Moshe’s Final Vision: Writing the Future in Tears

The Midrash says that Hashem showed Moshe not just the Land of Israel, but—like a film—the events that would unfold in it. Moshe saw Yehoshua lead the nation in conquest, Devorah and Barak ben Avinoam defeat the mighty Sisra, Gideon overcome Midian, Shimshon battle the Philistines, the wars of David HaMelech, and the entire saga of our people through to the coming of Mashiach.

The Torah ends with the words, "And he died…" – referring to Moshe Rabbeinu himself. But how can a person write about his own death? The answer, as explored by our sages, is profound. Some explain that Moshe wrote those words under direct instruction from Hashem at the very last moment of his life. Others, like Rabbi Yehudah, believe Yehoshua wrote the final eight verses. But Rabbi Shimon argues: If so, would that not mean the Torah given to Moshe was incomplete? Instead, he teaches that Moshe himself wrote those verses “with tears” — hinting at a deeper, emotional, even prophetic connection.

Another explanation lies in the nature of ksav lashon haKodesh. The Torah was written without nekudot, the vowels that shape tense. Words like "vayamas" (he died) and "v'yamus" (he will die) share the same letters. So when Moshe penned these words, they could have been written in the future tense—only to be read in the past after his passing. The timelessness of Torah allows for this divine ambiguity.

The Torah concludes with praise of Moshe's unparalleled relationship with Hashem: "And there was never again a prophet in Israel like Moshe, whom Hashem knew face to face."

All other prophets received visions through dreams or unclear imagery. But Moshe's prophecy came while fully awake, in direct, unfiltered clarity. While others stood in trembling awe, Moshe spoke to Hashem "as a man speaks to his friend." Other prophets received prophecy only when Hashem chose to speak to them, but Moshe could approach Hashem at will. As it says, "Wait and I will hear what Hashem commands you," and, "Moshe brought their case before Hashem." Moshe's door to the Divine was always open. And because of this, the prophecy of Moshe is unique, unalterable, and eternal.

"All that I command you, you shall be careful to do. Do not add to it and do not subtract from it" (Devarim 13:1). The Torah given through Moshe is complete and perfect, meant for all generations.

---

By Rabbi Yitzchok Zilber, zt”l, Founder, LaMaalot Foundation
Rabbi Yitzchok Zilber, zt”l, founded the LaMaalot Foundation and dedicated his life to teaching Torah. His writings continue to inspire Jews worldwide. © 2023 The LaMaalot Foundation. “Conversations on the Torah,” by Rabbi Yitzchak Zilber is catalogued at the Library of Congress. All rights reserved. www.LaMaalot.org.