share torah logo

Deuteronomy 33:1 - Moshe's final blessing legacy

Deuteronomy 33:1 - דברים 33:1

Hebrew Text

וְזֹאת הַבְּרָכָה אֲשֶׁר בֵּרַךְ מֹשֶׁה אִישׁ הָאֱלֹהִים אֶת־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל לִפְנֵי מוֹתוֹ׃

English Translation

VEZOT HABBERAKHA And this is the blessing, with which Moshe the man of God blessed the children of Yisra᾽el before his death.

Transliteration

Ve'zot habracha asher berach Moshe ish ha'Elohim et-bnei Yisra'el lifnei moto.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְזֹ֣את הַבְּרָכָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר בֵּרַ֥ךְ מֹשֶׁ֛ה אִ֥ישׁ הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶת־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל לִפְנֵ֖י מוֹתֽוֹ׃
וְזֹ֣את הַבְּרָכָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר בֵּרַ֥ךְ מֹשֶׁ֛ה אִ֥ישׁ הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶת־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל לִפְנֵ֖י מוֹתֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Introduction to the Verse

The verse introduces the final blessings that Moshe Rabbeinu bestowed upon Bnei Yisrael before his passing. It is significant that Moshe is referred to as "אִישׁ הָאֱלֹהִים" ("the man of God"), a title emphasizing his unique prophetic stature and closeness to Hashem.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Devarim 33:1) explains that the phrase "וְזֹאת הַבְּרָכָה" ("And this is the blessing") parallels the opening of Sefer Vayikra ("וַיִּקְרָא אֶל מֹשֶׁה"), where Moshe is called to receive the Torah. Just as the Torah was given through Moshe, so too were these blessings transmitted through him. Rashi also notes that Moshe blessed each tribe individually, reflecting their unique roles and destinies.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:54), Rambam discusses the prophetic nature of Moshe's blessings. Unlike other prophets who received visions, Moshe's blessings were direct communications from Hashem, underscoring his unparalleled level of prophecy ("פֶּה אֶל פֶּה אֲדַבֶּר בּוֹ", Bamidbar 12:8).

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vezos HaBerachah 1) compares Moshe's blessings to Yaakov's blessings in Bereishit 49. Both were given before death, but while Yaakov included rebuke, Moshe's words were purely benevolent, reflecting his role as the compassionate leader ("רַעְיָא מְהֵימָנָא", the faithful shepherd).
  • Devarim Rabbah (11:3) teaches that Moshe delayed his death to bless Bnei Yisrael, demonstrating his boundless love for them. The phrase "לִפְנֵי מוֹתוֹ" ("before his death") hints that this was his final act of devotion.

The Significance of "אִישׁ הָאֱלֹהִים"

The title "אִישׁ הָאֱלֹהִים" appears only twice in the Torah—here and in reference to Moshe in Tehillim 90:1. The Sforno (Devarim 33:1) explains that it signifies Moshe's complete dedication to divine service, making him the ideal conduit for these eternal blessings. The Malbim adds that this title contrasts with Moshe's earlier title of "עֶבֶד ה'" (servant of Hashem), highlighting his elevated status at life's end.

Halachic Implications

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 512) derives from this verse the importance of blessing others, especially before significant transitions. Just as Moshe blessed Bnei Yisrael before his passing, so too should one seek to leave a spiritual legacy through words of Torah and bracha.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 13b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing Moses' final blessings to the Israelites before his death.
📖 Megillah 31b
Mentioned in relation to the reading of the Torah portion 'Vezot Haberakha' on Simchat Torah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'And this is the blessing' refer to in Deuteronomy 33:1?
A: This verse introduces the final blessings that Moshe (Moses) gave to each of the twelve tribes of Israel before his passing. According to Rashi, these blessings were given with great love and foresight, tailored to the unique qualities and future of each tribe.
Q: Why is Moshe called 'the man of God' in this verse?
A: The title 'man of God' (Ish HaElokim) emphasizes Moshe's unique closeness to Hashem and his role as a prophet who faithfully conveyed God's word. Rambam explains that this title is reserved for those who reach the highest level of prophecy, as Moshe did.
Q: Why did Moshe bless the tribes before his death?
A: The Midrash teaches that Moshe wanted to leave Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel) with spiritual strength and guidance for their future. Just as Yaakov (Jacob) blessed his sons before his passing, Moshe followed this tradition to ensure the tribes would thrive in Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel).
Q: What can we learn from Moshe's blessings today?
A: The blessings remind us of the importance of recognizing each person's unique strengths, as Moshe did for each tribe. The Talmud (Megillah 14a) teaches that blessings given with sincerity and divine inspiration have lasting impact, encouraging us to speak words of kindness and encouragement to others.
Q: How is this verse connected to the rest of Parshat V'Zot HaBerakha?
A: This verse serves as the introduction to the entire parsha (Torah portion), which details the specific blessings for each tribe. According to the Sforno, these blessings also contain hints about the future roles and challenges each tribe would face in Jewish history.