Current Portion
Bible Readings
Weekly Torah, Prophets, and Gospel Readings with Biblical Summaries
Ha’azinu
* Shabbat Shuva (Ha’azinu)
Give Ear
הַאֲזִינוּ
Summaries & Outlines
Overview
The word Ha’azinu literally means “give ear,” an expression meaning “listen to this.” It is also the name of the fifty-third and second-to-last reading from the Torah. Ha’azinu is the first word of the Song of Moses, which begins with the words “Give ear [Ha’azinu], O heavens, and let me speak” (Deuteronomy 32:1). This Torah portion is only a single chapter long, and the majority of it consists of the Song of Moses. The Song of Moses is a prophetic oracle warning Israel about apostasy to come and the resulting wrath of God. The song looks far into the future, even envisioning the Messianic advent amid rich and frightening apocalyptic imagery. After the conclusion of the song, Moses is told to ascend Mount Nebo and overlook the promised land before dying.
Journal
Moses recites a prophetic song warning Israel of future unfaithfulness and HaShem’s justice. He compares HaShem’s teachings to rain. HaShem nurtured Israel like an eagle stirring its nest, yet they grew fat and kicked, pursuing worthless gods. HaShem warns that rebellion brings famine, plague, and the sword, but He will not abandon His people forever. Moses urges Israel to hear the prophecy’s message. HaShem commands Moses to ascend Mount Nebo to see the land but not enter it.
Portion Outline
TORAH
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Deuteronomy 32:1 The Song of Moses
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Deuteronomy 32:48 Moses’ Death Foretold
PROPHETS * -
Hosea 14:2(1) God’s Steadfast Love
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Joel 2:15 Consecrate a Fast
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Joel 2:18 The LORD Had Pity
* Shabbat Shuva is the Sabbath that occurs during the Ten Days of Repentance between but not on the two consecutive days of Rosh HaShanah and the day of Yom Kippur. The name Shabbat Shuva comes from the first word of its haftarah, literally meaning “Return!” It is alternately known as Shabbat Teshuvah (“Sabbath of Repentance”) since it falls in the ten days of repentance.