Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 32:37 mean?
A: In Deuteronomy 32:37, Moshe (Moses) is conveying a future moment when Hashem will challenge the nations who worshipped false gods. The verse asks, 'Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted?' This highlights the futility of idol worship and emphasizes that only Hashem is the true source of protection and salvation. Rashi explains that this verse comes during a time when the Jewish people will recognize Hashem's justice and the emptiness of relying on anything other than Him.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 32:37 important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it reinforces the fundamental Jewish belief in Hashem as the only true G-d. It appears in the 'Song of Ha'azinu,' which serves as a testimony to future generations about the consequences of abandoning Hashem and turning to idolatry. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that recognizing Hashem's exclusive divinity is a core principle of Jewish faith, and this verse powerfully conveys that message.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 32:37 today?
A: We learn that reliance on anything other than Hashem—whether material possessions, human power, or false ideologies—is ultimately meaningless. The Midrash teaches that this verse reminds us to place our complete trust in Hashem, especially during difficult times. In today's world, this means recognizing that true security and salvation come only from our relationship with Hashem and adherence to His Torah.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 32:37 apply to Jewish prayer?
A: This verse reinforces the concept of 'bitachon' (trust in Hashem), which is central to Jewish prayer. When we pray, we affirm that Hashem alone is our 'Rock' and protector, as opposed to false sources of security. The Talmud (Berachot 32b) teaches that prayer is an expression of complete reliance on Hashem, echoing the message of this verse that only He is worthy of our trust.
Q: What does 'their rock' refer to in Deuteronomy 32:37?
A: The term 'their rock' in this verse refers to the false gods or sources of security that nations relied upon instead of Hashem. In contrast, throughout Tanach, Hashem is often called the 'Rock of Israel' (Tzur Yisrael), symbolizing His steadfast protection. Rashi explains that this comparison exposes the weakness of idolatry—unlike Hashem, the 'rock' of the nations cannot save them in times of need.
Context in Deuteronomy 32:37
The verse appears in Shirat Ha'azinu (Deuteronomy 32), Moshe's prophetic song warning of Israel's future straying and eventual redemption. This particular verse reflects a future moment when Hashem will challenge the nations who oppressed Israel, mocking their reliance on powerless idols.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Devarim 32:37) interprets this as a rhetorical question posed by Hashem to the nations in the end of days: After Israel suffers under their rule, He will demand, "Where are the gods you trusted instead of Me?" This exposes the folly of idolatry—their "rock" (false deities) cannot save them in times of distress.
Ibn Ezra on "צוּר" (Rock)
Ibn Ezra notes that the term tzur (rock) is used sarcastically here. While Hashem is the true Tzur Yisrael (Rock of Israel, as in Deuteronomy 32:4), the nations mistakenly place faith in lifeless objects they call "rock," emphasizing their spiritual blindness.
Midrashic Perspective (Sifrei)
The Sifrei (Devarim 32:37) links this to the future redemption: When Mashiach comes, the nations will recognize their gods as powerless, paralleling the Exodus narrative where Pharaoh's magicians admitted, "This is the finger of God" (Shemot 8:15). The verse thus underscores Divine justice—idolators will confront their own delusions.
Rambam's Theological Insight
In Hilchot Avodah Zarah (1:3), Rambam explains that idolatry stems from attributing power to intermediaries rather than Hashem. This verse dismantles that error—their "gods" vanish when tested, proving ein od milvado ("there is none besides Him," Deuteronomy 4:35).
Practical Lesson (Mesillat Yesharim)
Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (Mesillat Yesharim, Ch. 19) derives a moral: Just as the nations' misplaced trust is futile, so too must Jews avoid relying on anything but Hashem—whether wealth, alliances, or human strength—echoing the verse’s critique of false dependencies.