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  Ekev / Because

Devarim Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25

HafTorah  Isaiah 49:14-51:3

ROM. 8:31-39

Eikev is the Hebrew word meaning; literally "on the heels of," or "as a consequence of."  Many render the word "because" in Deuteronomy 8:20.

In verse 14 of chapter 8, G-d tells His people that they are blessed above all other peoples. As a reward to His people for living according to His Holy Law, the nations will eventually follow His Law, according to our sages and as it is written in ROM. 7:12, "So then, the law is Holy, and the commandment is Holy and just and good.” 

Further, G-d states that His people, when they enter the land, will drive out the people before them (the idol worshiping Canaanites).  Also, there shall be no sterile male or female among you or your livestock.

The Lord will ward off from you all sickness; He will not bring upon you any of the dreadful diseases of Egypt, about which you know, but will inflict them upon your enemies.

What does G-d ask of us?  Chapter 8 begins by telling us that we need to be faithful to observe all the instructions that He gives us.

As He guides us, G-d also tests us by placing hardships in front of us so that we can learn what is in our hearts; whether we will keep His commandments or not.

Part of our walk is to bless our G-d for His bounty (food, housing, etc.). In 8:10 we are instructed to give thanks to   G-d for the food after we have eaten and are full. This is done in the Jewish community to this day. In the normative Christian community the blessing for food is said before partaking of food. G-d commands to give thanks after we are full.

For those reading this, whatever your TRADITION is, you must be obedient to His word and remember that "G-d gives us richly all things to enjoy" (1 Tim. 6:17).

SHAVUA TOV

Rabbi Z. 

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