The Last Song – Ha’azinu – Sept. 27

When I was growing up in the ‘80s there were songs that defined the thoughts of my heart. Songs like The Piano Man by Billy Joel, 5150 by Van Halen, and I Still Haven’t Found What I ‘m Looking For by U2. I was a teenager looking for answers and these musicians were putting words into songs that were identifying with questions in my life. We all have a desire to figure things out and to find fulfillment on this earth. We all have questions and want answers, especially to the mysteries in life.

This week’s Parasha is called “Ha’azinu,” which literally means “give ear” or “listen!” It is found in Deuteronomy 32 and it is commonly called the “Song of Moses” but it is literally the “Song of God,” which Moses taught the people (Deut. 31:16-22).

This is a song that would be a witness against the Israelites for their unfaithfulness. It was the word that God spoke of that would literally be “in their mouth” (Deut. 30:11-14. & Deut. 31:19). As they would learn and sing this song, the words of the song would be a constant witness of the covenant they have with God and how they have broken it.

The words of this song are powerful and prophetic. Often the words are harsh and it makes one wonder where are the grace and mercy of God? If I were a teenager looking for answers to the questions of life this song would probably scare me. The words are sharp and condemning but they are also full of hope. It is a hope, which is not based on the goodness and righteousness of man but rather on the kindness and mercy of God.

Due to the great sin of the Israelites, which God said they would commit, as they would chase after other gods, God would make them jealous with those who are not a people (Deut. 32:21). Believers in Yeshua as the Messiah today (Gentile Christians for the most part) are those who are supposed to make the Israelites (Jewish people) jealous to come back to God (Rom. 10:19. 11:25). Gentile believers today are not one nation like Israel but rather peoples from all of the nations. God’s redemptive work among the nations as mentioned in this song is being fulfilled.

A major theme of this song is that God alone is God. He puts to death and gives life, He wounds and heals, and no one can deliver from His hand (Deut. 32:39). God’s plan alone will be accomplished in the nation of Israel and among all the nations of this world.

The mark of a skilled songwriter is to weave the words of a song together so that it tells the story in such a way as to keep the attention of the listener and communicate the intended message.

Creator God, as the master songwriter, brings His own song to an end by declaring these words:

“Rejoice, O nations, with His people;

For He will avenge the blood of His servants,

And will render vengeance on His adversaries,

And will atone for His land and His people.”

(Deut. 32:43)

This last stanza commands a rejoicing together of Jew and Gentile over the justice of God among the nations, declares His vengeance on the enemies of His people, and most importantly informs us that He alone will atone for His land and His people.

As much as I enjoyed the music of my youth and found temporary comfort in the words of Billy Joel, Van Halen, and U2, the true satisfaction of my heart was only found in listening to the still small voice of God, embracing His love for me, and believing in His Messiah.

May this “Song of God” (Deut. 32) remind us to rejoice together with all the people of God, Jew and Gentile alike, for the atonement of our sin, which He has accomplished through His Messiah, Yeshua.

Shabbat Shalom!
Torah Reading: Deut. 32
Haftarah Reading: 2 Samuel 22:1-51
Return to Torah Portion Homepage