Daily Chumash

The sixth generation descendent of Cain was Lemech, who fathered several children — seventh generation descendents of Cain.

The holy tribe of Levi was next in line to be blessed. Moses extols their virtues, the only tribe to remain faithful to G‑d throughout the various trials and tests the Israelites encountered during their desert sojourn. Therefore, Moses declares, "They will teach Your laws to Jacob and Your Torah to Israel; they will place incense before You, and burnt-offerings upon Your altar." Benjamin, then, is acknowledged as "G‑d's beloved," the tribe which will be graced by the Holy Temple which will be situated in its portion of Israel.

Moses summoned Joshua and told him to be strong and courageous, for G‑d will be going before him and will not forsake him. Moses then wrote the entire Torah and gave it to the Kohnaim (priests) and the Israelite elders.

Moses continues blessing/praising the Israelites. He notes that the G‑d who dwells in the heavens is always ready to come to their assistance. "Fortunate are you, O Israel! Who is like you, O people saved by G‑d!"

Dan, too, is blessed with the strength of a lion cub. Naftali's portion in Israel is lauded as one that "brings satisfaction to all its inhabitants, and is filled with G‑d's blessing." Asher is blessed with sons and with an abundance of olive oil, to the extent that he will "immerse his feet in oil"! Moses concluded the individual blessings, and addressed the nation as a whole: "Your locks on your border towns are as strong as iron and copper, and the days of your old age will be like the days of your youth..."

This section is devoted to the blessing given to the Tribe of Joseph. Moses blessed Joseph with a bountiful portion that will be blessed with ample rain, dew, produce, and delicacies. Joseph is also blessed with unusual ox-like strength which he would use to vanquish his enemies.

Shortly before he passed away. Moses blessed the Tribes of Israel individually. Moses prefaced his blessings with praise for G‑d — how He descended from Heaven amidst myriads of angels to give His people the Torah on Mount Sinai — and praise for the Israelites — how they lovingly and unconditionally accepted G‑d's gift. Reuben and Judah were the first two tribes to be blessed: Reuben with life in this world and the next one; Judah with success and victory in the course of his battles.

Then G‑d will turn His wrath against Israel's oppressors. "I will make My arrows drunk with their blood, My sword will consume their flesh." At that time, when G‑d will avenge the blood of His servants, the nations of the world will sing the praises of Israel. With this, the song of Ha'azinu concludes.

If the nations were wise they would have understood that no nation could experience such utter devastation unless G‑d had completely abandoned them and delivered them to their enemies. Otherwise, "How can one enemy pursue a thousand of Israel and two put ten thousand to flight?" Rather, the Israelites' misery came as a result of their actions, which resembled those of Sodom and Gomorrah, actions which G‑d chronicled from the start. However, the time will then come when G‑d will have a change of heart regarding His people. At that point He will ask them to note that all the gods which they had patronized were unable to help them when He unleashed His punishments against them, for only G‑d has the ability to injure or heal, cause death or bring life.

Moses then speaks of the Israelites' future. G‑d settled them in the Land of Israel, the "peak of the earth." He provided them with their every need, the choicest produce, fruit and cattle. But Israel "became fat and rebelled," and abandoned the G‑d that made them and provided them with all their wealth and fortune. Instead they strayed after idols and abominable activities.