Parsha #44 : “D’varim / Words”
(D’varim / Deuteronomy *1:1 through 3:22*)
Edition: 15g28
“Get Ready for a Big Change”
Greetings Sojourners, Friends, Guests and Other Readers! Welcome!
The “Coach” was a big guy, but that isn’t why the team, and the fans, looked up to him. He had actually turned the little team around and helped them bring home several trophies. But it hadn’t been easy.
Right now, he was in the dressing room with the team. It was right before the biggest game of their corporate career, and he was dead serious with the players.
“OK you guys,” he was proclaiming, “you’ve come a long way. I‘m pretty proud of you all. It hasn’t been easy. We built this team up pretty much from nothin’ and that always takes some time. As you know, the draft team wasn’t quite up to snuff – seems they just couldn’t catch the vision. I know it was a pretty hard ½ season – bein’ on the road for all our games. Remember that time in Montreal, in the dead of winter, when they weren’t happy with the food at the hotel – I know. One can only take so much poutine, and they all cried out for Pizza, but the team manager came through for them, didn’t He? “All the Pizza they could eat for under a buck.” Obviously He cared about that bunch.
Then there was that one arena up north where there was no bottled water for the dressing rooms nor the team boxes. Yeah, that was pretty tough! But again the Team Manager came through. Had me go out and strike a match to a big stove, melt a truck-load of snow and bring it in for everybody to have a drink. Still they complained. I’ll never forget when the team banded together and tried to bring in a union. I was away for a trainin’ session in New York, but the Team Manager still knew what was goin’ on. Seemed the draft team didn’t like all the rules that they had been given. Thought that I should be replaced. Felt they could get a better coach to take them through to the championships. The Manager was livid after that one. That’s why we had to let them all go after the first half season.
It was a good thing that we had you younger fellas practicin’ away on the farm team. We raised you up and brought you into the game. We built a whole new team from the ground up – started you out “on the shoulders of those who had gone before”. We raised you up a little differently, got you pretty much in-line with where we saw the team goin’, once we got the team rules straightened out, that is. Then, after we got our home arena built, that helped a bit too, ‘cuz at least you knew where your home ground was. Even so, after startin’ out on the second half season tour, you had your moments. I recall that at one point you thought we should send out some “scouts” to find out what the other teams were like – check their strategies, learn how to manipulate them so we could win. Remember when they came back. All those pictures of the trophies those other teams had won. Remember how you all thought they looked like Olympian champions? You bunch started whinin’ like a bunch of little school girls. Only Calvin and Johansson stood strong. For their efforts they got promoted to Team Captain and Deputy Coach.
And that General Manager, what a guy. He has worked miracles for us, eh? He is the only one who truly knows the opposition – what we are up against, and He’s the only one with a good overall plan. He not only knows the “enemy”, but He knows each one of you, too. He knows what makes you tick. He knows your strengths and your weaknesses and he has used that knowledge to get you lot this far. He’s been workin’ wonders behind the scenes to make sure you are ready. He brought about a miracle – no He’s brought about a whole STRING of miracles – to make sure you got to this point in your lives. There ain’t nobody like Him, you guys. He really deserves koodo’s for what he’s done, and I want you to be thinkin’ about all that He has done for you when you’re out there tonight. These last few games which we’ve won, He made that happen. Sure, He’s been pullin’ strings for you guys. But here’s the bad news, you lot. All of a sudden, there’s been a gag order put on our General Manager. He can’t be down here with you ‘in person’ any more. No more travellin’ on the team bus with us, no more comin’ into the locker room and givin’ us inside tips, or takin’ a strip off yer hides. No more visits in the Team boxes either, whisperin’ tips into yer ears just before you go out to “do battle”. Those days are finished! From now on, you’ve got to play without the special help. Oh, make no mistake, He still cares, and He’ll still be watchin’, but now he’s got to do it from the company’s 500 level “luxury suite”, way up on high. He’ll be watchin’ every move you make from now on, and sure, you can call Him for advice, but He can’t just “make it all easy” for you any more. But hey! This is what we’ve been workin’ toward throughout your whole career, right?
