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Deuteronomy 32:50 - Death of the righteous ascent

Deuteronomy 32:50 - דברים 32:50

Hebrew Text

וּמֻת בָּהָר אֲשֶׁר אַתָּה עֹלֶה שָׁמָּה וְהֵאָסֵף אֶל־עַמֶּיךָ כַּאֲשֶׁר־מֵת אַהֲרֹן אָחִיךָ בְּהֹר הָהָר וַיֵּאָסֶף אֶל־עַמָּיו׃

English Translation

and die in the mount into which thou goest up, and be gathered to thy people; as Aharon thy brother died in mount Hor, and was gathered to his people:

Transliteration

U-mut ba-har a-sher a-ta o-le sha-ma v-he-a-sef el-a-me-kha ka-a-sher met A-ha-ron a-khi-kha b'Hor ha-har va-ye-a-sef el-a-mav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּמֻ֗ת בָּהָר֙ אֲשֶׁ֤ר אַתָּה֙ עֹלֶ֣ה שָׁ֔מָּה וְהֵאָסֵ֖ף אֶל־עַמֶּ֑יךָ כַּֽאֲשֶׁר־מֵ֞ת אַהֲרֹ֤ן אָחִ֙יךָ֙ בְּהֹ֣ר הָהָ֔ר וַיֵּאָ֖סֶף אֶל־עַמָּֽיו׃
וּמֻ֗ת בָּהָר֙ אֲשֶׁ֤ר אַתָּה֙ עֹלֶ֣ה שָׁ֔מָּה וְהֵאָסֵ֖ף אֶל־עַמֶּ֑יךָ כַּֽאֲשֶׁר־מֵ֞ת אַהֲרֹ֤ן אָחִ֙יךָ֙ בְּהֹ֣ר הָהָ֔ר וַיֵּאָ֖סֶף אֶל־עַמָּֽיו׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Devarim 32:50) is part of Hashem's command to Moshe Rabbeinu informing him of his impending death on Har Nevo. The comparison to Aharon's death on Har HaHor underscores the parallel between the two brothers' final moments and their unique roles as leaders of Bnei Yisrael.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments that the phrase "וְהֵאָסֵף אֶל־עַמֶּיךָ" ("be gathered to your people") refers to the soul joining the righteous in the afterlife (Olam Haba). He notes that this expression is used for tzaddikim, indicating their eternal reward. Regarding the comparison to Aharon's death, Rashi explains that just as Aharon's death was marked by honor and spiritual elevation (as described in Bamidbar 20:22-29), so too would Moshe's passing be dignified.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:51), Rambam discusses how the deaths of Moshe and Aharon represent the ultimate connection between a tzaddik and Hashem. Their deaths on mountains symbolize spiritual ascent, as mountains are places of divine revelation (e.g., Har Sinai). The phrasing "עֹלֶה שָׁמָּה" ("go up there") implies not just physical ascent but spiritual elevation at the time of death.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • Sanhedrin 39a: The Gemara teaches that Moshe's death was a "death by the kiss of the Shechinah" (mitat neshika), the most sublime form of passing reserved for the most righteous.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Va'eschanan 6): Explains that Moshe was shown the entire Land of Israel from Har Nevo to comfort him before his death, paralleling how Aharon was shown the future succession of his son Elazar.
  • Sifrei Devarim 339: Emphasizes that both Moshe and Aharon died "by the word of Hashem," highlighting their unique relationship with the Divine.

Theological Significance

The comparison between Moshe and Aharon's deaths teaches several key principles in Jewish thought:

  • The importance of accepting divine decree with love (as both brothers did without protest).
  • The concept that tzaddikim are not truly "dead" but "gathered to their people" in the spiritual realm.
  • The idea that physical death can represent the pinnacle of a righteous life's mission.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 13b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the deaths of Moses and Aaron, comparing their passing and the divine command regarding their deaths.
📖 Sanhedrin 39a
Mentioned in a broader discussion about biblical figures and their deaths, particularly focusing on the parallels between Moses and Aaron's deaths as commanded by God.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to 'be gathered to your people' in Deuteronomy 32:50?
A: The phrase 'be gathered to your people' refers to the soul departing from the body and joining the righteous souls in the afterlife. Rashi explains that this is a gentle way of describing death, emphasizing the reunion with one's ancestors in the World to Come (Olam Haba).
Q: Why was Moshe told he would die on the mountain like Aharon?
A: Moshe was told he would die on the mountain like Aharon to show that even great leaders must face the consequences of their actions. According to the Talmud (Zevachim 115b), both Moshe and Aharon were punished for their minor faults (Moshe for striking the rock, Aharon for the Golden Calf), teaching that no one is above accountability.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe being told about his death in advance?
A: The fact that Moshe was told about his death in advance teaches us the importance of preparing spiritually before passing away. The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah) explains that this reflects the Jewish value of 'teshuvah' (repentance) and making amends, as every person should reflect on their life before their time comes.
Q: Why did Moshe die on a mountain specifically?
A: Moshe died on Mount Nevo, a high place, symbolizing his elevated spiritual status. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 11:10) teaches that Hashem personally buried Moshe in an unknown place on the mountain to prevent idolatry, showing honor to Moshe even in death.
Q: How does the description of Moshe's death apply to us today?
A: The description of Moshe's death reminds us that death is a natural part of life and should be faced with dignity. The Talmud (Berachos 8a) teaches that just as Moshe prepared for his passing, we too should live meaningfully, perform mitzvos, and leave a positive legacy.