דברים, פרק ל״ג, פסוק א׳

Moments before departing from the world, the great leader of the Israelites seals his historical journey with a remarkable spiritual testament. Following a period of harsh rebuke, he turns to the nation with words of profound comfort and love, bestowing upon them a wealth of prophecy meant to guide them for generations [רשב״ם, ביאור ישר]. This final address is not an isolated event but a direct continuation of the historical blessings bestowed upon the nation. Moses picks up exactly where Jacob left off when blessing his own sons. However, while Jacob focused on worldly destinies that inevitably include sorrow, Moses elevates the vision, directing the Israelites toward the true happiness of the World to Come [כלי יקר, צרור המור, רמב״ן, הטור הארוך]. Furthermore, this act serves to complete the blessings of Balaam. Whereas the wicked Balaam, driven by a stingy spirit, offered only three blessings, Moses approaches the nation with boundless generosity, completing the total number of blessings to seven [רבנו בחיי, שפתי כהן].

The timing of this parting message reveals the profound depth of Moses’ character. Just prior to this moment, God had finalized the decree that Moses would die outside the Land of Israel—a tragic fate that the nation itself had a hand in causing. Yet, Moses harbors no resentment. Setting aside his deep personal sorrow, he blesses the Israelites with a radiant countenance and complete love. This remarkable display of forgiveness highlights his immense righteousness and his role as a faithful shepherd, one who completely sets aside his own desires and pain for the sake of his flock [אור החיים, צרור המור, שפתי כהן]. By this time, having received the Torah and its commandments, the Israelites had achieved a state of unity, making them a ready and worthy vessel to receive such abundant blessings. The Divine Presence, which dwelled among the people, is also understood to be included and blessed alongside them in this unified state [אור החיים, מלבי״ם].

To ensure these words are recognized as absolute divine prophecy rather than mere personal wishes, Moses is identified as a man of God. The primary approach among commentators is that this status confirms his role as God's prophet and messenger, guaranteeing that his blessings will undoubtedly come to pass. Additionally, it reflects his highly unique spiritual makeup. Moses is described as existing in a dual state: his lower half firmly rooted in the physical world as a man, while his upper half was entirely godly—a soul so thoroughly purified of physical constraints that it ascended to the level of the highest angels [הכתב והקבלה, מנחת עני]. Another perspective highlights the sheer authority he possessed. Just as a husband has the power to uphold or annul vows, Moses reached a spiritual pinnacle where he could make a decree, and God Himself would fulfill it [רבנו בחיי, אור החיים, צאינה וראינה].

Delivering these blessings immediately prior to his passing was a matter of practical necessity—if not done then, the opportunity would be lost forever [רש״י, אבן עזרא, מזרחי]. Yet, there is a much deeper spiritual dynamic at play. In the fleeting moments before departing this world, a righteous person's soul undergoes a profound purification. His spirit taps into immense powers, and his blessing connects directly to the highest source of life, granting his words the absolute power to be fully realized [העמק דבר, מלבי״ם, צרור המור]. A vivid tradition captures the sheer intensity of this moment, describing how the Angel of Death stood ready to take Moses' soul. In an extraordinary display of spiritual dominance, Moses held the angel back, binding him and refusing to let him act until every single tribe had received its final blessing [רא״ש, דעת זקנים, רבנו בחיי, שפתי כהן].