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Who's to blame when something goes wrong?
In regard to tragedy that befalls the people of Israel, Ha'azinu offers a very bold, yet fundamental answer.
"And Yahveh said to Moses, you will soon die, but this nation will thereupon go astray after strange gods
of the land, and they will leave Me and break My covenant. Then I will kindle My anger against them, and I will (appear to)
abandon them, and hide My face from them, and many terrible things and tragedies will befall them, and they will say on that
day, surely it is because Yahveh is not in our midst that these evils have befallen us."
Deuteronomy 31:14-17
Even though Yahveh did not want this to happen, He knew that it was inevitable. The purpose of this
statement was to provide Israel with the necessary 'tool' that will help them cope (and properly respond) when such a
situation arises.
"And I will hide My face from them, for they have done evil and turned to other gods. Therefore, write down
this song and teach it to the children of Israel in order that this song be My witness against the people of Israel.
For when I bring them to the land flowing with milk and honey, as I swore to their forefathers, and they will eat and become
satiated and grow fat, they will turn to other gods and worship them, and break My convenant. Then, when these terrible
things befall them, this song shall confront them as a witness, for it shall never be forgotten from their offspring, for
I know their evil nature, even before I bring them into the land." Deuteronomy 31:19-21
Yahveh not only 'predicted' that Israel will stray after other gods, He also foresaw how they would
react at their time of trouble.
"I will kindle My anger against them on that day (at that time) and leave them, for I will hide My face from them, and
terrible things will befall them, and they will say on that day (at that time): it is because Yahveh is not in our midst that
these evils have befallen us." Deuteronomy 31:17
Did the children of Israel blame Yahveh for their troubles and for abandoning them or did they recognize that they
were to blame for leaving Him?
"But I will hide My face from them, for they have done evil and turned to other gods." Deuteronomy
31:18
The people of Israel were angery with Yahveh and blamed Him for not caring, yet Yahveh placed all the
blame on the people for their unfaithfulness.
The Rock (Yahveh), His deeds are perfect, all His way are just. He is just and upright. Do you attribute injustice to
Him? Shall you blame this on Yahveh? So foolish a nation and unwise. For He is your father who created you. He made you and
established you.
This opening statement is the question that Israel asks whenever they are confronted with tragedy. Since they are His
nation, they expect Him to protect them and save them from trouble. However, this question stems from a misunderstanding of
the special relationship between Yahveh and His people. Yahveh entered a covenant with Israel for a purpose: to represent
Him before the nations of the world. This covenant contained not only privileges (promises of protection), but also responsibilities.
Because the goal of the covenant was so important, Yahveh threatened to punish Israel should they be unfaithful to this covenant,
just as he promised to be helpful should they be faithful. The purpose of divine punishment is to remind the people of their
responsibility should they go astray.
Don't blame Yahveh ~ Blame yourself, when things go wrong!
"Remember the days of old, consider the ages past. Ask your father and he will tell you, so too your elders. When Elyon
(Yahveh) gave each nation its land, As He divided up the nations (at the Tower of Babel account) He fixed the borders of these
nations, according to the numbers of the children of Israel. For Yahveh's portion is His people, the children of Jacob are
His allotment." Deuteronomy 32:7-9
When Yahveh Elohim first established mankind, dividing them up into nations, He already had in mind this purpose of Israel
to represent Him amongst these nations. He warned the people of how prosperity and affluence will lead them to idol worship,
and then to divine punishment.
"Yeshurun (Israel) grew fat and kicked. He forsook the El who made him, the Rock of his salvation."
Deuteronomy 32:16-18
"Yahveh saw and was vexed. He spurned His sons and daughters, saying: I will hide My face from them,
then see how they will fare in the end. For they are a treacherous breed, children with no loyalty. They incensed Me with
no-gods I will incense them with a no-folk. Vex them with a nation of fools. For a fire has flared in My wrath."
Deuteronomy 32:26-38
The Song of Moses, concludes with a call to other nations to recognize the hand of Yahveh in the wake of these events:
"O nations, acclaim His people, for He will avenge the blood of His servants."
Yahveh always comes to the aid of His people, even when they are not deserving, lest their enemies say "Our own hand has prevailed; none of this was caused by the Yahveh."
Yahveh promises to save His people so that this disgrace in the eyes of other nations should not become too great.
He promises to have mercy upon Israel "Lest the other nations say, where
is their Elohim, the Rock in whom they sought refuge."
Even though Israel is promised ultimate redemption, they must wait till they recognize that Yahveh was the cause for
both their punishment and salvation: "See, then, that I, I am He. There is no god beside
Me. I bring death, and I cause life. I wound and I heal. No one can deliver from My Hand."
As difficult as the message of Ha'azinu may be, the primary point is that Yahveh is always there, even when
it may appear otherwise. The Song of Moses is an eternal reminder for Israel to remember their Covenant and return to Yahveh
with their whole heart.
"Them that had the victory... sing the Song of Moses and the Song of the Lamb unto Yahveh, the
King of the saints." Revelation 15:3
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