Pisqa’ 3561
1
“The Primordial God is a refuge” (me`onah; Dt.33:27).
Three scrolls [of the Torah]
were kept in the Courtyard
[to ensure accurate versions of the text].
One transmitted [variant readings of] me`onim.
One spelled the pronoun “he” (hu’) as “she” (hy’),
and one was called the “youngster scroll” (sefer za`atutim).
In one scroll, there was written:
“The Primeval God is a ma`on ( Dt.33:27).
In two, there was written:
“The Primeval God is a me`onim ( Dt.33:27).
Sages suppressed the one version
and preserved the other two [for copying].
In one scroll, there were written
nine instances of “she” (hy’)
[that should have read “he” (hu’)].
And in two others,
eleven instances of “she” (hy’)
[that should have read “he” (hu ’)].
Sages suppressed the one text
and preserved the other two.2
In one there was written:
“And he sent the youngsters (za`atutei) of the Israelites” (Ex.24:5) and
“But he did not send to the youngsters (za`atutei) of the Israelites” (Ex.24:11).
And in two there was written:
“And he sent the lads (na`arei) of the Israelites” (Ex.24:5) and
“But he did not send to the young nobles (‘atzilei) of the Israelites” (Ex.24:11).
Sages suppressed the one text
and preserved the other two.
2
“From below, the support of the world” (Dt.33:27)—
this explains that
the Land of Israel empowers the world.
“And He shall expel the rival from before you” (Dt.33:27)—
this refers to those fleeing to Asya.
“With this command—destroy!” (Dt.33:27)—
this refers to [the Canaanite]
inhabitants of the Land of Israel.
“And Israel takes shelter in security” (Dt.33:28)
Actually, security has the sense of safety.
And so does He say:
“And they shall dwell securely in the wasteland, and sleep in the forest.” (Ezek.34:25).
“Alone (badad), by the spring of Jacob” (Dt.33:28)—
not alone in the sense that Moses meant:
“And HASHEM alone (badad) shall guide me” (Dt.32:12).
And not alone in the sense that Jeremiah meant:
“Because of Your hand, I dwelled alone” (badad; Jer.15:17).
Rather, alone in the sense meant by that evil-doer [Bilam]:
“They are a people who should be isolated” (levadad; Nu.23:9)
“By the spring of Jacob” (Dt.33:28)—
this refers to the blessing given them by their Father Jacob,
as it is said:
“And God will be with you” (Gn.48:21).
“To a Land of grain and must” (Dt.33:28)—
this refers to the blessing given them by their Father Isaac,
as it is said:
“And God shall give you from the dew of the Heavens” (Gn.27:28).
“Even His Heavens will drizzle dew” (Dt.33:28)—
in accord with what is said:
“Drizzle down, you Heavens!” (Is.45:8)
3
“Fortunate are you, Israel! Who can compare to you?” (Dt.33:29)—
Israel says:
“Who can compare to You, among the gods?” (Ex.15:11)
And the Spirit of the Holy One responds:
“Fortunate are you, Israel!” (Dt.33:29
“Fortunate are you, Israel!” (Dt.33:29)
All Israel gathered together before Moses.
They said to him:
Master Moses!
Tell us, what gracious deed is the Blessed Holy One
ready to bestow upon us in the coming future?
He replied to them:
I don’t know what else to tell you!
You are fortunate enough to have
what has already been prepared for you!
An analogy—
A certain fellow placed his son
under the tutelage of a tutor.
He gave him a tour of the grounds,
showing the boy around, saying:
All these fruit trees are yours!
All these grape vines are yours!
All these olive trees are yours!
When he tired of showing him the grounds,
the tutor said:
I don’t know what else to tell you!
You are fortunate enough to have
what has already been prepared for you!
Thus did Moses say to Israel:
I don’t know what else to tell you!
You are fortunate enough to have
what has already been prepared for you!
[And, similarly, it is said:]
“How great is Your bounty, which you have hidden away
For those who stand in awe of You!” (Ps.31:20)
4
“Fortunate are you, Israel! Who can compare to you?
A people spared (nosh`a) by HASHEM” (Dt.33:29)—
that is, a people whose salvation (yeshu`ato)
is from none other than the Presence!
“Israel! Spared for HASHEM with an eternal salvation!” (Is.45:17).
“The Shield (magen) of Your help” (Dt.33:29)—
along these lines, it is said:
“My God! My Rock, in Whom I take shelter;
my Shield (megini) and the plenitude of my salvation!” (2Sam.22:3)
“The sword (kherev) of Your triumph” (Dt.33:29)—
The Blessed Holy One said:
Moses!
I am ready to give back to Israel
the very trinkets taken from them at Horeb (khorev)!
And along these lines, it is said:
“So the Israelites divested themselves
of their ornaments from Mount Horeb” (Ex.33:6)—
I imposed an oath upon Myself to return them.
And along these lines, it is said:
“By My Life!
—pronounces HASHEM—
for you will all be decked out in finery, adorning yourself like a bride!” (Is.49:18)
5
“Your enemies shall fawn before you” (Dt.33:29)—
when times are good for Israel,
the nations of the world
ingratiate themselves to Israel,
and pretend to be brothers.
Thus, did Esau say to Jacob:
“I have plenty, my brother! Let yours be yours!” (Gn.33:9).
And so did Hiram say to Solomon:
“What are these cities which you have given me, my brother?” (1Ki.9:13)3
“As for you, you shall tread upon their cultic sites” (Dt.33:29)—
for, in similar style, it is said:
“Then Joshua called upon each man of Israel.
And he said to the officers and warriors who accompanied him:
Draw near, and put your feet on the necks of these kings!” (Josh.10:24)