BLESS THE LAND
PARSHA COMMENTARY
Parsha Commentary Study
V'et'chanan ("And I pleaded")
Bless the Land
Written by Hutch Church
July 2010
Torah: Deut. 3:23--7:11
Haftorah: Isa. 40:1-26
Sugg. N.T.: Mark 12:28-34
Acts: 3-5
Sections: 1. Weekly Parsha 2. Torah and Glory 3. Prayer Activity 4. Living the Parsha
Welcome: "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright" (Psalm 20:7-8). Here is faith! David's enemies to the north--Syrians of Zobah, Maachah, Damascus, and Beth-Rehob--were formidable with their multitude of chariots and large cavalry. But King David declared Israel's trust would be in YHVH, who had commanded His people "not to multiply horses" (Deut. 17:16). Confident in victory, the psalmist represents it as already achieved. David slew the Syrians, and his troops consisted entirely of footmen. This week, go forth and "...remember the name of the Lord our [your] God..."
Section 1: Weekly Parsha
Torah: Introduction to V'et'chanan ("And I pleaded")
Last week: D'varim ("Words") recounted the address Moses made to the children of Israel recapping the nation's history from Egypt to Kadesh, the conquests of Sihon and Og, and the inheritance of Rueben and Gad. He reminded the leaders to not be afraid of going forward to Canaan, assuring them that, as before, Elohim would be the One fighting for them. Yeshua, the Prophet of Whom Moses spoke, "...you shall listen to Him" (Deut. 18:15), left similar words for us to heed: "Be not afraid, only believe" (Mark 5:36). We now go forward, filled with faith, to encounter the life-changing truths awaiting us in parsha V'et'charan.
This week: In V'et'chanan ("And I besought") Moses tells the Israelites how he besought Elohim to change His mind and allow him to enter Canaan, but was only given permission to climb Mount Pisgah and view the Promised Land from afar. Having considered his own experience, Moses urged the people to remain faithful and obey Elohim's Law. "You shall not add to the word...nor take away from it...keep the commandments..." He then went on to recount events at Sinai, and declared them unprecedented in human history. He said, "Indeed, ask...since the day God created man on earth...has there ever occurred this great thing, or has the likes of it ever been heard? Did ever a people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as you have heard it, and survived?" Further, the lawgiver-teacher prophesied Israel's apostasy, exile, and restoration. V'et'chanan also includes a repetition of the Ten Commandments, an exhortation to obey the commandments and prosper, and presents the Shema; "Hear O Israel..." (Num. 6:4). The Shema affirms the fundamentals of Israel's faith which are: the unity of Yahweh and the mitzvot to love Him, and the study of His Torah.
1. "I also pleaded with the Lord at that time, saying...let me, I pray, cross over and see the fair land that is beyond Jordan..." (Deut. 3:23,25).
In the Torah there are ten terms for prayer. Implore [plead] is one of them. It is a word people use when they seek an underserved, unmerited favor. The attitude of humility that the word implored (or pleaded) projects is appropriate, and descriptive of Moses' approach to Elohim. Such meekness is justified on the basis that nobody can earn Yahweh's goodness, or deserve His favor on their own merits.
Moses knew he would not enter Canaan, but was reluctant to give up trying, and besought (implored) YHVH again to gain permission to cross the Jordan and feel under his feet the Promised Land. "Let me cross over and see..." Moses' prayer request was denied, partially. Elohim refused to allow his servant to "cross over" but revealed His tenderness by granting a compensation to him. Moses had asked also to "see" the expanse of the land, and so he would, though his foot would not tread upon it. From the valley of Beth-peor he would ascend to the peak of Pisgah and there be given a panoramic, prophetic preview of the Promised Land and its destiny--what is was then, and what it would become at the advent of Messiah. We believe that Moses was granted a progressive vision of the land of Israel becoming again, under the guiding hand of providence, the glorious Eden of the earth. We therefore assume that Moses did not die in solitude as a stooped, melancholy figure sadly overlooking from afar the vast rocky landscape of Canaan, but passed away with God lovingly hovering over him, his soul overflowing with gratitude and the joy of hope not deferred. We envision his heart full of the majestic, supernatural vision of Israel's destiny that the Most High had, in the end, given His faithful servant.
2. "Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and judgments which I am teaching you to perform, so that you may live and go in and take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, is giving you. You shall not add to the word...nor take away from it." (Deut. 4:1-2).
Israel was instructed again to keep all statutes and judgments, the two categories which represent the whole Law, for it was in doing them that life depended; not just long life in the Promised Land, but higher life, of better quality in every way than anything that is otherwise possible.
The Torah is perfect as it is and needs no additions or subtractions. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God..." (2 Tim. 3:16). By revelation holy apostles and prophets came into possession of divine knowledge. It was by divine inspiration that they were able to communicate that knowledge, while retaining their own forms of expression, idioms, idiosyncrasies, and styles.
3. "Remember the day you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, when the Lord said to me, Assemble the people to Me, that I may let them hear My words so they may learn to fear Me all the days they live..." (Deut. 4:10).
