Devarim=Words

The oldest name for this portion is called MISHNAH TORAH, in English it is called REPETITION OF THE TORAH. This is based on a phrase from Deuteronomy 17:18: Now, it shall come about when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests.

Deuteronomy is from the Greek, deuteronomion, meaning: second law. In English, it is called Deuteronomy.

This book contains Moses’ farewell, discourses and song to Israel where the people of G-d were at the border ready to cross the river into the land. It is here that he gives a repetition of what he has given before, DEUTERONOMY.

He begins by recounting the events of their journey of the forty years of wanderings through the desert. He then warns them against the temptations waiting for them in the Promised Land. There is a promise of judgment for disobedience and divine blessings for being faithful to G-d and His commandments. In his farewell song, Moses celebrates by declaring that G-d is the Rock of Israel. This is followed by his farewell blessings before he departs to his unknown resting-place.

Devarim is a unique book which gives us the basic information that G-d is One, the Sh’ma, and that we must be wholly His. G-d is righteous and faithful, full of love and mercy. G-d is proclaimed, not merely as Judge and Ruler, but as Friend and Father. This is why we were instructed to say the V’yahavtah, to love the L-rd our G-d with all our strength and might. This love and devotion is accompanied by love towards our fellow man, (Leviticus 19:18) you shall love your neighbor as yourself.

G-d reveals Himself to us through His instructions, Torah, so that we may recognize His righteousness, insist on the importance of a devoted family life, as well as develop religious instruction within the family and extended to the community as well.

In connection with the Brit Chadesha, some believers, comparing the Torah with the Brit Chadesha, state that the Torah is law and the Brit Chadesha is grace. In other words, they believe that the Torah is an expression of G-d’s judgment while the Brit Chadesha is an expression of G-d’s love. Nothing of the sort is true. Too often people regard the law as merely a set of harsh rules viewing the Jewish people as followers of the letter of the law, while, on the other hand, they describe how in the Brit Chadesha G-d works in grace to redeem His people and shower His love on them. In no way should the Bible be so compartmentalized. This Torah portion, Devarim, tells of G-d’s blessing upon Israel, sharing His love because of His grace and mercy. Israel, in return, was to pour out their love to Him. Therefore, the Torah is a formal legal document defining and outlining the relationship between the Great King, the L-rd G-d of Israel, the Creator of heaven and Earth, and His beloved Israel, the apple of His eye. Deuteronomy 32:10, Zech 2:8.

Deuteronomy states that there are stipulations in the covenant relationship, there are clauses, which include blessings and curses. But the Brit Chadesha has the same. We must trust in G-d and our redeemer Yeshua, as being our deliverer from our Egypt (sins) making us clean.

The HafTorah, Isaiah 1:18, “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they shall be white as wool.” Are we are willing to be obedient in faith and trust to His Torah, per the Sh’ma and V’yahavtah? Yeshua stated that indeed these were the two greatest commandments. Then we shall eat the good of the land. In John 15:4 Yeshua stated that if we abide in Him, He will abide in us. The branch cannot bear fruit in itself unless it abides in the vine. So neither can we, unless we abide in Him. Yeshua continues by saying that He is the vine and we are the branches. He who abides in Him will bear much fruit. Apart from Yeshua we can do nothing.

These, as well as other verses in the Brit Chadesha have stipulations, clauses that include blessings and cursing. A statement of love is that we maintain the covenant that He established through the grace that runs through the entire Bible. This is to be done whether we are the natural branches or those in-grafted. His love is for all that receive and abide by His covenant.

Shavua Tov

Rabbi Z.

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