דברים, פרק ל״ב, פסוק מ״ה

In his final moments as a leader, Moses concludes the monumental task of passing down the Torah and its closing song to the people. This moment marks more than just the end of a speech; it is the culmination of a lengthy process. Moses had been explaining the laws in great detail and answering the many questions that arose among the people, until a point was reached where the discussion simply had to be brought to a close [העמק דבר]. The conclusion can be viewed as a natural end to his address [ביאור שטיינזלץ], or as a direct transition setting the stage for the final instruction he is about to receive from God [ביאור יש״ר]. Even though Joshua was involved in speaking to the Israelites earlier, the completion of this task is credited entirely to Moses. Because Joshua was acting strictly as his messenger, the entire effort bears Moses's name [העמק דבר].

The final message Moses delivers refers specifically to his closing song, which serves as a container for the entire Torah and all its commandments. In fact, this message is considered equal in weight to the Ten Commandments themselves [אדרת אליהו]. It includes not only the primary laws of the Torah but also the additional safeguards and regulations established to protect them [שפתי כהן].

Moses delivers this message with a clear educational and psychological purpose. The song contains harsh prophecies of disaster that carry a dual meaning, capable of being understood either as punishments for the Israelites or as warnings to the surrounding nations. Moses warns the people that when they teach this song to their children, they must be absolutely clear that these disasters are directed at the Israelites if they happen to sin, rather than presenting them as threats against other nations. The goal is to instill a healthy fear that encourages strict observance of the Torah. If the people were to believe that the severe punishments were reserved only for their enemies, they might become careless in keeping the commandments [שפתי כהן].

Completing the transfer of the Torah, which promises life and the inheritance of the land, presents a striking paradox. Moses, who clung to God's laws more fiercely than anyone, will not be allowed to enter the land of Israel himself. The resolution to this puzzle unfolds in the immediate aftermath of his speech, when God commands him to climb the mountain. This command is not a standard punishment of dying outside the promised land, but rather a profound spiritual ascent. By viewing the land from a distance, Moses spiritually projects the power of conquest onto it, effectively securing it for the people. Furthermore, his passing is not a typical death. His soul is spared the usual agonies of dying, requires no painful purification, and avoids suffering through the impure environment outside the land. Instead, he is peacefully and immediately gathered to his ancestors and the righteous in the Garden of Eden with a divine kiss [אלשיך].