Moments before his death, the father of the nation gathers his sons for a historic farewell. This call is not merely a practical invitation to hear his final words, but a formal, prophetic opening, much like the future songs of leaders such as Moses and Deborah [רד״ק]. It serves as a public declaration to come and listen to prophecy and blessing [בכור שור]. Because the entire family and the newly emerging nation could not physically crowd around his bed, the invitation implies assembling in a large, open space. There, they could listen together as a unified nation [העמק דבר], reflecting the idea that a true assembly requires the shared presence of the entire community [צפנת פענח].
As he addresses his sons, the father presents himself through his two distinct identities, Jacob and Israel. The commentators explain this duality in a few ways. One approach connects it to the structure of his message, which contains two distinct parts: predictions of the future and moral rebukes regarding the past [ביאור יש״ר]. In this context, the call to listen is an instruction to accept moral guidance for life, as he is not giving them practical rules to follow, but rather deep spiritual direction [נתינה לגר]. Another perspective focuses on the difference in status required for someone to accept criticism. The name Jacob represents the earlier, simpler time when the sons were born, while the name Israel represents a much higher spiritual level. For the sons to truly absorb the message and accept his authority, they need to view themselves as the sons of Jacob, standing at a lower level, while looking up to Israel at the highest spiritual level [חתם סופר, רבנו בחיי].
He demands their attention for two main reasons. First, he is Israel, speaking through divine inspiration. Second, he is simply their father, making it proper for them to accept his guidance and decrees [העמק דבר]. Embracing their father's path is the only way to ensure they will truly deserve the title of the Children of Israel and secure the good things promised for their future [ספורנו].
A deeper layer of interpretation suggests that the father's plea is actually directing the sons toward God Himself, calling them to listen to the God of Israel, their Father in heaven [רבנו בחיי, מנחת שי]. This idea is tied to a well-known tradition that the father originally wanted to reveal the end of days to his sons, but the prophetic vision suddenly left him. Worried that this loss of prophecy meant there was a spiritual flaw among his children, he urged them to honor God just as his own ancestors had done. The sons immediately reassured him, declaring their absolute faith in one God by stating, "Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one." Comforted by their devotion, the father bowed on his bed and quietly whispered, "Blessed be the name of His glorious kingdom forever and ever" [רבנו בחיי].