This was the day the mountain burned, and when there were clouds and thick darkness upon its summit. It was the day of YHVH's gracious engagement with Israel, when He uttered His Ten Commandments, the "words of the covenant, the ten words" (Ex. 34:28) that He wrote on the two tablets and gave to Moses (Ex. 24:12; 31:18). In addition, there were other ordinances and statutes given to Moses for Israel which comprised the Law given at Sinai. The degree of Israel's greatness was related to their obedience to Elohim's Law. The same fourfold appeal to comply goes forth today to all who call upon His holy Name: 1. "Keep...and do them." The extent a nation obeys God is related to the number of Individuals in that nation who do so. A true Israelite patriot will live a sanctified life that will contribute to his nation's greatness! 2. The Law of Elohim is to be in the heart, and not superficial in its working. The life of faith is intelligently directed, it is engineered and crafted by the truth of Holy Writ and designed in such a way that the believer is kept close to YHVH and dependent upon Him, not on the benefit packages offered by the world system. 3. The laws of righteousness, truth, godliness, faith, love, et al are to be taught to [handed down to] by the parents to the younger generation. The father and mother are to be the depositors, teachers, and conveyors of Yahweh's Law. 4. Believers are called to protect themselves from the many wicked influences that abound in the societies of men, for those unholy powers destroy loyalty to His ways. "Keep thy heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life" (Prov. 4:24).
Hear and fear. The desired outcome of the study of the Torah and essential result of meditating upon the divine revelation is the fear of the Lord. Any study that does not produce commitment with action is inadequate, unsatisfactory, and falls short of the mark.
4. "The Lord will scatter you among the peoples, and you will be left few in number among the nations. There you will serve gods...But from there you seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul" (Deut. 4:27-29).
Moses explains Yahweh's prophetic word to the people. They were told "once they had been too long in the land" they would grow spiritually dull, commit apostasy, go into exile, but find their way back once they repented. After he spoke to the Israelites about the privilege and responsibility of keeping YHVH's commandments, he went on to designate three cities of refuge.
5. "Then Moses summoned all Israel and said to them: Hear O Israel, the statutes and the ordinances which I am speaking to you today in your hearing, that you may learn them and observe them..." (Deut. 5:1).
Moses began his teaching on the law, the main reason for Deuteronomy, with the Ten Commandments. He spoke with a strong voice from his inmost heart, in order to penetrate to the greatest possible extent the hearts of the listeners. A large number of the Israelites who stood before him had not been present forty years earlier at Sinai and needed to hear this complete recitation and teaching. In chapter five, Israel's teacher rehearses each of the Ten Commandments yet the Law of Elohim was regarded as a unity. It was summed up in one law-- Deuteronomy 6:4--thus, when a person broke one small commandment, he committed sin against the entire standard of God's love and therefore broke the whole law.
6. "Hear O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is One! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might" (Deut. 6:4).
The word shema means to "listen, hear, accept" with a willingness to follow, or obey. Sh'ma Yisrael means "Hear [O] Israel" with the intent to submit and carry out the instructions. These are the first two words of a passage in the Torah that occupies a central position in Jewish evening and morning prayer services. Observant Jews regard the Shema as the most important part, the core, of prayer in Judaism, and it is recited twice daily as a mitzvah. It consists of three parts: 1. Shema. In Hebrew prayer, emphasis is given to the first six Hebrew words, which are: "Shema Yisrael adonai eloheinu adonai echad." The six word response, which is given in an undertone is: "Baruch shem kavod malchuto le'olam vaed." Then Deuteronomy 6:5-9 is prayed/recited which stresses the requirement to love Elohim.
The word shema refers to more than just verse four referenced above. The word Shema is used to refer to the entire part of the daily prayers that begin with Sh'ma Yisrael. 2. Vehayah. This part of the Shema prayer is Deut. 11:13-21. It emphasizes the blessings that come from obedience to Elohim, and the consequences of disobedience. These first two parts of Shema are written on the small scroll that goes into a mezuzah. 3. Vaiyomer. This part of Shema is the passage, Numbers 15:37-41. It stresses the tallit, the rectangular prayer shawl with fringes [tzitzits] on the corners. These Torah prayer passages are found in the weekly parshas Shlach, V'et'chanan, and Ehev respectively.
The Shema asserts the oneness of Yahweh, Israel's Elohim. Further, it (1) commands the Israelite to love Him without reserve, and (2) to remember the words of the Torah, and teach them to his/her children. Shema (3) affirms that obedience leads to the Almighty's blessing and that disobedience leads to discipline and judgment. Finally, (4) it stipulates that the words of the Torah should be placed in conspicuous places--frontlet and arm bands with small boxes, passages placed on doorposts--to serve as practical reminders of Israel's covenant.
According to the Talmud, reciting the Shema when rising in the morning and retiring at night is first, a fulfillment of the commandment, "You shall meditate therein day and night" (Joshua 1:8; Ps. 1:2; See also: Psalm 119:15,23,48,78,97,148; 1 Tim. 4:14), and secondly, is an act of willing submission to the yoke of Yahweh's Kingship. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you shall find rest for your souls [see Jeremiah 6:16]. For My yoke is easy [pleasant, comfortable] and My burden is light" (Mt. 11:29-30). Coming under His yoke is necessary if there is to be any learning from Him.
