IN A NUTSHELL
Vayelekh is the shortest parasha in the Torah, only thirty verses long. Moshe speaks with great emotion, telling the people, “I am now 120 years old, and I can no longer go out and come in” (Devarim 31:2). He cannot lead them across the Jordan and into the Promised Land. He calls his successor, Yehoshua, and, in front of all the people, gives him words of support.
Next, God speaks privately to Moshe and Yehoshua, warning them that the Israelites may eventually break the covenant. He commands them to write down the Torah and teach it to the people, as a permanent record of the covenant itself. God then encourages Yehoshua, reassuring him that He will be with him as he leads the people.
QUESTION TO PONDER
Why is it important to know that God spoke to Moshe and Yehoshua at this moment privately?