D'varim

Deuteronomy 1:1−3:22 - reprinted from ReformJudaism.org

The Emergence of a Mosaic Voice

D'var Torah By: Jonathan Cohen

Among the Book of Deuteronomy's many distinctions, the emergence of a Mosaic voice conveying a personal, synoptic narration of events, struggles, successes, and failures renders this last Book of Torah especially compelling. As it progresses, Moses's character develops into that of a more complex, nuanced figure of a leader who must face his failings and limitations, and prepare for his final departure. The book opens with a review that explains the Israelites' long journey in the desert through the recollection of certain moments and dynamics, and offers a framework for a new iteration of the covenant. For example, as the first portion of this book, Parashat D'varim, unfolds, we recall the appointment of judges and leaders that we read about in Exodus 18. The focus of this passage (Deuteronomy 1:9-17) is Moses's interaction with the Israelites. Jethro's role in this innovation, which is prominent in Exodus, is omitted here, and other aspects of the Exodus account are altered.

Yet, most of this week's parashah is devoted to the military victories and defeats that account for the Israelites' situation and inform strategies for future campaigns. To introduce this sequence of battles, the Mosaic narrator evokes the episode of the scouts, or spies, who were sent to tour the Land of Israel, collect information, and share it upon their return. The report that appears in our parashah differs substantially from the longer account found in Numbers 13-14. A few salient variations are especially important.

To begin, in Deuteronomy Moses indicates that the decision to appoint and send the spies was made in response to the Israelites' demands (Deuteronomy 1:22), whereas in Numbers Moses sent the spies according to God's command (Numbers 13:1-3). Also, the mission of the spies is presented differently in the two accounts. The Numbers passage suggests that the spies were asked to collect information about geography, agriculture, demography, and fortifications, as well as to assess the strength of the local population (13:18-20). In contrast, the mission of the spies as the Israelites themselves define it in Deuteronomy is to identify invasion routes and create a list of targets to attack first. While the questions given the spies in Numbers could support a comprehensive evaluation on whether or not to attack the Land, the passage in Deuteronomy indicates a narrower mission that excludes any deliberation about possible military action, and simply addresses the best ways to carry it out.

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