This is it, then kids, This is the big game – the game we’ve all been workin’ toward. Oh, and I almost forgot to tell you…. I won’t be with you either….. Naw! [Oh come on, don’t look so shocked! You knew this was comin’ from the day I tried to melt the second batch of snow for you to get more water.] Yeah, the Team Manager’s had it in for me ever since. But you’re gonna be in good hands anyway. Deputy Coach Johansson is takin’ over, and he’s every bit as good as me, and this is his specialty – Big Games with High Stakes.
So there you go, guys. This is the Game. The Time is Now. The Prize is yours for the takin’. You Get out there and Get It!..... Yeah! I’ll see ya around.
* * *
The “Coach” was a big guy, but that isn’t why the team, and the fans, looked up to him. He had actually turned the little team around and helped them bring home several trophies. But it hadn’t been easy.
Right now, he was in the dressing room with the team. It was right before the biggest game of their corporate career, and he was dead serious with the players.
“OK you guys,” he was proclaiming, “you’ve come a long way. I‘m pretty proud of you all. It hasn’t been easy. We built this team up pretty much from nothin’ and that always takes some time. As you know, the draft team wasn’t quite up to snuff – seems they just couldn’t catch the vision. I know it was a pretty hard ½ season – bein’ on the road for all our games. Remember that time in Montreal, in the dead of winter, when they weren’t happy with the food at the hotel – I know. One can only take so much poutine, and they all cried out for Pizza, but the team manager came through for them, didn’t He? “All the Pizza they could eat for under a buck.” Obviously He cared about that bunch.
Then there was that one arena up north where there was no bottled water for the dressing rooms nor the team boxes. Yeah, that was pretty tough! But again the Team Manager came through. Had me go out and strike a match to a big stove, melt a truck-load of snow and bring it in for everybody to have a drink. Still they complained. I’ll never forget when the team banded together and tried to bring in a union. I was away for a trainin’ session in New York, but the Team Manager still knew what was goin’ on. Seemed the draft team didn’t like all the rules that they had been given. Thought that I should be replaced. Felt they could get a better coach to take them through to the championships. The Manager was livid after that one. That’s why we had to let them all go after the first half season.
It was a good thing that we had you younger fellas practicin’ away on the farm team. We raised you up and brought you into the game. We built a whole new team from the ground up – started you out “on the shoulders of those who had gone before”. We raised you up a little differently, got you pretty much in-line with where we saw the team goin’, once we got the team rules straightened out, that is. Then, after we got our home arena built, that helped a bit too, ‘cuz at least you knew where your home ground was. Even so, after startin’ out on the second half season tour, you had your moments. I recall that at one point you thought we should send out some “scouts” to find out what the other teams were like – check their strategies, learn how to manipulate them so we could win. Remember when they came back. All those pictures of the trophies those other teams had won. Remember how you all thought they looked like Olympian champions? You bunch started whinin’ like a bunch of little school girls. Only Calvin and Johansson stood strong. For their efforts they got promoted to Team Captain and Deputy Coach.
And that General Manager, what a guy. He has worked miracles for us, eh? He is the only one who truly knows the opposition – what we are up against, and He’s the only one with a good overall plan. He not only knows the “enemy”, but He knows each one of you, too. He knows what makes you tick. He knows your strengths and your weaknesses and he has used that knowledge to get you lot this far. He’s been workin’ wonders behind the scenes to make sure you are ready. He brought about a miracle – no He’s brought about a whole STRING of miracles – to make sure you got to this point in your lives. There ain’t nobody like Him, you guys. He really deserves koodo’s for what he’s done, and I want you to be thinkin’ about all that He has done for you when you’re out there tonight. These last few games which we’ve won, He made that happen. Sure, He’s been pullin’ strings for you guys. But here’s the bad news, you lot. All of a sudden, there’s been a gag order put on our General Manager. He can’t be down here with you ‘in person’ any more. No more travellin’ on the team bus with us, no more comin’ into the locker room and givin’ us inside tips, or takin’ a strip off yer hides. No more visits in the Team boxes either, whisperin’ tips into yer ears just before you go out to “do battle”. Those days are finished! From now on, you’ve got to play without the special help. Oh, make no mistake, He still cares, and He’ll still be watchin’, but now he’s got to do it from the company’s 500 level “luxury suite”, way up on high. He’ll be watchin’ every move you make from now on, and sure, you can call Him for advice, but He can’t just “make it all easy” for you any more. But hey! This is what we’ve been workin’ toward throughout your whole career, right?
