This Shabbat reading is one of the shortest portions in the Aurayta, yet it carries profound weight as it depicts Mosheh’s final words and instructions to Israel before his passing.

Mosheh states that his time of leadership is at an end, for he is one hundred and twenty years old and shall not cross the Jordan. He reassures Israel that Mar-Yah Himself will go before them into the land and that Yehoshua (Joshua) shall lead them in his place. Strength and courage are urged upon both the people and Yehoshua, for the conquest will be sustained by divine presence.

Moshe writes down the Aurayta and entrusts it to the Levitical priests, commanding that it be read publicly every seven years at the Festival of Sukkot, so that all Israel—men, women, children, and strangers—might hear and learn to fear Mar-Yah.

Mar-Yah then tells Mosheh that after his death Israel will turn aside to other gods, and calamities shall befall them. Therefore Mosheh is instructed to compose a song that will serve as a witness against them when they fall away.

The portion closes with Mosheh writing the words of this song and commanding that it be taught to Israel, while the Aurayta is placed beside the Ark of the Covenant as a perpetual testimony.

Vayeilech teaches us about transition, exhortation, and preparation. It includes the closing of Mosheh’s earthly mission and the turning of Israel towards a future of both promise and warning under Yehoshua’s leadership.

In its admonitions and consolations, it speaks with great force into our lives today. Several themes arise that are immediately applicable for those who follow Mar-Yah and Yeshua in faith. The life applications of Parashat Vayeilech are humility in leadership, courage in the presence of Mar-Yah, devotion to the public reading of the Scriptures, vigilance against apostasy, and trust in Yeshua as our faithful leader into the ultimate rest.