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Devarim -
First Aliyah |
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Note: Devarim (Deuteronomy), literally “words,” is the fifth and final book of the Torah. It spans about eleven weeks. Throughout the book of Devarim it is primarily Moses’ voice we hear.
The year is 2448 (1312 BCE). After forty years in the wilderness, Bnei Yisrael (the children of Israel) are camped on the plains of Moav, to the east of the Jordan River, opposite the land of Canaan. Moses, knowing that he is not destined to cross over into Canaan with his people and that he is going to die, embarks on his final orations, a review of the laws of the Torah, to prepare the Israelites for their new lives. Moses begins by recalling G-d’s instruction to move on from Horev (Mt. Sinai) and journey to the promised land.
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| Thoughts to Consider and Discuss |
1. What events are referred to that now give the nation enough confidence to enter into the land?
2. We are told that Moses “began explaining this Torah” (1:5), but instead he launches into an historical review. Why?
3. Note where Moses begins his historical review. What significant events are left out at this point?
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Our sages say that rather than accuse the people directly of their former sins, Moses, in the opening verses, uses place names to remind them of their transgressions. In what way did the nation act rebellious or sinful in each place? See:
“The Wilderness” - Exodus 14:11
“The Aravah” - Numbers 25:1-9
“Opposite the Sea of Reeds” - Exodus 14:11
“Between Paran...” - Numbers 10:12, 11:6
“...and Hazerot” - Numbers 12:1-16
“...and Di-Zahab” (literally “Abundance of Gold” [alluding to the sin of the Golden Calf]) - Exodus 32:2-4
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