We here print the entire Shema for your edification and use.
Part 1. Shema: Deut. 6:4-9
"Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be in your heart. And you shall teach them diligently to your children, and you shall speak of them when you sit at home, and when you walk along the way, and when you lie down and when you rise up. And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be for frontlets between your eyes. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and gates."
Part 2. Vehayah: Deut. 11:13-21
"And it shall come to pass if you surely listen to the commandments that I command you today to love the Lord your God and to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul, that I will give rain to your land, the early and the late rains, that you may gather in your grain, your wine and your oil. And I will give grass in fields for your cattle and you will eat and you will be satisfied. Beware, lest your heart be deceived and you turn and serve other gods and worship them. And the anger of the Lord will blaze against you, and He will close the heavens and there will not be rain, and the earth will not give it fullness, and you will perish quickly from the good land that the Lord gives you. So you shall put these, My words, in your heart and in your soul; and you shall bind them for signs on your hands, and they shall be for frontlets between your eyes. And you shall teach them to your children, and you shall speak of them when you sit at home, and when you walk along the way, and when you lie down and when you rise up. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. In order to prolong your days and the days of your children on the land that the Lord promised your fathers that He would give them, as long as the days that the heavens are over the earth."
Part 3. Vaiyomer: Nu. 15:37-41
"The Lord spoke also to Moses, saying, Speak to the sons of Israel, and tell them that they shall make for themselves tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and that they shall put on the tassel of each corner a cord of blue. It shall be a tassel for you to look at and remember all the commandments of the Lord, so as to do them and not follow after your own heart and your own eyes, after which you played the harlot, so that you may remember to do all My commandments and be holy to your God. I am the Lord your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt to be your God; I am the Lord your God."
7. "When the Lord your God brings you into the land...and clears away many nations before you...seven nations greater and stronger than you...you shall utterly destroy them...make no covenant with them...not intermarry...you shall tear down their altars...you area holy people to the Lord your God" (Deut. 7:1-6).
In chapter seven the lawgiver continues with his primary burden, that of mentally preparing the new generation for entering the Promised Land, which was thickly populated by idolaters and their idols, which were often sculptures and carvings depicting demons. The Israelites were commanded to not spare the barbarians or even allow them in their proximity. Israel was to make no friendships, no treaties, and no covenants with these nations, but would smite them and take their lands and cities (Exod. 23:32; 34:12-16). 1. The judgment would be just, for the peoples grotesque iniquities had long overrun their borders, and their cup overflowed with wickedness of the most debased order. 2. The divinely decreed action would clear and clean the land of YHVH's chosen abode from the defilement of idolatry and its evil satellite industries, social oppression, sexual misconduct, and human sacrifice. 3. The judgment would also serve to protect the nation itself from sporadic military raids. Lesson: Seek alliances and friendships among the godly, and labor to cast down every imagination and practice that opens the door to demonic activity, and spiritual demise. "...remove every obstacle" (Isa. 57:14).
Haftorah
1. "A voice is calling, clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness...let every valley be lifted up...in order that the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all flesh will see it together..." (Isa. 40:3-5).
This chapter of Isaiah opens with Yahweh's exhortation to the prophet to "Comfort, O comfort My people, says your God. Speak kindly to [the heart of] Jerusalem; and call out to her, that her warfare [hard service] has ended, and that her iniquity has been removed [the penalty of iniquity accepted as paid off; forgiven]" (verses 1-2). The prophet Isaiah went on, as had Moses in the wilderness before him, to proclaim the greatness of the character, power, and might of Elohim, and reassured His people of His love and care for them. Three important, encouraging events were forecast in the prophets words: 1. The return of Judah from exile to Jerusalem, and their restoration in the land. 2. The first advent of Yeshua to proclaim the Kingdom. 3. The return of Yeshua and the restoration of Israel. At that time, the prophet tells us, the glory of the Lord will be manifested in the earth. This glorious day is rapidly approaching. Thus, the word from heaven is going out into the world, "Return to the sacred foundations...prepare ye the way of the Lord." In response to divine stirrings, believers around he globe are beginning to arise and remove from their lives obstacles blocking and limiting their progress into the Kingdom of God. Valleys are being lifted, mountains are beginning to be removed. Paths are being made straight. The glory of the Most High, that has been largely hidden, is now beginning to break forth upon His people, making them hungry and thirsty for more of His presence and righteousness. Men and women are being renewed and quickened by the Spirit. Divine light is spreading across the horizon as the orb of His coming rises and draws nigh. The exciting times of which Isaiah spoke are upon us! That we will see His glory is not our imagination, it is fact, "for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it."
Gospel: The Living Torah "I did not come to abolish but fulfill" (Mt. 5:17).
1. [Torah] "Now this is the commandment, the statutes and the judgments which the Lord your God has commanded me to teach you, that you might do them in the land where you are going over to possess it, so that you and your son and your grandson might fear the Lord your God, to keep His statutes...that it may be well with you...(Deut. 6:1-3).
