THE SONG OF MOSHE

“’Hear, oh heavens, as I speak! Listen, earth, to the words from my mouth!’”
Deuteronomy 32:1

This second to last parashah in the Torah is titled Ha’azinu, and translated from the Hebrew it means “Listen to this.” It is in this portion we read of Moshe’s final words, known by many as the song of Moshe. Following this song, Moshe would ascend Mount Nebo and overlook the Promised Land before passing away. Remember, as a result of his own disobedience in hitting the rock as opposed to speaking to it, he lost the option to enter. Yet nonetheless, he obeyed this time in writing his song, knowing full well what would soon come. It was in this song, however, that future generations would find their way back to the Torah.
But with a title that translates as “Listen to this,” what are we supposed to listen to? Moshe speaks that his words are like the rain that waters the grass and showers the plants. He also states that Adonai is great. Those two items alone could keep us busy for days. As I have taken the time this year to study the Torah, I can agree that Adonai has used Moshe’s words to water my faith. And in so doing, I feel I have come into a deeper understanding of His ways, with a strong desire to do His will. I will be honest, I had read the Bible from cover to cover in the past, but in taking a full year to read just the Torah, to study the words and depth, and to challenge myself to live it despite the comments of those around me, I now see just how awesome Adonai is. In reading on this deep level, I want to do as He commands.
As I continue to read and re-read this chapter, I find things that grab my attention. For instance, look with me at Deuteronomy 32:10-11. It is here we read that Adonai found His people in the desert, calling out to Him for deliverance. And what was His action? Adonai protected His people. Is this not what He does even still? Hearing His name called, Adonai comes with aid and rescue because we are still the pupil of His eye. In Him we have the deliverance that we cry out for. And then look with me at verses 12-14. I love how it says so clearly that the people were not led through the desert by happenstance, or chance, or even another god, but by Adonai Himself. This too is true of today. We are so quick to believe life is good based on everything but Adonai, but it comes down to Adonai leading us. There is no one who compares to our God.
Clearly these happy days did not last for the entire forty year travel, and as we soon read in the verses that follow, the people turned from Adonai. I cannot answer for you, but I know this is me being explained here. I am fully aware that I have been one who, even though knowing the truth of Adonai, found myself desirous of other gods. Adonai in verses 26-27 could easily be speaking about me in stating that He considered putting an end to these people. These were, just as I was, supposed to be solely His, yet both they and I allowed ourselves to be turned around. I became a nation with no common sense, lacking discipline, and having no wisdom. But praise be to Adonai who took pity on me (v 36), and made atonement for the land of His people (v 43).
Again, I do not know about you, but this chapter explains me in perfect order. If not for the grace of Adonai, I too should have passed away in the desert. Call it being born in the right time at the right place, or call it luck, or call it chance, I will call it His will. But the greatest thing about it is seen right at the beginning. In heeding, or hearing, His words, I have turned from my wicked ways so as to worship Him. I have heard the song of Moshe. If my life were to end tonight, as Moshe’s did after this psalm, would I find myself in His kingdom, or in that of the ruler of this world? I know my answer, do you know yours? If not, let the truth in this Torah portion point your way. I pray it points you to the watering of your grass and the truth of Adonai’s awesomeness.