Ki Tavo - Header

The Hidden Price of Rebellion

by with No Comment Deuteronomy

Parashah Ki Tavo

Deuteronomio 26:1 – 29:8

The portion of Ki Tavo marks a pivotal moment in Israel’s journey. After leaving Egypt and crossing the wilderness, the children of Israel now stand at the threshold of the Promised Land, soon to enter under the leadership of Joshua. Through Moses, Yehovah gives them detailed instructions for when they set foot in that land. The first act He commands is the offering of the firstfruits—a gesture of thanksgiving to acknowledge that every harvest, every blessing, and the very land itself are gifts from the Almighty. It was a reminder that their success was not the work of their own hands, but the goodness and faithfulness of Yehovah.

Moses also lays out a sober contrast: abundant blessings for obedience and severe curses for rebellion. The blessings would bring prosperity, security, and joy; the curses would bring loss, suffering, and even exile. This is not merely history—it is a timeless call to every heart.

Ki Tavo teaches us that obedience is not a burden but a path to life, and gratitude is not optional but essential. Our choices matter. When we walk in Yehovah’s ways, aligning with His Torah, we open our lives to His favor. But when we turn away, we step into the painful consequences of disobedience.

This portion is an invitation: to live in constant awareness of Yehovah’s goodness, to offer Him the “firstfruits” of our lives—our time, our devotion, our resources—and to trust that His blessings follow those who walk in His ways.

At the close of this portion, Moses reminds the people of all the wonders Yehovah has done for them—from their deliverance out of Egypt to their sustenance in the wilderness. He recounts how they witnessed mighty signs: the plagues, the crossing of the Red Sea, and the manna that fell from heaven each day to feed them. Yet, Moses points out that even after experiencing all these miracles, their hearts had not yet been fully transformed. Only now, after years of journeying and testing, are they beginning to grasp the depth and weight of the covenant they have entered into with their Creator—realizing that it is not merely about keeping commandments, but about cultivating a deeper, conscious relationship with Yehovah.

It is at this very moment—just before they step into the Promised Land—that a crucial call is made for spiritual renewal and ongoing commitment to the Torah. The covenant is not a one-time event of the past but a living and continuous reality that calls for constant reflection and action. As Israel stands on the threshold of a new chapter in their history, they are to enter the land not only with free bodies, but with hearts that fully understand and embrace the Father’s purpose for their lives.

Questions for Reflection and Prayer:

  • How might it be that we, too, can see Yehovah’s wonders in our lives yet still have hearts slow to trust and obey? Where might He be calling us to deeper understanding today?

  • What does renewing your commitment to Yehovah look like in this season of your life? Is there a specific step of obedience, repentance, or gratitude He is asking of you?

  • How can you offer Him not just outward observance, but a heart fully surrendered to His will?

  • As you “stand on the threshold” of your own new chapters—decisions, challenges, opportunities—how can you enter them with a spirit that embraces Yehovah’s purposes fully?

Header KiTetze

Righteous laws, though unsettling

by with No Comment Deuteronomy

Parashah Shoftim

Deut 16:18 – 21:9 

One of the most prominent features of Parashat Ki Tetze is its extensive list of laws—seventy-four of the six hundred and thirteen, to be precise—ranging from conduct in times of war to the proper handling of stray animals. Among these laws are the following:

  • The rights of captive women (Deuteronomy 21:10–14)

  • The treatment of rebellious sons (Deuteronomy 21:18–21)

  • Regulations concerning lost and found property (Deuteronomy 22:1–3)

  • Laws regarding the fair treatment of workers and animals (Deuteronomy 24:14–15)

  • Leaving portions of the harvest for the poor (Deuteronomy 24:19–22)

While many of these commandments constitute social laws that are no longer accepted within modern societies, it is essential to view them in the historical context of the Ancient Near East. In that cultural setting, a significant number of these ordinances represented genuine progress in the civil rights of vulnerable groups such as women and foreigners. Thus, what might appear to us as outdated or even harsh, in their time established a framework of justice that elevated the dignity of those who were otherwise marginalized.

In this way, these commandments provided the Israelites with moral and ethical guidance by embedding principles of justice and compassion into the fabric of daily life. For example, the injunctions to ensure just treatment of workers and to leave portions of the harvest for the poor not only safeguarded the welfare of these disadvantaged groups but also reminded the people of Israel of their covenantal responsibility before God.

The Stubborn and Rebellious Son

Many people who seek to discredit the Scriptures point to commandments such as the death penalty for the rebellious son, using it as proof that the Mosaic Law is an outdated and brutal system with no relevance in modern times. Yet it is important, as mentioned above, to place everything we read within its proper historical and cultural context.

Within the broader framework of the Torah, it is evident that all such cases were adjudicated through a judicial legal process, and were never taken lightly. In fact, we are told in Mishnaic times that a court which decreed even one death sentence during an entire generation (not only in relation to this commandment concerning the rebellious son, but regarding any commandment whose penalty was death) was considered to be a wicked court.

