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Deuteronomy 34:12 - Moshe's awe-inspiring divine wonders

Deuteronomy 34:12 - דברים 34:12

Hebrew Text

וּלְכֹל הַיָּד הַחֲזָקָה וּלְכֹל הַמּוֹרָא הַגָּדוֹל אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה מֹשֶׁה לְעֵינֵי כָּל־יִשְׂרָאֵל׃

English Translation

and in all that mighty hand, and in all the great terror which Moshe performed in the sight of all Yisra᾽el.

Transliteration

Ul'chol hayad hachazakah ul'chol hamora hagadol asher asah Moshe l'einei kol Yisrael.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּלְכֹל֙ הַיָּ֣ד הַחֲזָקָ֔ה וּלְכֹ֖ל הַמּוֹרָ֣א הַגָּד֑וֹל אֲשֶׁר֙ עָשָׂ֣ה מֹשֶׁ֔ה לְעֵינֵ֖י כׇּל־יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
וּלְכֹל֙ הַיָּ֣ד הַחֲזָקָ֔ה וּלְכֹ֖ל הַמּוֹרָ֣א הַגָּד֑וֹל אֲשֶׁר֙ עָשָׂ֣ה מֹשֶׁ֔ה לְעֵינֵ֖י כׇּל־יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Devarim 34:12) concludes the Torah by summarizing Moshe Rabbeinu's unparalleled leadership and the miracles he performed before Bnei Yisrael. It emphasizes the "mighty hand" (הַיָּד הַחֲזָקָה) and "great terror" (הַמּוֹרָא הַגָּדוֹל) that Moshe displayed, underscoring his unique role in bringing about Hashem's wonders.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 34:12) explains that the "mighty hand" refers to Moshe receiving the Luchos (Tablets) with his hands, as it says (Devarim 9:17), "I grasped the two tablets." The "great terror" refers to the miracles and awe-inspiring events at Har Sinai, where Bnei Yisrael witnessed Moshe's closeness to Hashem and the divine revelation.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (1:54), Rambam discusses how Moshe's leadership was distinguished by direct divine communication and unparalleled miracles. The "great terror" reflects the supernatural events that validated Moshe's prophecy, ensuring Bnei Yisrael's unwavering belief in his mission.

Midrashic Interpretations

  • Sifrei Devarim (357): The "mighty hand" alludes to Moshe's breaking of the Luchos, an act sanctioned by Hashem to protect Bnei Yisrael from severe punishment after the Cheit HaEgel (Sin of the Golden Calf).
  • Devarim Rabbah (11:10): The "great terror" includes the splitting of the Yam Suf and the war against Amalek, where Moshe's raised hands brought divine intervention.

Theological Significance

This verse encapsulates Moshe's legacy as the ultimate prophet and leader. The "mighty hand" symbolizes his strength in upholding Torah, while the "great terror" reflects the divine authority behind his actions. As the Talmud (Sotah 13b) states, no prophet since has equaled Moshe in performing wonders "before the eyes of all Yisrael."

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 13b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the greatness of Moses and the miracles he performed before the eyes of all Israel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'the mighty hand' and 'great terror' refer to in Deuteronomy 34:12?
A: According to Rashi, 'the mighty hand' refers to Moshe receiving the Torah from Hashem with strength, as it says (Devarim 9:19) that he held the tablets with a strong grip. The 'great terror' refers to the miracles and wonders Moshe performed before all of Israel, such as the splitting of the Red Sea and the giving of the Torah at Har Sinai, which inspired awe.
Q: Why is Moshe's leadership emphasized at the end of the Torah?
A: The Rambam explains that this verse concludes the Torah by highlighting Moshe's unique greatness as the greatest prophet who ever lived. His leadership, miracles, and closeness to Hashem set the standard for all future leaders of Israel. The Torah ends this way to reinforce his unparalleled role in bringing the Jewish people to the threshold of Eretz Yisrael.
Q: How does this verse connect to Moshe not entering the Land of Israel?
A: The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 11:10) teaches that even though Moshe did not enter Eretz Yisrael, his mighty deeds and leadership were performed 'before the eyes of all Israel'—meaning his influence would continue to guide them. His teachings and miracles ensured that Bnei Yisrael would remember his greatness and follow the Torah even after his passing.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe's 'mighty hand' and 'great terror' today?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 14a) derives from this verse that a true Jewish leader must act with strength and inspire reverence for Hashem's commandments. Just as Moshe led with both power (mighty hand) and spiritual awe (great terror), we learn that leadership requires balancing firmness in Torah values with the ability to uplift others in divine service.