This is it, then kids, This is the big game – the game we’ve all been workin’ toward. Oh, and I almost forgot to tell you…. I won’t be with you either….. Naw! [Oh come on, don’t look so shocked! You knew this was comin’ from the day I tried to melt the second batch of snow for you to get more water.] Yeah, the Team Manager’s had it in for me ever since. But you’re gonna be in good hands anyway. Deputy Coach Johansson is takin’ over, and he’s every bit as good as me, and this is his specialty – Big Games with High Stakes.
So there you go, guys. This is the Game. The Time is Now. The Prize is yours for the takin’. You Get out there and Get It!..... Yeah! I’ll see ya around.
* * *
As the book of D’varim opens, it is the first day of Sh’vat, the eleventh month, in the fortieth year since the Israelites left Egypt. The battles involving Sihon and Og are finished, and B'nei Yisra'el has taken the Lord’s vengeance upon Midyan. The camp is established at Avel haShittim on the East side of the Jordan River, opposite Yericho at the north end of the Dead Sea. It’s extremities stretched as far as Beth-HaYeshimot we are told in Parsha Masei, though there seems to be no trace of this location in modern times. A camp this size however could easily stretch 10 or more Km and cover as much as 100 square Km. The people are poised to enter into the Promised Land; they just are waiting for a word from the Lord.
Our Parsha for this week, and the Book of D’varim (Words) opens with a sentence the like of which we have not seen or heard so far: “These are the WORDS that Moshé spoke to all Isra’el on the far side of the Yarden River…” Furthermore, in place of the usual “Adonai (HaShem) spoke to Moshé, saying” we have three further examples of a new trend for the Book of D’varim; namely these opening words: “Adonai said to me,” (See 1:42; 2:9 and 3:2) This is an indication of a new approach. It is generally stated unequivocally that Adonai had given Moshé all the laws and instructions while they conversed atop Har Sinai. In some cases these words were passed on to the intended ‘audience’, whether Aharon and his sons, or the leadership of the Israelite tribes, or the entire congregation of B'nei Yisra'el. To introduce these sayings, and to lend credence to them, Moshé would write: “Adonai spoke to Moshé, saying…” using the “third person” to refer to himself. With the change to this new ‘book’, it seems that Adonai is still speaking directly to Moshé, but that now Moshé is relating them, in the “first person”, and doing so sometime after Adonai has given Moshé the word. In a sense then, D’varim relates partly what Moshé remembers Adonai speaking and further, these words have been interpreted by Moshé, as if to say “Here is what Adonai told me to tell you, and Here is what these words mean for us now.”
In that sense, then, D’varim is ‘technically’, the first example of the Oral Law passed on to the Israelites. After delivering these interpretations, Moshé would then make notes, passing the Oral Law into the written Law of Torah. (SEASC pg938) For this reason, Moshé is seen both as Prophet to the nation as well “Rabbaynu” (Our Teacher). [In a similar vein, those familiar with the Gospel of Yochanan, will recall Miryam’s words when, on the morning of the Resurrection, she recognizes Y’shua’s voice and words in the Garden, and refers to Him as “Rabbani”, meaning “My Teacher”.]
