G-D AS THE ROCK – ETERNAL RELIABLE AND JUST

בס "ד

EIN GEDANKE ÜBER PARSHAT HA’AZINU 5786

Deuteronomy Chapter 32:1

The Song of Moses (Ha’Azinu) opens with a call to the heavens and the earth to listen. These eternal witnesses continually testify to G-d’s faithfulness and justice, showing that He chose Israel as His people. Heaven and earth reflect His blessings when His people walk in His ways—rain, fertility, and abundance are signs of His goodness and of the reward for obedience.

But why does the Torah call G-d a “Rock” (צור)?

• Eternity and steadfastness – Just as a rock is unshakable and enduring, so G-d is eternal and unchanging. (Ibn Ezra, Rabbenu Bachya)
• Foundation and protection – As a rock supports the earth and offers shelter, so G-d is the foundation of the world and a refuge for Israel. (Ibn Ezra, Rabbenu Bachya)
• Power expressed in perfect justice – Though He possesses unlimited power, G-d does not unleash it in blind anger, but in carefully measured and perfectly just judgment. (Rashi)

Thus, “Rock” stands for eternity, stability, foundation and shelter, and strength expressed through justice.

It is important for people to know that G-d is a Rock before they experience His correction when they make a wrong choice. For every wrong choice leads G-d, in His just judgment, to decide that correction is needed. Yet His punishment is never excessive; it is always precisely measured to fit the deed. His rewards and judgments are always true—sometimes given in this life, sometimes reserved for the World to Come. The Sages emphasize that G-d’s justice is flawless.

• Rashi (Deut. 32:4): G-d punishes not in rage, but in carefully weighed judgment.
• Ibn Ezra (Deut. 32:4): G-d is unwavering and reliable; His justice is fair and consistent.
• Rabbenu Bachya (Deut. 32:4): Despite His absolute power, G-d always acts perfectly and justly, unlike other forces in creation which depend on Him.

Together, these commentaries show that “הצור תמים פעלו” – The Rock, His work is perfect – means that G-d’s might is immense, yet His judgment is always just and trustworthy. His justice is never arbitrary, but based on each person’s deeds and choices. Every human being is given the chance to change their path through teshuvah (repentance).

This message extends beyond Israel to all humanity. As Rambam writes (Hilchot Teshuvah 3), on Rosh Hashanah the entire world passes before G-d in judgment—Jews and non-Jews alike. Each person is judged with absolute fairness, according to his or her actions, and everyone is given the opportunity to return and improve.

Now that we have just passed Rosh Hashanah, this truth speaks to us with renewed force. We have been reminded that G-d is our Rock—eternal, reliable, and just. His judgment is never cruel or random, but a firm foundation we can rely on. Ha’Azinu calls on us to recognize this Rock, and to place our lives securely upon Him.

Von Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Rabbi Tani Burton a for the feedback

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