Deuteronomy 4:44 - Moshe presents divine Torah

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Hebrew Text

וְזֹאת הַתּוֹרָה אֲשֶׁר־שָׂם מֹשֶׁה לִפְנֵי בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל׃

English Translation

And this is the Tora which Moshe set before the children of Yisra᾽el:

Transliteration

V'zot haTorah asher sam Moshe lifnei bnei Yisrael.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְזֹ֖את הַתּוֹרָ֑ה אֲשֶׁר־שָׂ֣ם מֹשֶׁ֔ה לִפְנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

Parasha Commentary

The Significance of "This is the Torah"

The verse states, "And this is the Torah which Moshe set before the children of Yisrael" (Devarim 4:44). Rashi explains that the phrase "this is the Torah" emphasizes that Moshe gave the Torah in its entirety to Bnei Yisrael—nothing was withheld. This aligns with the Talmudic teaching (Sifrei Devarim 67) that Moshe transmitted every detail of the Torah, including the Oral Law (Torah She'baal Peh), ensuring its continuity through the generations.

Moshe's Role as Teacher

Rambam (Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:1) highlights that Moshe was not merely a conduit for the Torah but also its primary teacher. The phrase "set before the children of Yisrael" implies that Moshe presented the Torah in a clear and accessible manner, ensuring comprehension for all. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 8:1) elaborates that Moshe taught with patience, repeating laws until they were fully understood.

The Torah as a Divine Gift

The Sforno notes that the verse underscores the Torah's divine origin—it was not Moshe’s own wisdom but a sacred trust given to him by Hashem to transmit to the nation. The Talmud (Eruvin 54b) compares Moshe’s role to a candle that ignites other candles, symbolizing how Torah knowledge spreads from teacher to student.

Practical Implications

Complete Transmission: The Torah, both Written and Oral, was given in full—no mitzvah or halacha was omitted (Ramban on Devarim 4:44).
Clarity in Teaching: Leaders and educators must emulate Moshe’s method of clear, patient instruction (Talmud, Berachot 22a).
Eternal Relevance: The Torah remains binding for all generations, as Moshe established it for all of Bnei Yisrael (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 9:1).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'this is the Torah which Moshe set before the children of Israel' mean?
A: This verse emphasizes that Moshe faithfully transmitted the entire Torah to the Jewish people. Rashi explains that Moshe gave the Torah with clarity, teaching it thoroughly so that it would be accessible to all of Israel. The phrase 'set before' implies that he presented it in an orderly and understandable way.

Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it establishes the divine origin and transmission of the Torah. The Rambam (Maimonides) includes this principle in his 13 Foundations of Faith—that the entire Torah we have today was given by Hashem to Moshe. It reinforces that our observance of mitzvot is based on an unbroken tradition from Sinai.

Q: What can we learn from the way Moshe presented the Torah?
A: We learn from Moshe's example that Torah must be taught with patience and clarity. The Talmud (Eruvin 54b) describes how Moshe would repeat lessons until they were fully understood. This teaches us the importance of proper Torah education—making it accessible to all Jews, regardless of their background or level of knowledge.

Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish life today?
A: This verse reminds us that the Torah is our eternal inheritance. Just as Moshe presented it to that generation, each Jew today has the obligation to study and uphold it. The Midrash (Sifrei) compares Torah to a set table—always ready for us to 'partake' through learning. It's our responsibility to engage with Torah just as the generation in Moshe's time did.

Q: Why does the verse say 'this is the Torah' instead of just 'the Torah'?
A: The word 'this' (וזאת) emphasizes the tangible, living nature of Torah. Rashi notes that it comes to include both the Written Torah and Oral Torah. The Talmud (Gittin 60b) explains that Hashem gave both to Moshe at Sinai. The definite language shows that this is the complete, authentic Torah—unchanged from what we received at Sinai.