As such, (as “Rabbaynu”), the role of Moshé has changed. Although in line with the words given by Elohim, Moshé is now embellishing the message, for he has a new purpose, and a limited time to fulfill it, for he knows his time is limited. Now, like a terminal patient leaving his “Last Words”, Moshé is preparing the people for a great change in their lives. I recall a little, almost insignificant event which took place many years ago, in the autumn of 1975, to be exact. My “in-laws” were getting ready to head south to Florida for the winter. My father-in-law and I were checking out the furnace in the house which we had purchased from them earlier. It was an old monster of a thing, resembling more an octopus than a furnace. It was originally coal-fired, then it was switched to Oil. Finally, we had made the switch to Natural Gas… but the furnace had stayed the same throughout. My father-in-law was pointing out some intricacies about how it operated. I listened, but not intently. I was young and stubborn, and I figured it wouldn’t matter because I could always phone ‘dad’ to get more information, or wait until he came home in the spring. My father-in-law died that January, in Florida. To this day, though the house is long gone, I still wish I had listened more carefully. My father-in-law, perhaps out of wisdom, perhaps out of divine insight, was trying to prepare me for a big change coming “down the road”. I wonder if the people of Isra’el ever wished they had listened more attentively to these last words of Moshé. [Of course, they did have them written down as well, so perhaps not.]
Our Parsha for this week, and the Book of D’varim (Words) opens with a sentence the like of which we have not seen or heard so far: “These are the WORDS that Moshé spoke to all Isra’el on the far side of the Yarden River…” Furthermore, in place of the usual “Adonai (HaShem) spoke to Moshé, saying” we have three further examples of a new trend for the Book of D’varim; namely these opening words: “Adonai said to me,” (See 1:42; 2:9 and 3:2) This is an indication of a new approach. It is generally stated unequivocally that Adonai had given Moshé all the laws and instructions while they conversed atop Har Sinai. In some cases these words were passed on to the intended ‘audience’, whether Aharon and his sons, or the leadership of the Israelite tribes, or the entire congregation of B'nei Yisra'el. To introduce these sayings, and to lend credence to them, Moshé would write: “Adonai spoke to Moshé, saying…” using the “third person” to refer to himself. With the change to this new ‘book’, it seems that Adonai is still speaking directly to Moshé, but that now Moshé is relating them, in the “first person”, and doing so sometime after Adonai has given Moshé the word. In a sense then, D’varim relates partly what Moshé remembers Adonai speaking and further, these words have been interpreted by Moshé, as if to say “Here is what Adonai told me to tell you, and Here is what these words mean for us now.”
In that sense, then, D’varim is ‘technically’, the first example of the Oral Law passed on to the Israelites. After delivering these interpretations, Moshé would then make notes, passing the Oral Law into the written Law of Torah. (SEASC pg938) For this reason, Moshé is seen both as Prophet to the nation as well “Rabbaynu” (Our Teacher). [In a similar vein, those familiar with the Gospel of Yochanan, will recall Miryam’s words when, on the morning of the Resurrection, she recognizes Y’shua’s voice and words in the Garden, and refers to Him as “Rabbani”, meaning “My Teacher”.]
As such, (as “Rabbaynu”), the role of Moshé has changed. Although in line with the words given by Elohim, Moshé is now embellishing the message, for he has a new purpose, and a limited time to fulfill it, for he knows his time is limited. Now, like a terminal patient leaving his “Last Words”, Moshé is preparing the people for a great change in their lives. I recall a little, almost insignificant event which took place many years ago, in the autumn of 1975, to be exact. My “in-laws” were getting ready to head south to Florida for the winter. My father-in-law and I were checking out the furnace in the house which we had purchased from them earlier. It was an old monster of a thing, resembling more an octopus than a furnace. It was originally coal-fired, then it was switched to Oil. Finally, we had made the switch to Natural Gas… but the furnace had stayed the same throughout. My father-in-law was pointing out some intricacies about how it operated. I listened, but not intently. I was young and stubborn, and I figured it wouldn’t matter because I could always phone ‘dad’ to get more information, or wait until he came home in the spring. My father-in-law died that January, in Florida. To this day, though the house is long gone, I still wish I had listened more carefully. My father-in-law, perhaps out of wisdom, perhaps out of divine insight, was trying to prepare me for a big change coming “down the road”. I wonder if the people of Isra’el ever wished they had listened more attentively to these last words of Moshé. [Of course, they did have them written down as well, so perhaps not.]
