Ha’zainu means to ‘hear’ and is directed to a corporate body. The Song of Moshe recounts Isra’el’s sins and the consequences; he includes hope for the future redemption. Moshe calls on heaven and earth, the witnesses of Adonai, to hear his words and ask they be like rain and dew –– living water that brings forth life.
Parashah 52: Veyelekh (He went)
Moshe kept writing the words of Torah in a book until it was completed. He gave it to the cohanim, the descendants of Levi, who carried the Ark of the Covenant. He told them to put the book next to the Ark as a testimony to the stubbornness of the people. At the end of every seven years, at the sh’mittah, when Isra’el gathered for Sukkot, he told them to read the words of Torah for all Isra’el to hear. Along with all the foreigners in their cities, they were to hear, learn, and fear Adonai. They were to guard all the words of Torah in order that future generations would learn to fear the Elohim of Isra’el.
Parashah 51: Nitzavim (Standing)
Nitzavim is the Hebrew word for ‘ones standing’ as the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land. They are the ‘ones left standing’ after the previous generation could not ‘stand’ due to their faithlessness. The Hebrew word for ‘stand’ is natzab and means ‘pillar’ or ‘garrison.’ The Israelites standing at the entrance to the Promised Land are the troops stationed to defend and guard the Land that Elohim will put in their possession.
Parashah 50: Ki Tavo (When you come)
The Israelites will enter the Land, make homes, and plant crops. For the first time since receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai, the Israelites will make a firstfruits offering to Adonai (Leviticus 23:9-11). They are to bake the finest flour with leaven into loaves, put it in a basket, and go to the place where ‘I Am’ put His Name.