Ha'Azinu הַאֲזִינוּ - Listen!
Deuteronomy 32:1-32:52
Reading #2 - Deuteronomy 32:7–12
My Thoughts:
At the beginning of today’s reading we see how Hashem has set apart His chosen people. Verse 8 we read, “When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, when He separated the children of men, He set the bounds of the peoples according to the number of the children of Israel.” Hashem chose a people, from the seed of Abraham to represent Him and be a light to the world. With doing this He also gave them a land to live in and laws to live by. There is a specific reason for this. Because the rest of the world needs to know Hashem! Picture a successful business where they want people to buy their product. They market their product. I believe that Hashem was “marketing” Himself and His love for mankind, by picking a group of people who would represent Him and all He does. He chose the Israelites, the Hebrews to literally be His “light” to the nations. All for the purpose that people all over the world (His creation) would be drawn to Him! I want to “join” His people and His land, just like Ruth did. I pray this prayer, “Israel -- wherever you go, I will go. Your people are my people. And your Elohim is my Elohim.” Amen!
Challenge:
Verse 10 says Hashem “...kept them as an apple of His eye”. We know that this phrase “apple of his eye” means you are very important and special to that person. And that is exactly what this song is saying. The Israelites, the Hebrew people are very special to Hashem. My challenge to you today is to think about who is the “apple of your eye”? Who is special to you (besides Hashem). Are you kind and generous to them? Do you have more than one “apple” relationship? If you don’t have an “apple” pray and ask Hashem to give you one. Or maybe you do have one and don’t realize it -- like your parents, a niece or nephew, neighbor? Find your “apple” today and praise Hashem for him/her. Amen!
Reading #2 - Deuteronomy 32:7–12
32:7 Remember the days of old.
Consider the years of many generations.
Ask your father, and he will show you;
your elders, and they will tell you.
8 When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance,
when He separated the children of men,
He set the bounds of the peoples
according to the number of the children of Israel.
9 For Hashem’s portion is His people.
Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.
10 He found him in a desert land,
in the waste howling wilderness.
He surrounded him.
He cared for him.
He kept him as the apple of His eye.
11 As an eagle that stirs up her nest,
that flutters over her young,
He spread abroad His wings,
He took them,
He bore them on his feathers.
12 Hashem alone led him.
There was no foreign god with him.