This is the interior of the Sukkah in which we would gather during sukkot for meals, services and teachings, contemplations and other activities related to the Festival.
These last “Teachings” of Moshé were delivered to B'nei Yisra'el during the last 5 weeks of Moshé’s life. Like the coach we ‘met’ earlier, Moshé is taking the people back through the last forty years. [See End Note #1 – Forty Years] In the process he reminds them of the highlights and the lo-lights of that time which was spent in the nearer presence of Elohim. Recall that the Festival of Sukkot, the third of the Fall Moedim, just explained in chapter 29 verse 12 and following, was given to remind the nation that Elohim “dwelt amongst” them, while they sojourned in the wilderness. Moshé brings to mind the many times that Elohim had to intervene to bring the people back from the brink of disaster – sometimes using drastic measures to “get their attention”. Without pummeling the people too hard, Moshé also lists off the many times that B'nei Yisra'el had failed in their calling to be (or to become) the People of Elohim. He brings up their faults, their quarreling, gossiping, and back-biting ways. Moshé recounts the many struggles they went through. He also gets his own little ‘digs’ in at the people as he tells them that Elohim was angry with him, because of them, because of their behaviour. (see 1:36 and 3:26) Using the names of some particular places, he speaks in a code which would trigger their memories – complaints about water, food, meat, the heavenly manna. He reminds them of the sin of creating the Golden Bull idol and the price which the group paid for that fiasco. By just mentioning “Kadesh”, the people are reminded of their lack of faith in Elohim, and their sinful desire to send spies into the land, and then their having reacted to the weakness of the ten fear-filled reports, rejecting the words of hope from Calev and Y’hoshua. [See End Note #2 – Doomed] As he draws to a close, he points out that the men especially are weak for they allowed the sin of idol worship a second time because of being lured away from Elohim by their lustful desires for the Midyani women. He as much as says to them that: “I know you think you are strong, and that you can handle whatever comes your way, but I just remind you of the Golden Bull and the spies and the Midyani women and of your infidelity… and frankly, nothing that I have seen has changed.”
But Moshé isn’t all “negative waves”. Moshé points out that the people have accepted the concept of the Shoftim, the judges, in settling internal disputes. He reminds them that they have been obedient in following the signs which Elohim provided, to move on, or to stop and camp. He commends them because they have done well in battle. Their every foe has been vanquished and they are now feared through out the Middle East as a strong and victorious nation who has Elohim’s protection over them. Then he goes on to point out once again, that it was, in truth, Elohim who brought about those victories, and that it was only while they were strong in their faith that they were equally strong in battle. Moshé will, in fact, remind B'nei Yisra'el over and over again, as will Y’hoshua later on, to serve the Lord Adonai, and him only, for if they wane in that policy, they will fail miserably.
Moshé’s purpose in all this is actually three fold. First he desires that the people of Isra’el will clearly see and understand that Elohim has been with them through thick and thin from the beginning. That it is He [Elohim] that has been faithful throughout and that, it is only by the Grace of El Shaddai (God Almighty) that they have made it this far, and will eventually make it into the promised land.
But Moshé isn’t all “negative waves”. Moshé points out that the people have accepted the concept of the Shoftim, the judges, in settling internal disputes. He reminds them that they have been obedient in following the signs which Elohim provided, to move on, or to stop and camp. He commends them because they have done well in battle. Their every foe has been vanquished and they are now feared through out the Middle East as a strong and victorious nation who has Elohim’s protection over them. Then he goes on to point out once again, that it was, in truth, Elohim who brought about those victories, and that it was only while they were strong in their faith that they were equally strong in battle. Moshé will, in fact, remind B'nei Yisra'el over and over again, as will Y’hoshua later on, to serve the Lord Adonai, and him only, for if they wane in that policy, they will fail miserably.
