The scene is set: Moses, now an old man, stands before the nation he’s led for decades. These people have seen him challenge Pharaoh, split the sea, and bring them to the edge of the Promised Land. But this moment is different. He knows this is his farewell. The time has come for him to leave his people with something unforgettable—his final words, his ultimate warning.

"Ha'azinu!" Moses cries out, which means “Listen up!” in Hebrew. This is no ordinary speech. It’s a song - a poetic, almost prophetic message about the journey they’ve been on, where they’re headed, and the dangers ahead. 

As Moses sings, his voice rings out like thunder over the crowd, and the heavens themselves seem to listen. His words speak of the past, reminding them how God has always been their protector, like a rock-solid, immovable, unchanging. But this isn’t just a praise song. There’s tension here. The tone darkens as Moses warns them about what will happen if they turn away from God.

“You know what happened when we made the golden calf,” he reminds them. “You know how angry God became. And now, as you enter the land of Canaan, the temptation will be even greater. You’ll see the idols of the Canaanites, and you might be tempted to forget the God who carried you like an eagle carries her young on her wings.”

The people feel the weight of his words. Moses isn’t just speaking about abstract ideas—he’s painting vivid images in their minds. The image of God as a protective eagle is a powerful one. Just as a mother eagle fiercely guards her young, so too does God protect Israel. But like any parent, God also expects obedience, and there are consequences for rebellion.

Then Moses shifts the imagery. God is no longer just an eagle—now He is a rock, the foundation of everything. Rocks are solid, unbreakable. They don't move or bend. God’s justice, like a rock, is firm and unwavering. Sometimes that justice comes in the form of blessings, but other times, it’s more severe.

"God is not cruel," Moses explains, "but like a father who disciplines his child, He will punish you if you stray. When the time comes, and if you abandon Him for false gods, you will face harsh consequences. Enemies will attack, disasters will strike. God’s arrows will be drunk with blood, His sword will cut down your foes.”

These words sound harsh, but Moses knows they’re necessary. His people are at a crossroad. They’ve seen God’s miracles, but they’ve also struggled with doubt and disobedience. It wasn’t enough that they were freed from slavery in Egypt. Even after witnessing the ten plagues and the parting of the sea, they still struggled to remain faithful. Now, as they stand on the brink of the Promised Land, Moses knows they need to understand what’s at stake.

Moses doesn’t hold back. He warns that if they abandon God, they will face serious consequences. But he also reassures them that God’s violence is not cruel or random. Like a rock that remains strong through the storm, God’s justice is steady, fair, and driven by a desire to protect and guide His people.

But why such violence? Why does God, the ultimate source of love and kindness, use such harsh methods? Moses answers this question by drawing on the metaphors of the song. God’s actions come from a place of righteous justice. He is the parent who must sometimes discipline a wayward child. He is the rock that will not bend, even when the people fail. His violence is not cruelty—it is justice, a necessary force to keep the world in balance.

To the people standing before him, these images make sense. They live in a world where strength is often the key to survival. They understand that turning away from God isn’t just a spiritual mistake—it’s a danger to their very survival. If they break their covenant with God, they will face enemies, famine, and disaster.

And yet, despite the warnings, Moses’ song isn’t one of despair. He reminds them that God is not only a rock of justice, but also a source of deep love and protection. Even when the people sin, God does not abandon them forever. Like a parent who disciplines out of love, God’s ultimate goal is to bring His people back, to restore them and protect them once again.

As Moses finishes the song, the nation stands in silence. The weight of his words lingers in the air. They know that they will soon enter the Promised Land without their leader. But they also know that, as long as they remain faithful to God, they will never be alone.

Moses turns to them one last time. “Remember this song,” he says. “Teach it to your children. Let it remind you of where you came from, and who you are. Ha’azinu—*listen*—and don’t forget.”

And with that, Moses walks away, leaving behind his final legacy—a song, a warning, and a promise.

Shabbat Shalom, 

Mihaela Grigorova, Bulgaria