Questions for Reflection

  • How can I apply the teachings of justice and compassion from Parashat Ki Tetze in my daily life?

  • In what ways can we ensure that our business and labor practices reflect the principles of equity and fair treatment established in the Torah?

  • What specific actions can I take to protect and support the most vulnerable in my community, such as orphans and widows?

Header Shoftim

The Call to Obey, Not to Excuse

by with No Comment Deuteronomy

Parashah Shoftim

Deut 16:18 – 21:9 

The chapters of this Torah portion summon us to consider the righteous character of Yehovah and the standard He demands from His people. Justice must never be compromised—under no condition. Bribery, already condemned in ancient days, was forbidden because it twists righteousness, causing judges to forsake truth and abandon objectivity.

In our time, bribery has been dressed with a new name: “lobbying.” Yet behind the word lies the same corruption. Vast fortunes are spent by the powerful to sway the decisions of lawmakers—decisions that are far from just in the eyes of the Almighty.

Justice is the root of blessing and prosperity. Where it is absent, only chaos and ruin remain. And so the world hastens toward judgment—the judgment of the Sovereign Lawgiver—because mankind has chosen injustice over righteousness.

Instructions for War

“When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and a people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for Yehovah your God is with you, the One who brought you up from the land of Egypt.” — Deuteronomy 20:1

In this chapter, the Torah speaks of physical wars. Yet in doing so, Yehovah reveals a most considerate and loving side of His nature, for He Himself instructs His people on how war should be conducted. We must be clear: these instructions were not about the conquest of Canaan. The seven nations who dwelt there were to be utterly uprooted because of their occult practices, their perversions, and their idolatry. But when Israel would engage in wars beyond its borders—wars of expansion that would come as a natural result of walking in obedience to the Torah—the procedure was different.

First, they were to offer terms of peace. If the city accepted, its people would become tributaries and servants of Israel. But if they refused, the city would be besieged; and once it fell, all the men were to be put to death, while the women, children, and livestock would be spared. The spoil of such nations would belong to Israel.

These verses set forth the terms by which Israel was to conduct war against towns distant from Israel’s inheritance. It was not to be waged in a cruel, mercenary manner. A proposal of peace was to be offered; and if that offer was refused—if negotiations failed—they were to proceed without hesitation.

Header Re'eh 2

At the Crossroads of Blessing and Curse

by with No Comment Deuteronomy

Parashah Re'eh

Deut 11:26 – 16:17 

The parashah Re’eh, meaning “see” in Hebrew, opens a deeply pivotal moment in Moses’ final words to Israel. As a faithful shepherd nearing the end of his journey, he places before the people a solemn and sacred choice: life or death, blessing or curse. It is a divine invitation to walk in obedience and receive Yehovah’s favor—or to turn away and face the consequences.

This message is delivered as the nation stands on the threshold of the Promised Land, in the plains of Moab, just across the Jordan. The people are about to enter a new chapter, and Moses, knowing his time is short, urges them to open their eyes—to see clearly the path Yehovah sets before them. Soon, Joshua will rise to lead, but in this moment, the weight of covenant and destiny hangs in the balance.

The choice is not a one-time event, but a path we walk throughout life.

Each day brings new opportunities to choose between good and evil, between obeying or transgressing the commandments of Yehovah.

This choice carries deep implications for our daily lives.

To choose blessing is to choose a life of purpose, a life connected to Yehovah and to others.

To choose the curse is to walk a path of isolation, suffering, and spiritual decay.

In Summary:

The parashah Re’eh presents us with a clear and powerful message: free will is a divine gift and an inescapable responsibility.

Obedience to Yehovah leads to a life of fullness and blessing, while disobedience brings devastating consequences.

This message remains as relevant today as ever. It calls us to examine our own choices and to build a life firmly rooted in His Word.

Questions for Reflection:

  • What are the two options Yehovah places before the Israelites, and what does each one represent?

  • Why is it important to help the less fortunate—such as orphans and widows—according to parashah Re’eh?

Header Ekev

Earthly Rewards for Faithful Obedience

by with No Comment Deuteronomy

Parashah Ekev

Deuteronomy 7:12 – 11:25

In many other blogs in the past, I have highlighted the spiritual significance of many of the teachings and commandments contained in the Torah. Yeshua revealed many spiritual mysteries, and the real blessings are spiritual.

But at the same time, we live in the material world. Adam was created with a physical nature and was commanded to interact with that material world. And spiritual blessings have a material counterpart.

Just as Abraham was greatly blessed with material goods, this section of the Torah details concrete material blessings associated with obedience to the commandments.

Conclusion:

This portion of the Torah reminds us that obedience to God’s commandments brings both spiritual and material blessings.

Throughout this Parashah, we see how faithfulness to divine laws can be transformed into abundance and prosperity in our lives.