Moshé’s purpose in all this is actually three fold. First he desires that the people of Isra’el will clearly see and understand that Elohim has been with them through thick and thin from the beginning. That it is He [Elohim] that has been faithful throughout and that, it is only by the Grace of El Shaddai (God Almighty) that they have made it this far, and will eventually make it into the promised land.
Second, He will, in the upcoming Parshiot, be calling them back to the Laws which Elohim gave them atop Har Sinai. Not just the Ten Words with which they are greatly familiar – those written in stone, those Laws which will continue to assist them in the on-going battle of forging a great nation under Heaven, but the other laws which will keep them safe, which will provide a basis for the legal systems they will create in the future, which will remind them that, even months, years, centuries later, Elohim is close at hand and has certain expectations for those who call Him Lord. These are the Laws which Isra’el has struggled to learn and observe for the past 38 years in the dessert – even while Elohim walked amongst them. While they were still the generation which ‘received’ the Law – first hand. What will come of those who weren’t alive when the Law was given – how will they learn about the ways of Elohim? Moshé will soon give advice about this and he will also establish for B'nei Yisra'el the very first creedal statement, called “The Shemmah”.
Third, Moshé knows he is going to be staying behind in Mo’av. He also has been told that Elohim’s presence will not be the same once the nation crosses over the Yarden River. The Rock which carried the water for the people disappeared after Miryam’s death at Kadesh Barnea. The pillar of cloud and fire took leave at Mount Hor, with the death of Aharon. Now, the “nearer Presence” of God would also depart when Moshé dies on Har N’vo. (Mount Nebo).
In order for the people to succeed, they will need some additional Laws which are adapted to life in the New Land. When Elohim is no longer physically amongst them, how will the people make decisions which are Godly in nature? Further more, there will be immense pressure from those people already in the land, the pagan Keni, the K’nizi, the Kadmoni, the Hitti, the P’rizi and the Refa’im. (the Kenite, the Kenizzite, the Kadmonite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, and the Rephaim; and of course, the Emori, the Kena’ani, the Girgashi and Y’vusi. (the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Girgashite and the Jebusite). (see B’resheet 15:19-20) These are the people the army of Isra’el will have to do battle against. Their time has come to an end. As Elohim said to Avram: “…only then will the Emori be ripe for punishment” (B’resheet 15:16) As one commentator has noted: “To stress these Laws and values, and to exhort Isra’el to be strong was the function of D’varim, its Laws and Moshé’s Appeals”. (SEASC pg 938)
Many people, including myself (for many years), have treated The Book of D’varim as a simple review of the previous forty years. To do so misses the whole point of the book. English versions of the Torah, such as the NASV and NIV indicate that the Book is named “Deuteronomy” (Deutero-nomy – “Second Law”) meaning “ Copy or Repetition of the Law” from the phrase in 17:18 “When he (the King) [which the people would eventually demand for Isra’el], has come to occupy the throne of his kingdom, he is to write a copy of this Torah for himself in a scroll…”. The NIV Study Bible points out that this is “a mistranslation in the Greek Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate” however, clearly the title has stuck. With us through the centuries. But this concept of a copy, or a repetition, has contributed to the short-sighted view that the book is a simple review of events and the Law, without seeing the deeper purpose behind the book.
