Devarim

📜 The Story

Parshat Devarim opens the fifth and final book of the Torah, Sefer Devarim. Bnei Yisrael are standing in the plains of Moav, near the Jordan River, right before they enter the Land of Israel. Moshe Rabbeinu, now one hundred and twenty years old, knows he will not enter the Land with them, so he gives a long, loving speech to prepare the people for their new life there.

In his speech, Moshe reminds the people of important things that happened in the desert. He tells them how, back at Mount Sinai, he felt he could not carry all the people's problems and arguments alone, and he said to them, "How can I bear alone your trouble, your burden, and your strife?" So he asked them to choose wise and understanding people, and they appointed judges over groups of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, to help judge the people fairly.

Moshe also reminds them of the sad moment of the spies, when ten of the twelve spies came back with a scary report about the Land of Israel, and the people cried and did not want to enter. Because of this, that whole generation stayed in the desert for forty years, until a new generation grew up who would merit entering the promised Land.

Later in the parsha, we read how Bnei Yisrael moved closer to the Land, and on the way they fought and defeated two powerful kings, Sichon king of the Emori and Og king of Bashan, who tried to stop them from passing through. These victories gave the people confidence that they were truly ready to enter the Land with Hashem's help.

Parshat Devarim is always read on the Shabbat right before Tisha B'Av, so it is nicknamed "Shabbat Chazon." It is a good reminder that even in difficult moments, Hashem is always with us, and Moshe continues teaching the people how to be a good, wise, and just nation in their new land.