"Moses called upon Israel to keep the commandments scrupulously so that the people's immersion in the service of God would lead them to revere and fear him, and set an ennobling example for their children and grandchildren. The result would be that God would bring them good fortune and their tenure in the land would be long and fruitful" (Ramban). Chumash, 972. Moses was "faithful in all his house." Just as a loving mother teaches her children, line upon line, precept by precept, with variation and repetition, Moses faithfully and patiently taught Israel the precepts and merits of the Law. The Law of Moses contains much internal excellence, yet can be referred to simply as "commandments." This is because it emanates from the eternal supreme Authority of heaven and earth. "All authority has been given to Me..." (Mt. 28:18). His Law is also called "statutes," a word that suggests the Law's seated and permanent nature. They are "judgments" too, a description that denotes careful deliberation, patient forethought, profound wisdom, and thoughtfulness. Clearly, Israel was blessed beyond measure to have such a loving and merciful Legislator, Whose laws, when reverently obeyed, were "...life...and health..." (see Proverbs 4:20-22) to the nation. Our greatest benefits are found in obedience to YHVH. One might ask then, "How are the commandments to be kept?" First, there should be the motivation of reverence (fear) of the Lord based on knowledge and trust. Secondly, His divine appointments [Sabbath, mo'edim] should become the rule of life. Thirdly, the family should be nurtured and trained in harmony with the whole counsel of Elohim. Fourthly, individual and family faithfulness to YHVH should be unswerving, continuous "all the days of thy life." Such sanctification is a life-long process, and requires dedication and determination, but the effort invariably is most profitable, in this life and in that to come. Our highest interests are ensured [guaranteed] by our loyalty to His commands.
The next question to expect would be, "Which command is the most important one to obey?" Yeshua gives us the answer.
2. "What commandment is foremost of all? Yeshua answered, The foremost is, 'Hear O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment other than these." (Mark 12:28-31).
The scribe, unlike the Pharisees and Sadducees who had just put forth ridiculous riddles in their attempts to stumble Messiah, asked a noble, worthy question, the answer to which a number of gathered Hebrews were genuinely interested in hearing. The Master replied without hesitation, revealing divine wisdom as He quoted His answers from the Torah. Thus, the sincere seekers were instructed and edified, while the hostile religionists were silenced. As we read Yeshua's response we observe: (1) Love is the sum, the fulfillment of Yahweh's commandments. Yeshua's discernment and legislative authority were exhibited in fixing upon these two requirements--to "love your God" and to "love your neighbor"--from different books of the Torah, drawing them out, revealing them as supremely important, and proclaiming them as the foremost laws of His kingdom for all time. We are reminded that Elohim Himself is love and Yeshua, His eternal Son, is the expression and proof of that surpassing love. It only makes sense, then, that love is the supreme law of the Kingdom of God, and the emblem of His family. (2) The focus, or first Object of our love is Yahweh Elohim. The love that is required is very strong, "...with all thy heart, soul, mind, and strength." Simply, our love is to be fervent. We love Him because, "...God commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Messiah died for us. Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him" (Rom. 5:8-9). It is understandable why lukewarmness and indifference are such an offence to the Most High Elohim. (3) Love for our fellow man, the Second Great Commandment, follows, and is made possible by, our love for God. All men are to be treated with kindness and justice. What is the measure of this love? "As thyself." A tall order, but He has made it possible; "...because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts [re-born spirit; central inner man] by the Holy Spirit which is given unto Us" (Rom. 5:5). We love other people because He loves them. (4) Love for Elohim and His divine Son Yeshua will lead us to worship and obedience, liberality, and forbearance, the fruit of the Spirit, and deliver us from fear, hatred, discord, and other vices.
The scribe agreed heartily with Messiah's answer and, unlike the arrogant and skeptical Pharisees and Sadducees, was commended as being "...not far from the kingdom of God." He was right on the border of Torah revelation, that true religion--that of which the Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount speak--is complete submission of the spirit to the will of the Almighty. Believers attain to this reality by conversion to Messiah, the identification by faith with the righteousness of the Redeemer, and the regeneration and indwelling of the Holy Spirit. "This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Yeshua Messiah, and love one another" (1 Jn. 3:23).
But, we see again that the very common position of "not far" is not close enough. It is like: 1. camping with Reuben on the east side of the Jordan, or 2. kissing and leaving Naomi and going with Orpah to Moab, or 3. learning about Hebrew roots but not participating with others in the restoration of the Kingdom of Israel, or 4. being born-again but not baptized with the Holy Spirit. "Go in and possess the land" (De.4:1). We "possess" by going in [stretching out the hand], not from the borders of hesitancy. Let us possess all, not half of our spiritual heritage; let us strive to possess as much of the fullness of both the Torah and the Spirit that is possible this side of the eternity.
Holy Spirit "But you shall receive power..." (Acts 1:8).