Yes there is an element of “review” which Moshé uses to remind the people, as I have stated, of their past, but the clearer sense of the book is to prepare them for what lies ahead. The Law, found in Sh’mot and repeated in D’varim is not complete however. As indicated above, there is an additional seventy laws which are given to and directed at B'nei Yisra'el strictly to assist in their living righteously once they are in the Promised Land. To sum up then, The Book of D’varim does not just look backward, it is not just accusatory of past failures, it is not just a “copy” of the Law…. It is an exhortation to a group of fearful but stalwart travellers who are embarking on an entirely new segment of their lives. To paraphrase from possibly one of the best known Title Sequences on Television: “The Promised Land: The final frontier. These are the journeys of the B'nei Yisra'el. Their ongoing mission: to explore strange new lands, to seek out life and new civilizations, to go where no man has gone before…” [Well, except for the last part anyway, for certainly men had travelled here before]
To reflect on this initial Parsha of the last Book of the Torah is to consider just what Moshé is trying to get the people to do. I believe it behooves us, each and everyone, to look back over our lives at various and regular intervals. In a small sense, we do this at “New Year’s” as we decide to make some changes, to overcome short-comings from last year and make them better in the new one. We also reflect on our lives at major passages such as birthday celebrations that coincide with even numbers – such as every five or ten years. One of the greatest motivations for such reflection comes with the revelation of a serious health issue – a heart attack, or other brush with death; the revelation of terminal cancer, or the loss of a loved one, or even a near death experience by way of an accident while travelling.
Take a moment now, and try to capture how Moshé is reaching out to the people under his guidance. Just consider even the last ten years. Where, ten years ago, did you see yourself being now? In the same career? In the same house? Or did you have plans to progress “up the ladder”? Or had you planned to retire and live a life of Riley? What happened? Were you successful in achieving your goals? If not, Why not? What came along to force a change? Are you in a better place now than you thought you would be? Or maybe not so much? How would you change what you did (or did not do)? How do you feel about ‘where’ you are now?
At the same time, I think it is also prudent to look forward. Suppose you were at a fork in the roadway of life right now, today. Where do you want to be five years from now?, ten years from now? What new thinking do you have to establish in order to achieve these goals? What changes are required? What Battles will be fought? In short, where are you going and how will you get there?
Third, Moshé knows he is going to be staying behind in Mo’av. He also has been told that Elohim’s presence will not be the same once the nation crosses over the Yarden River. The Rock which carried the water for the people disappeared after Miryam’s death at Kadesh Barnea. The pillar of cloud and fire took leave at Mount Hor, with the death of Aharon. Now, the “nearer Presence” of God would also depart when Moshé dies on Har N’vo. (Mount Nebo).
In order for the people to succeed, they will need some additional Laws which are adapted to life in the New Land. When Elohim is no longer physically amongst them, how will the people make decisions which are Godly in nature? Further more, there will be immense pressure from those people already in the land, the pagan Keni, the K’nizi, the Kadmoni, the Hitti, the P’rizi and the Refa’im. (the Kenite, the Kenizzite, the Kadmonite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, and the Rephaim; and of course, the Emori, the Kena’ani, the Girgashi and Y’vusi. (the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Girgashite and the Jebusite). (see B’resheet 15:19-20) These are the people the army of Isra’el will have to do battle against. Their time has come to an end. As Elohim said to Avram: “…only then will the Emori be ripe for punishment” (B’resheet 15:16) As one commentator has noted: “To stress these Laws and values, and to exhort Isra’el to be strong was the function of D’varim, its Laws and Moshé’s Appeals”. (SEASC pg 938)
Many people, including myself (for many years), have treated The Book of D’varim as a simple review of the previous forty years. To do so misses the whole point of the book. English versions of the Torah, such as the NASV and NIV indicate that the Book is named “Deuteronomy” (Deutero-nomy – “Second Law”) meaning “ Copy or Repetition of the Law” from the phrase in 17:18 “When he (the King) [which the people would eventually demand for Isra’el], has come to occupy the throne of his kingdom, he is to write a copy of this Torah for himself in a scroll…”. The NIV Study Bible points out that this is “a mistranslation in the Greek Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate” however, clearly the title has stuck. With us through the centuries. But this concept of a copy, or a repetition, has contributed to the short-sighted view that the book is a simple review of events and the Law, without seeing the deeper purpose behind the book.
