Audio Summaries of the daily Chumash portions In loving memory of Ousher Zelig ben Myer HaLevi Z”L
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G-d Is in Charge
Moshe continues with his song, saying that if the other nations were wise, they would understand that they are not the cause of Israel's problems. Nor did the victories of these nations come from their deities. These problems are punishments from G-d. Only G-d has the power to deliver the Jews into the hands of other nations.
G-d punishes these Israelites for acting in ways like Sodom and Amora.
Moshe's song likens the punishment Israel will receive here to wine which is bitter like serpents and a ruthless cobra. Cobras are a fitting imagery for an enemy seeking revenge since they are ruthless when they bite
The Israelites mislead themselves into thinking that G-d forgets their sins but He stores these "fruits from their bitter vines and bitter produce".
G-d does cast vengeance upon those who deserve it and will mete it out when the merit of their forefather's expires, which they had been relying upon.
Vengeance is poised with Me, and it will pay at the time their foot stumbles. For the appointed day of their reckoning is near, and what is destined for them hastens.
Moshe's song here switches from words of rebuke which it had been till now to words of comfort, which will be their ultimate fate.
When G-d sees that the enemy is growing stronger and stronger against Israel, He will change His mind, and say "Where are the idols you worshipped and trusted to protect them now?" G-d mocks how these deities would eat the fat of their sacrifices and drink the wine of their libations - let these deities protect them.
Rather, G-d proclaims, that they should now realize from all of the punishments they suffered which no one could save them from, that it is G-d alone who has the power to bring someone down or lift them up and none are exempt from His judgement.
Ha'azinu, 5th Aliya