1. Torah: "...in the latter days you will return to the Lord your God and listen to His voice" (Deut. 4:30).
The latter days refers to the period just before the coming of Messiah (Isa. 2:2; Hos.3:5; Acts 2:17; 1 Pet. 1:20; Heb. 1:1; 1 Jn. 2:18). [The sage Ramban saw "the end of days" as the end of the Babylonian Exile, when the Jews would return to Israel and rebuild the city and the Temple. A prophetic word can have successive fulfillments, or applications.] Moses enforced the warning against idolatry, and spoke of the evil that would come on Israel: "The Lord will scatter you..." He also prophesied that Israel would seek Him in "the latter days," and that many would listen to the voice of the Almighty. [Could the prophetic movement, despite its exaggerations and excesses--extremisms accompany every renewal/awakening/restoration movement, including our current one, Hebrew roots--be an aspect of returning and listening? Yes, of course! It has inspired ordinary people around the world to listen for and discern the voice of the Lord, and has introduced many to stronger manifestations of His divine presence.] May Moses prediction of Israel's backsliding, and his prophesy of eventual restoration refresh in us certain truths: (1) Backsliding is possible for everyone, even those of spiritual attainment and great experiences with Yeshua. (2) It usually begins slowly, with small compromises, and is gradually developed. (3) It openly exposes us to the craft and work of the enemy, and brings divine discipline. (4) When truly repented of, backsliding is mercifully and graciously forgiven. "Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall" (1 Cor. 10:11-12).
2. "Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; and that He may send Yeshua, the Messiah appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the period [periods, times] of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time" (Acts 3:19-21).
Peter preached to the people following the marvel of the healing of the lame beggar at the gate of the Temple, telling them to "repent and turn again" to Yahweh, their Elohim. He assured them that by doing so times of spiritual refreshing would come from the presence of the Lord. Ultimately, the blessed days of spiritual refreshing, righteousness, universal peace and joy, which are characteristic of the Kingdom of God, will manifest in their full strength at the coming of Messiah. For the repentant in Peter's days however, the refreshing and renewal of faith, hope, and love would come personally from the Holy Spirit, Who would produce within the Body of Messiah a fervent, prophetic spirit like unto that which motivated Elijah and produced the preparatory ministry of John the Baptist. The zealous-for-righteousness temperament that will emerge more and more among believers, the Elijah profile, is being developed right now by the prophesied "times of refreshing," that is, the restoration movements of Spirit and truth such as the Hebrew roots phenomenon.
"But as it is written: 'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.' But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit Who is from God, that we might know the things that are freely given to us by God" (1 Cor. 2:9-12).
The carnal man cannot form a correct estimate of spiritual things, neither can he listen for and properly discern His leading or voice (see 1 Cor. 2:14). Scripture informs us that divine wisdom and communications--apart from the working of divine grace that leads sinners by the Spirit to the revelation of Messiah--belong to those who possess the Spirit. This "possession" refers to What/Who transfigures and makes the carnal children of darkness and wrath truly spiritual. The divine Spirit imparts Elohim's glory into the human heart, dispels darkness, then commences and continues His work of the soul's sanctification to the end. For the glorification of Yahweh and assured improvement of our lives, works, relationships, and callings, may we all obey the command, "Quench not the Spirit" and eagerly open wide our hearts to the Holy Guest sent from the Father. To "quench" the Spirit is to dart in and out of the darkness [includes not only overt sin, but rejecting truth], and re-involve ourselves in the corruption and indifference from which we have heretofore been delivered. We are to be taught of the Holy Spirit, for it is He who reveals wisdom and the voice of the Most High. What a privilege it is to have as our Teacher the Holy Spirit, Who is with us always and ever-ready to instruct, edify, and comfort. Let us come to Him daily, and to the glory of is manifest presence, to receive revelation and insight, and learn the deep things of Elohim. For this reason, speaking/praying in tongues is an effectual way of communing with the Spirit. This holy activity, that is too often overlooked or dismissed as "charismatic excess," is nevertheless an important aspect of our growth in grace. "Spring up, O Well..." (Nu. 21:17). We need the active flow of the Divine Spirit taking place within our spirits, stirring up His gifts, nurturing His fruit, flowing as a River of Living Water [not remaining as a well], carrying and depositing [down-loading] the nutrients of divine wisdom, knowledge, and counsel throughout our beings. He "searches the deep things of Elohim" and therefore knows His heart, even divine and sacred things that are unknowable by the carnal man. He wants the things of His treasure house, "things that have been freely given to us" known by His people. Be filled and flowing. "And you shall...find Me when you search for Me with all your heart" (Jer. 29:13).
New Testament
1. Torah: "Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me and keep all my commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever" (Deut. 5:29).
The unprecedented encounter Israel had with the presence, power and voice of YHVH at Sinai was portrayed by Moses as proof of His love for Israel. Never before had any nation experienced such an extent of divine revelation and power, nor has any since. The spectacle of His awesome majesty and holiness left an indelible imprint on Israel's consciousness that would endure throughout history. But first, the Almighty One obviously wanted to be not only remembered, but sincerely appreciated and loved by His people in return; He wanted the nation's heart and loyalty! And for this He gave them bountiful persuasion. As would a strong man impressing a maid, He revealed His affections and demonstrated His prowess to His beloved Israel by hearing her cry, rescuing her from the battering of a thug, and bringing her to safety (in the wilderness): "Has any other god ever tried to take for himself one nation from the midst of another nation by trials, by miraculous signs and wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, and by great and awesome deeds, like all the things You, Lord God, did for Israel in Egypt before their very eyes?" [See Deuteronomy 4:33-38.]
