forgotten") demonstrates that the covenant remains binding regardless of Israel's actions.
  • Kli Yakar: The verse emphasizes divine foreknowledge - Hashem knew their tendencies would lead to exile, yet brought them into the land anyway, showing His commitment to the ultimate redemption.

Practical Implications

The Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that this verse teaches that times of suffering should prompt introspection, as the words of the Torah - including this prophetic song - will testify that the troubles were foretold as consequences of abandoning mitzvot. This awareness can lead to teshuvah (repentance).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 21b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the nature of the Song of Moses (Ha'azinu) and its role as a witness against the Jewish people.
📖 Sotah 35a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the Song of Moses and its eternal relevance as a testimony against Israel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 31:21 mean?
A: This verse means that when the Jewish people face many troubles due to their sins, the 'Song of Moses' (Ha'azinu, found in Deuteronomy 32) will serve as a witness against them. Hashem knows their tendencies ('yetzer') to stray, even before they enter the Land of Israel. The Torah will never be forgotten by their descendants, serving as an eternal reminder of their covenant with Hashem.
Q: Why is the 'Song of Moses' important in this verse?
A: The 'Song of Moses' (Ha'azinu) is important because it serves as a testimony and warning for future generations. According to Rashi, this song was given so that when hardships come, the Jewish people will recognize that these events were foretold in the Torah, leading them to repentance. It reinforces that Hashem’s covenant and justice are eternal.
Q: What does 'I know their inclination' refer to in this verse?
A: The phrase 'I know their inclination' ('yitzro') refers to the yetzer hara (evil inclination) that leads people astray. Rambam explains that Hashem understands human nature and foresees that the Jewish people will struggle with faithfulness. Despite this, the Torah remains with them as a guide to return to the right path.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse reminds us that the Torah is eternal and never forgotten. Even when we face challenges, the words of the Torah—like the Song of Ha'azinu—serve as a witness and guide. The Midrash teaches that no matter how far we may stray, the Torah remains accessible to bring us back to Hashem through teshuvah (repentance).
Q: Why does the verse say the song will not be forgotten?
A: The Torah assures that the song will not be forgotten because it is a fundamental part of Jewish tradition. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 99a) teaches that Torah study is passed down through generations, ensuring its continuity. This promise highlights the eternal bond between Hashem and the Jewish people, with the Torah as an everlasting witness.