Rashi explains that, although the little children were clearly not capable of comprehending the experience, they accompanied the adults. Thus, those who brought them would be rewarded. In truth, the children that came along probably disrupted the adults to the point that they could not listen as intently as they would have desired. We may, therefore, wonder at the Torah’s insistence that the children be present. Would it not have been preferable for the children to remain at home, in order to enable the adults to properly concentrate on their avodas Hashem, service to Hashem? Horav N. Adler, z.l., suggests…
Moshe’s farewell address to Bnei Yisrael seems enigmatic. Why does Moshe mention his advanced age and “frailty” in his closing words? Horav Chaim Sheinberg, Shlita, cites the Sforno who adds insight to Moshe’s words, “I am a hundred and twenty years old this day.” Do not grieve over my death, for according to nature I should not be alive until today. “I can no longer go out and come in.” And even if I were to live, I would not be able to go out and come in on your behalf because of my advanced age. “And Hashem has told…
The Ramban explains that the individual whose slight deviation will eventually grow into blatant evil is at present a pious Jew. He stands in seeming direct contradistinction to the full-fledged believer in paganism. Nonetheless, the Torah combines the two into one group. Indeed, their only point of divergence is intellectual belief. To the unknowing onlooker, they may appear to be two very different people. One is an obvious heretic, while the other acts like he should be grouped with the devout. The Torah says, however, that appearances are deceiving. The two individuals act distinctly, but their heresy is essentially similar….
The Chofetz Chaim, z.l., explains that the moment when Moshe stood before Bnei Yisrael, prepared to bring them into Hashem’s covenant, was filled with trepidation and uncertainty. On the one hand, Moshe had shared with Bnei Yisrael Hashem’s recognition of their lofty accomplishments. His statement of unconditional love for them reassured them of their future. Immediately thereafter, however, Moshe admonished them regarding the individual Jew who might have been leaning towards idol worship. This individual’s deviation from Hashem could fester, bringing ruin to a whole nation! This seems unreal! How could an entire community fall victim to the folly of…