The Elohim of Israel looks upon and examines closely the heart of man (Jer. 17:10), the inner man where motive abides. Service and worship that do not originate from sincerity of heart are unpleasing, even unacceptable to Him. "This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth...but their heart is far from Me" (Mt. 15:8). Those who truly fear the Lord and keep His commandments follow His will from a trustworthy heart, they "...draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith..." (Heb. 10:22). The loyal "heart" was what Yahweh yearned for to be in His Israel: "Oh that they had such a heart in them..." David, once he admitted his sin, confessed, and repented, recognized his need--which had been the need of Israel all along--and cried out, "Create in me a clean heart, Oh God..." (see Psalm 51:1-10). For such a blessing to come to pass, the handiwork of the Almighty would be required.
2. "And I will give them one heart [undivided], and I will put a new [recreated] spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a new heart of flesh" (Ezek. 11:19).
The Old Covenant tells us, "Do this, and you will live." We notice that law does not exclude grace; law and grace actually go together. Apart from YHVH's Law there is no sacrifice, no deliverance, no salvation, and no mercy for man. Still, without internal transformation, efforts to obey righteous standards run contrary to man's carnal nature and become tiresome, and wear down people. Man's willpower is limited. From eternity YHVH knew that internal transformation for sinful humankind would be necessary if man was ever to willingly and completely embrace the standards of the Most High, and own them as his joy and life. The heart of man has been the problem, for from the fall it has always been wicked and deceitful (Jer.17:9). A "new heart" full of agape love for God and His ways was needed to replace the original, self-centered heart of man. Such a transplant would require a supernatural, miraculous work which only Elohim could accomplish. The New Covenant with the House of Judah and with the House of Israel would be the means (Jeremiah 31:31-33) of creating a new man. "Therefore, if anyone is in Messiah, he is a new creature [creation]; old things are passed away; behold, new things have come" (2 Cor. 5:17). [Note: The meaning of a "new creation" relates to the deep truth of spiritual regeneration and the new birth (John 3:3; Eph. 2:10; 4:23,24; Col. 3:3) that produce in a believer the "new heart" where once the old "heart of stone" resided. The new heart, on which the Law is written, is the new, recreated nature of spiritual regeneration which occurs miraculously through faith in Messiah Yeshua. It is, within man, a new spirit in union with the Most High. The old things are those that belong to the nature of Adam; new things refer to a whole new sphere of being, an existence with holy spiritual character, and a revelation of the kingdom, power, and glory of Yeshua that opens continually wider to the convert. The "new heart" lies under a holy impulse. Thus, the "new creation" in Messiah can be carried along and directed by divine Spirit-currents emanating from the throne of grace, the holy pulsation from above, which are the sacred appeals and urges of the Holy Spirit resonating within the "heart of flesh". You and I have such a heart, or spirit. Its place of comfort is to abide in Messiah, in His truth, in His commandments, in His love. Therefore, to keep it healthy, it needs to be united with truth and exercised daily through praise, prayer, and meditation upon the whole Word of Elohim. This is the heart, provided through the new birth (John 3:3), of which YHVH spoke in Deuteronomy 5:29. "Oh, that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me and keep all My commandments..."] So, where the Old said, "Do this, and you will live," the New Covenant says, "Live [by the Spirit's divine influence, revelation, and power that has been imparted into your recreated spirit, the new heart, through faith in Yeshua], and you will [want to] do this [obey]." The grace of God provided the Law, a divine means by which fallen man could obtain fellowship with the Almighty. In the New Covenant however we have greater grace, the needed divine enablement of having the Law internalized through the wondrous provision of the indwelling Spirit and a new heart. He has imparted the "new spirit of power, love, and a sound mind" (2 Tim. 1:7) to every believing Israelite since ten days after the ascension of Messiah.
3. "For this is the covenant that I will make with the [whole] house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put My laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people" (Heb. 8:10).
Have you ever heard anyone say, "I love you with all my mind." ??
The writer of Hebrews is referencing Jeremiah 31:31-34, the prophecy of the New Covenant. Grace and mercy are found in both covenants. Law is also part of both. Grace and Law cannot be separated. The issue of compliance lies with the heart, the spiritual nature of man. In the old, law was engraved on stone tablets and parchment. In the new, it is written upon human hearts which have been transfigured by the Spirit to receive the revelation. In the old, the Israelites were led "by the hand"; were instructed and guided by visible symbols. In the new, Israel is led by the heart, the new spirit with its new nature, and guided by spiritual influences. In the New Covenant believers are given the Law as a possession [integral aspect] of their new, spiritual nature. It is not external, as in the Old. The Law that is in the heart is "the love of God that has been poured out within our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to Us" (Rom. 5:5). The love of God brings with it into the new heart, the regenerate spirit of man, the Law of God. His love and His law cannot be divided. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son..." that is, Yeshua, the living Torah! Love and Law together. When Yeshua comes into the heart through the Spirit, He brings divine love and the Law with Him. It will have greater significance and emphasis there than when it is only in the ear and mind. The law of God in the heart is divine love. God is love. Love provides the inspiration to obey His commandments. Thus, the great blessing of the New Covenant is that Elohim not only gives us His Law into our hearts and minds, and He also give us Himself! "I will be to them a God," and we become His people, which has been His divine desire from the beginning. "I will be for you a God." Therefore have all we could expect and desire. By faith in Yeshua we enter into covenant with the Almighty Elohim in which we enjoy His fellowship and blessings, and cheerfully keep His Word, all of which is possible through the "new heart" spoken of by Yahweh to Moses in the Wilderness. The new heart, in union with the Throne of Grace, brings forth in today's returning Israelite : (1) genuine love for Yahweh, (2) reverent worship, (3) sincere consecration to His service, and (4) obedience to His commandments.
