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This week’s Torah portion (Parasha), which is called Ha’Azinu, consists primarily of the 70-line song that Moses sang to the people of Israel on the last day of his life.
At the end, God commands Moses to go up to the top of Mount Nebo to catch a glimpse of the Promised Land before being “gathered unto His people.”
“Yet you shall see the land before you, though you shall not go there, into the land which I am giving to the children of Israel.” (Deuteronomy 32:52)
Moses is allowed to see the land, but not enter in. It is a devastating disappointment and, yet, he ends his public life with a song.
What is the nature of this song? It begins by describing God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness toward Israel, and it ends with a promise of vengeance, redemption and atonement for God’s land and people.
“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people; for He will avenge the blood of His servants, and render vengeance to His adversaries; He will provide atonement for His land and His people.” (Deuteronomy 32:43)