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Deuteronomy 32:51 - Moses' missed sanctification moment?

Deuteronomy 32:51 - דברים 32:51

Hebrew Text

עַל אֲשֶׁר מְעַלְתֶּם בִּי בְּתוֹךְ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּמֵי־מְרִיבַת קָדֵשׁ מִדְבַּר־צִן עַל אֲשֶׁר לֹא־קִדַּשְׁתֶּם אוֹתִי בְּתוֹךְ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל׃

English Translation

because you transgressed against me among the children of Yisra᾽el at the waters of Merivat-qadesh, in the wilderness of Żin; because you sanctified me not in the midst of the children of Yisra᾽el.

Transliteration

Al asher me'altem bi betoch bnei Yisrael bemei-merivat Kadesh midbar-Tzin al asher lo-kidashtem oti betoch bnei Yisrael.

Hebrew Leining Text

עַל֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר מְעַלְתֶּ֜ם בִּ֗י בְּתוֹךְ֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל בְּמֵֽי־מְרִיבַ֥ת קָדֵ֖שׁ מִדְבַּר־צִ֑ן עַ֣ל אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא־קִדַּשְׁתֶּם֙ אוֹתִ֔י בְּת֖וֹךְ בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
עַל֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר מְעַלְתֶּ֜ם בִּ֗י בְּתוֹךְ֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל בְּמֵֽי־מְרִיבַ֥ת קָדֵ֖שׁ מִדְבַּר־צִ֑ן עַ֣ל אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא־קִדַּשְׁתֶּם֙ אוֹתִ֔י בְּת֖וֹךְ בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Devarim 32:51) is part of Hashem's rebuke to Moshe and Aharon for their actions at Mei Merivah (the Waters of Strife) in the wilderness of Tzin. The incident is recorded in Bamidbar 20:1-13, where Moshe struck the rock instead of speaking to it as commanded, leading to a failure in sanctifying Hashem's name before Bnei Yisrael.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 32:51) explains that the phrase "עַל אֲשֶׁר מְעַלְתֶּם בִּי" ("because you transgressed against me") refers to Moshe and Aharon's deviation from Hashem's command. At Mei Merivah, they were instructed to speak to the rock, but instead, Moshe struck it (Bamidbar 20:8-11). This act demonstrated a lack of complete faith in Hashem's word, thereby diminishing the sanctification of His name ("לֹא־קִדַּשְׁתֶּם אוֹתִי").

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (1:54), Rambam discusses the severity of Moshe's error. He explains that a leader of Moshe's stature is held to an exceedingly high standard, and any deviation—even a seemingly minor one—carries significant consequences. By not adhering precisely to Hashem's instruction, Moshe missed an opportunity to demonstrate to Bnei Yisrael the power of divine speech, which would have magnified Hashem's sanctification.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Chukat 10) elaborates that Moshe's anger at the people ("שמעו נא המורים" – "Listen now, you rebels") contributed to the transgression. A leader must maintain composure, especially when performing miracles in Hashem's name.
  • Sifrei (Devarim 32:51) emphasizes that the phrase "בְּתוֹךְ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" ("among the children of Yisrael") highlights that the sin was public, thereby causing a chillul Hashem (desecration of Hashem's name) in the eyes of the nation.

Theological Implications

The verse underscores the principle of Kiddush Hashem (sanctifying Hashem's name). Leaders, especially, must act with absolute precision in fulfilling mitzvot, as their actions are observed and emulated by the community. Moshe and Aharon's punishment—being barred from entering Eretz Yisrael—demonstrates the gravity of failing to sanctify Hashem properly in a public setting.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the incident at the waters of Meribah and the consequences of Moses and Aaron's actions.
📖 Sanhedrin 101b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the sanctification of God's name and the importance of leadership in Israel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 32:51 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 32:51 refers to the incident where Moshe (Moses) and Aharon (Aaron) did not sanctify Hashem properly at the Waters of Merivah (as described in Bamidbar 20:1-13). According to Rashi, the verse explains why Moshe was not allowed to enter Eretz Yisrael—because he struck the rock instead of speaking to it as commanded, which failed to fully demonstrate Hashem's sanctity to Bnei Yisrael.
Q: Why is the Waters of Merivah incident important?
A: The Waters of Merivah incident is important because it teaches about the seriousness of following Hashem's commands precisely, especially for leaders. Rambam explains that even great leaders like Moshe are held to high standards, and failing to sanctify Hashem properly—even in a moment of frustration—has consequences. This event shaped the future leadership of Bnei Yisrael.
Q: What can we learn from Moshe's mistake in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 101a) derives from this verse that leaders must be careful in their actions, as they set an example for the community. Moshe's slight deviation from Hashem's instruction—striking the rock instead of speaking to it—shows that even small missteps in serving Hashem matter, especially when others are watching.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:10) teaches that this verse reminds us to always sanctify Hashem's name in public, especially when representing the Jewish people. Whether in prayer, mitzvot, or daily conduct, we must strive to honor Hashem properly, as our actions influence others' perception of holiness.
Q: Why does the verse mention 'not sanctifying Hashem among Bnei Yisrael'?
A: Rashi emphasizes that the phrase highlights the public nature of the mistake. Since Moshe and Aharon were leaders, their actions had a ripple effect on the entire nation. The Kli Yakar adds that sanctifying Hashem 'among Bnei Yisrael' means ensuring that our deeds inspire others to recognize Hashem's greatness—something Moshe's action at Merivah momentarily failed to achieve.