Finally, Elohim's love is everlasting. When we, who have been "born of the Spirit," truly repent of unfaithfulness, and do so from "a broken and contrite heart," He forgives. His forgiveness avails to us newness of hope, renewal of power by the Holy Spirit, and restoration of our minds from the confusion, disorganization and corruption sustain from sin. Then, we can, once again, begin to grow in the righteousness of the Law as we walk, not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Salvation and compliance to His standards of life and prosperity are forever issues not of the mind, but of the heart. "...for with the heart a person believes" (Rom. 10:10).
Now the living Creator can hear His people say, in growing numbers, "I love you with all my heart."
Parsha Summary
1. "...set His love on you...the fewest of all peoples...because the Lord loved you...Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His loving-kindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments" (Deut. 7:9).
The promised land was to be transformed into the holy land, therefore Israel, the holy priesthood nation, was required to separate entirely from the idolatrous nations and peoples. Elohim's choice of Israel was simply because He chose to set His love upon them, the least among people, and He revealed to them that great, sovereign love by their deliverance from Egypt and safe arrival at the border of Canaan. Israel was to be a special people, consecrated to the Lord, separated for His purposes of restoring the Kingdom of God the earth. We could safely say that His love was a divine investment. Certainly, Yahweh saves us that we may serve Him. He will be faithful to His covenant promises and show mercy and kindness, even extending such grace to generation after generation, to those who love Him and walk in His ways.
2. "Can two walk together unless they be agreed" (Amos 3:3).
Amos preached against the sins and iniquities of Israel and announced coming judgment. He established his right to prophesy and deliver his messages to his rebellious people by declaring that two can only walk together if they are in agreement. The "two" he speaks of are the prophet's word and YHVH's judgment. They coincided in harmony just as would two people who kept one another's company because of agreement and compatibility. The prophet proclaimed God's judgment because he was called and commissioned to do so. Judah and Israel, however, would not listen to Yahweh's word and lived in rebellion to His ways. Despite His love for them, Israel had turned from walking with Elohim and had gone after idols and injustice.
Amos was a farmer who lived in Judah. He pronounced Yahweh's judgment upon Judah, Israel, and other nations that practiced greed, slavery, violence, idolatry, and oppression of the poor. His condemnation on the House of Israel, the Northern Kingdom, was particularly severe. The prophecies of Amos are a call to godliness. His ministry illustrates that walking with God is the ideal of human and national life, but in order to walk with God one must be in agreement with Him. The walk of rebellion, or even lukewarmness, cannot possibly be a walk with Elohim. Self-surrender, faith, and love for Messiah are requisite.
Section 2: Torah and Glory Quest
Weekly Parsha Commentary Study: V'et'chanan ("And I pleaded")
Explanation: This section is for those who want to go beyond the simple commentary that we have provided, read the entire parsha for themselves, and press more deeply into the Word and Spirit of Yahweh in a quest for greater personal enrichment and supernatural transformation. It contains a review of the weekly parsha's scheduled Scriptures and our questions. The Scriptures and questions are the (1) heart of the commentary study by which the students can be most advanced spiritually. By them the reader learns on his/her own while depending on the personal assistance of the Holy Spirit upon Whom we strongly encourage each person to depend/rely for insight and divine illumination. He is supposed to be the primary Teacher of our commentary study, not this writer. In this way, the Scriptures and questions comprise (2) the students means of exercise (practice) for waiting upon and listening for the voice/word of Elohim, and positioning themselves for experiencing a visit of His manifested presence [Shechinah]. These are the important reasons for our commentary. As such, the Scriptures and questions are (3) the channels through which the Holy Spirit will directly communicate personal edification, instruction, revelation, and understanding to the student/reader.
Our exposition is offered only as a help and is by no means complete. Volumes of truth and insight are left to discover for the industrious student who wants to go further in learning Scripture and in experiencing the kingdom, power, and glory of Yeshua. Keep His prophetic word in mind, "...when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will also speak; and He will tell you things to come" (John 16:13).
Prayer: "Open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things from your law" (Psalm 119:18).
Deut. 3:23-7:11 [Torah]: Moses pleads with YHVH/Israel urged to obey the Law/Sinai reviewed/Moses predicts Israel's apostasy, exile, and return/Cities of refuge/Ten Commandments/Obey God and prosper/Shema.
