OU TORAH Devarim: The First Speech By Rabbi Menachem Leibtag

Why are there so many details in Parshat Devarim that appear to contradict what was written earlier in Chumash? [For example, the story of: the “meraglim” (1:22-40 vs. Bamidbar 13:1-22), whose idea it was to appoint the judges (see 1:12-18 vs. Shemot 18:13-26), and how we confronted Edom in the fortieth year (see 2:4-8 vs. Bamidbar 20:14-). In contrast to the ‘heretical’ solutions offered by the ‘bible critics’ – in the following shiur we suggest a very simple and logical reason for these discrepancies – based on our understanding of the overall theme and structure of Sefer Devarim, as discussed in the introductory shiur. Therefore, we must begin our shiur with a quick review of the conclusions of that shiur – in order to understand the purpose of Moshe Rabbeinu’s first speech, which comprises the bulk of Parshat Devarim.