The description of the land’s richness through the seven species offers a picture of the tangible rewards that await those who lead faithful lives. As we reflect on this passage, we are encouraged to appreciate and value the deep and meaningful connection between our daily actions and the blessings we receive as a result.

This interconnection provides us with a more complete understanding of the importance of living according to divine principles, recognising that our decisions and behaviours have a direct impact on the blessings we experience in our lives.

Reflection and Study Questions:

As we explore these blessings, it is important to reflect on the role of obedience and faith in our own lives.

How can we apply the principles of the parashah Eikev in our daily lives?

In what ways are we recognising and giving thanks for the material and spiritual blessings we receive?

What concrete actions can we take to live a life more in tune with the divine commandments, thus ensuring the abundance and prosperity promised?

Body Va'Etchanan

Still Bound by a Living Covenant

by with No Comment Deuteronomy

Parashah va'Etchanan

Deuteronomy 3:23 – 7:11

Yehovah as the Supreme Authority in the Universe, establishes a Constitution by which His creatures are to live in His Kingdom and by which He will govern them. The Commandments, decrees, statutes, ordinances, memorials, instructions, testimonies, and all else given by Yehovah are eternally valid, for they express His unchanging character. Therefore, they cannot lose their validity. This is why Yeshua said that He had NOT come to abolish the Torah but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17).

Now therefore, O Israel, listen to the statutes and judgments which I teach you, that you may live and go in and take possession of the land which Yehovah, the God of your fathers, gives you.

Deuteronomy 4:1

Let us make a distinction between statutes and decrees. Statutes come before decrees, and the latter are derived from the former. Thus we can see that the statutes given by Yehovah were the Ten Words (Commandments); they are the Constitution of His Kingdom and contain within themselves everything that is to be regulated as needs arise. Let us remember the words of Yeshua to the scribe in Matthew 22:40 when he explains that the basis of these commandments is love. Love for the Father and for one’s neighbor. Love was the root from which Yehovah generated the Torah, which was given in summary form on Mount Sinai to the ears of all the people.

Now, Moses declares to the people the advisability of observing, that is, carefully obeying such statutes and decrees in order that they may live; and this is not a reference to not dying physically, but to the quality of life that a person acquires when he decides to submit his life to the Torah: A life of freedom, growth, healthy relationships, and prosperity in every sense.

Refresh your memory and set an example for your children

…be careful not to forget Yehovah, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall fear Yehovah your God, serve Him, and take oaths in His name.” Deuteronomy 6:12–13

When our lives stabilize and our anxieties pass, our faith and attention toward Yehovah tend to dissipate. This is a call to remain conscious of our Father’s presence by developing a heart of gratitude for every detail He brings into our lives. Now, since we have to deal with various commitments and conversations on a daily basis, we are urged to swear by Yehovah if necessary to give credibility to our words. See Matthew 5:33-37 and compare; is Yeshua “changing” this commandment?

Throughout this portion, Moshe does not cease to reiterate the importance of both fearing Yehovah and obeying His commandments and statutes, “doing what is right and good in the sight of Yehovah, so that it may go well with you…”

Notice that we are warned of the importance of answering our children correctly when they ask questions. This implies that parents, that is, elders, will be performing a series of practices and rituals which will cause children to ask, “Why do we do this?” It is time to answer them by telling them who Yehovah is and the great works He has done for us. But if we obey “dragging our feet” and reluctantly, how can we respond to our children? The answers will probably be like those given to some of us: “That’s our custom,” “Don’t ask, just obey,” “That’s how it’s always been done,” etc. It is not surprising that the younger generations hate religion. At least we must acknowledge that they are authentic.

Header Devarim

Remainder of the Covenant and Obedience

by with No Comment Deuteronomy

Parashah D'varim

Deuteronomy 1:1 – 3:22

The Parashah Devarim is the first section of the book of Deuteronomy, which serves as a summary of the Torah of Yehovah. It focuses on Moses’ speech to the people of Israel, in which he reviews the events and lessons from the forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Moses recalls the journey of the people, the instructions of Yehovah, and the decisions that were made, including the appointment of leaders and judges.

This takes place shortly before Moses’ death, in the region of Moab, specifically on the eastern side of the Jordan River, across from the city of Jericho. The account serves as a preparation for entering the Promised Land and reminds us of the importance of obedience to the Most High and observance of His commandments.

The story of Moses, who was not allowed to enter the Promised Land because of a mistake he made, reminds us that we are all responsible for our actions, regardless of our position or status. The justice of Yehovah is impartial, and we must be aware of the consequences of our decisions and actions.

Teaching: Learning from mistakes.

The fact that Moses carefully reviews the faults and complaints of the people shows his desire for them not to repeat the same mistakes in the future. In the same way, as Paul says in his first letter to the Corinthians:

“Now these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” — 1 Corinthians 10:11.