Isaiah 40:1-26 [Haftorah]: The goodness and greatness of Yahweh/Make His path straight.
Mark 12:28-34 [New Testament]: The Two Great Commandments.
Acts 3-5 [New Testament]: Healing the lame beggar/Peter and John arrested/Ananias and Sapphira.
Study Questions: "...be ready always to give an answer..." (1 Peter 3:15). Share your answers, divine spiritual experiences with the Spirit, and insights with your group members and leaders.
1. What is the main theme/teaching for each reading: (a) Torah, (b) Haftorah, (c) New Testament?
2. What is the common, central teaching (or idea) emphasized by the entire parsha, as you see it?
3. Relate the common theme/lesson to the assigned Gospel reading. Where or how does Yeshua demonstrate the common truth? How does the common truth relate to your life?
4. What does this week's parsha teach you about your Hebraic heritage/Hebrew roots?
5. In what way did the Holy Spirit lead you, teach you, speak to you, minister to you this week?
Note: The questions will (generally) be the same from week to week. Your answers, especially as you hear from the Holy Spirit, will be different.
Section 3: Prayer and Proclamation Activity
Bless the Land "On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto [over; to] them, the Lord bless thee..." (Num. 6:23).
"...then watch yourself, that you do not forget the Lord who brought you out from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery" (Deut. 6:12).
1. Pray for Israel. Here is the third reason to pray for Israel:
"For Zion's sake I will not be silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not keep quiet, until her righteousness goes forth like brightness..." (Isa. 62:1). God commands us not to rest until Israel is a joy and praise in the earth.
2. Pray for Jerusalem.
"Counsel, oh, counsel My people...announce to Jerusalem that her period of exile has been fulfilled and that her sins have been forgiven" (Isa. 40:1-2). Declare to her, "May peace be within your walls, and prosperity within your palaces" (Ps. 122:7).
3. Pray for America/Pray for your nation.
"...seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land" (2 Chron. 7:14). Pray for repentance and spiritual awakening.
4. Sing the Song of the Lord/Prophetic Worship.
"For thus says the Lord, Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief notions; proclaim, give praise..." (Jer. 31:7). Sing in the Spirit; sing intercessions.
"...Daniel...entered his house (now his roof chamber had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God" (Daniel 10).
Section 4: Living the Parsha in Spirit and Truth
Conclusion
1. Torah: "Therefore, you shall keep the commandments and the statutes and the judgments which I am commanding you today, to do them" (Deut. 7:11).
Moses exhorted the people to keep all YHVH's Law. Compliance to His Torah was Israel's self-preservation insurance policy. By obedience an older generation could establish assurances for the welfare of another generation. The message for every generation is the same: The time to walk in truth is now, it's today, for our lifespan is the only "seedtime" we will have before eternity. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap [in this life to some extent, and in the life- to-come to the full extent]" (Gal. 6:7). And not will only the sower reap, but those who are involved in his/her life will be also impacted, to some degree, by the another's obedience or disobedience to divine revelation. For the benefit of ourselves, our loved ones, friends, and associates we are exhorted to "...keep the commandments."
2. "But be ye a doer of the word..." (James 1:22).
For success in life there are two principles: First, the Word of Elohim must be received, heard by a docile, humble spirit; harbored in a compliant heart. But we must not be hearers only. [Usually people are too busy speaking, entangled in evil wrangling, or passionately and proudly arguing, to really listen.] To attain the full measure of Yahweh's blessings we must co-operate with the grace and power of God and secondly become doers of the Word. When believers willfully turn away from being doers of the Word of truth, their armor sags, leaving them exposed to the fiery darts of the enemy, and their minds are then more easily led astray by false reasonings. Become a hearer and a doer.
3. "...He said to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other" (Mark 3:5).
Yeshua did not perform an outward act, such as the laying on of hands, in this healing. The divine miracle instantly brought forth the healing in response to the man's faith. The afflicted individual was a doer of the Word. He was in the synagogue on the Sabbath in accordance with the custom of his people. And he obeyed the commanded word at once. Simple. [Note: The Holy One of Israel may require what seems impossible. But faith is demonstrated in doing what He has commanded, even when it seems unreasonable, even hopeless. Where there is obedience to His Word, divine power and grace are given. "For with God, nothing shall be impossible" (Lk. 1:37). The miracle ministry of Yeshua, our Redeemer and Healer, revealed Yahweh's heart of love, and disclosed His desire for the spiritual, mental, and physical welfare of Israel and all mankind. "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed" (Isa. 53:5).]
The pathway to overcoming sin, possessing the whole land of redemption promises, and obtaining victory in life is to experience God's love and power through obedience to His Word. "Therefore, whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock" (Mt. 7:24). The lesson of the passage is the same as what has been insisted upon from the beginning, from Sinai and the wilderness: (1) Strong faith, hope, and love are free to prosper and bear good fruit in the soul that is void of offenses toward YHVH or man (Mt. 22:37-40). (2) Happiness is directly related to having His Words abide in us (Jn. 15:7).
"Trust in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your judgment [victory!] as the noonday" (Psalm 37:3-6).
Next week: Parsha Ekev ("As a result")
