If Haazinu is not a prediction of future exile and redemption, then what is this song, and why is this song needed? Why must it be so readily available for people to remember throughout the ages? Is it another exile and redemption cycle? Or does the Song of Haazinu present a different paradigm – one entirely within the Land of Israel?
The Song of Haazinu is to serve as a witness. It tells a historical tale of Bnei Yisrael. But what story does Haazinu tell? This shiur sets out to follow through the story line and point out some interesting features, and then make some philosophical comments and spiritual insights.
Many of the classical commentaries seem to present the Song of Haazinu as the ultimate story of the Jewish people- a story of exile and redemption, outlining the future of Jewish History. But is this indeed so? Rabbi Dr. Yoel Bin Nun and Rav Elhanan Samet point out that the song makes no reference to exile or to leaving the land. The song depicts facing enemies, but does not describe anything like being forced to leave for another land.
If this is not a prediction of future exile and redemption, then what is this song, and why is this song needed? Why must it be so readily available for people to remember throughout the ages? Is it another exile and redemption cycle? Or does the Song of Haazinu present a different paradigm – one entirely within the Land of Israel?
The cycle of exile and the redemption is a major one in Jewish History. But there is another important cycle- the one exemplified in the Book of Shoftim: the cycle of sin and attraction to idolatry, followed by inner weakening in the nation leaving them unable to stand up against other nations, others would invade again and again, the people would cry out, and God would send a savior to deliver them. But after a period of calm, the people would stray again, and the pattern would continue. This cycle takes place within Eretz Yisrael, and this is the cycle that is reflected in the Song of Haazinu. Unlike the redemption described in the sections of the Tokhekha (Rebuke) and improvement processes of Ki Tavo, the Song of Haazinu tells of dire situations and salvation that comes despite us, not because of our teshuva processes.
The purpose of this Song is not to describe the cycle of exile and redemption, but rather- the temptation and potential pitfalls involved in living in Eretz Yisrael- of potential arrogance and of following the idolatrous nations in the area around the Land of Israel. The Song of Haazinu is the story of Eretz Yisrael. It is a warning of what can happen if we are not vigilant about our own behavior. It is a reminder that we can recover and lead a life that is better.
Today, people can occasionally feel despondent about troubles facing the modern State of Israel. They may wonder if the Land of Israel is being taken away from us. But Rabbi Dr. Yoel Bin Nun suggests that it is a mistake to view contemporary problems in the context of the troubles spiralling into exile of Parashat Ki Tavo. Rather, current affairs fit into the cycle of Haazinu—a tap on the shoulder reminding us of where our true allegiances should be.
Putting Haazinu in the correct perspective allows us to deal more effectively with challenges-especially within the Land of Israel- that arise in a paradigm that does not quite fit into the exile and redemption cycle.
Adapted from an audio shiur by HaTanakh.com Staff. Follow this link for the full shiur.