Yes there is an element of “review” which Moshé uses to remind the people, as I have stated, of their past, but the clearer sense of the book is to prepare them for what lies ahead. The Law, found in Sh’mot and repeated in D’varim is not complete however. As indicated above, there is an additional seventy laws which are given to and directed at B'nei Yisra'el strictly to assist in their living righteously once they are in the Promised Land. To sum up then, The Book of D’varim does not just look backward, it is not just accusatory of past failures, it is not just a “copy” of the Law…. It is an exhortation to a group of fearful but stalwart travellers who are embarking on an entirely new segment of their lives. To paraphrase from possibly one of the best known Title Sequences on Television: “The Promised Land: The final frontier. These are the journeys of the B'nei Yisra'el. Their ongoing mission: to explore strange new lands, to seek out life and new civilizations, to go where no man has gone before…” [Well, except for the last part anyway, for certainly men had travelled here before]
To reflect on this initial Parsha of the last Book of the Torah is to consider just what Moshé is trying to get the people to do. I believe it behooves us, each and everyone, to look back over our lives at various and regular intervals. In a small sense, we do this at “New Year’s” as we decide to make some changes, to overcome short-comings from last year and make them better in the new one. We also reflect on our lives at major passages such as birthday celebrations that coincide with even numbers – such as every five or ten years. One of the greatest motivations for such reflection comes with the revelation of a serious health issue – a heart attack, or other brush with death; the revelation of terminal cancer, or the loss of a loved one, or even a near death experience by way of an accident while travelling.
Take a moment now, and try to capture how Moshé is reaching out to the people under his guidance. Just consider even the last ten years. Where, ten years ago, did you see yourself being now? In the same career? In the same house? Or did you have plans to progress “up the ladder”? Or had you planned to retire and live a life of Riley? What happened? Were you successful in achieving your goals? If not, Why not? What came along to force a change? Are you in a better place now than you thought you would be? Or maybe not so much? How would you change what you did (or did not do)? How do you feel about ‘where’ you are now?
At the same time, I think it is also prudent to look forward. Suppose you were at a fork in the roadway of life right now, today. Where do you want to be five years from now?, ten years from now? What new thinking do you have to establish in order to achieve these goals? What changes are required? What Battles will be fought? In short, where are you going and how will you get there?
Parsha D’varim has much to teach us. Looking back, seeing our strengths and weaknesses. Looking forward, taking note of our challenges, making course corrections, knowing our strengths, and the weaknesses of our “enemies” (even those within) helps to keep us on the straight and narrow.
But make no mistake about it. Until we temper our own desires with the direction that Adonai has in mind for us, until we make the course corrections that He sets out before us, we will not be happy. Thus, hear this – In our recalling, in our dreaming – let us be mindful of how Elohim has been, is and will be active in all that we do. Only down that road will we find “true Shalom”.
Shavua Tov!! - Have a Great Week!!
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But make no mistake about it. Until we temper our own desires with the direction that Adonai has in mind for us, until we make the course corrections that He sets out before us, we will not be happy. Thus, hear this – In our recalling, in our dreaming – let us be mindful of how Elohim has been, is and will be active in all that we do. Only down that road will we find “true Shalom”.
Shavua Tov!! - Have a Great Week!!
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End Notes:
1 Every reader of the Torah knows that the wilderness experience of B'nei Yisra'el lasted forty years. Even allowing for the journey to Sinai and the ‘resting there’ for almost two years while Elohim revealed his will to Moshé and the Hebrew people, the journey should not have taken so long. After Sinai, the people had shown their willingness to forge ahead. The journey from Sinai to Kadesh Barnea should have taken eleven days. Adonai, in his concern to get them to the Promised Land quickly and safely, brought them to Kadesh in just 3 days travelling. (SEASC Page 939) Likewise, the journey from Kadesh to Mo’av and into the Promised Land should have been quick as well. Instead it took 38 years, half of which was spent “stuck” at Kadesh itself. Why? What caused the delay so that 40 years was lost? We know, from Scripture, that it was at Kadesh Barnea that the people tried to take things into their own hands. They sent spies into the land, then sinned against Elohim further by not trusting Him to bring them safely to the land promised to Avram. So it was their sin of mistrust that led to the delay!
Well, yes and no! God knew it would take 40 years, long before they set out, I am sure. He foresaw the sins of B'nei Yisra'el – every one of them, and I believe He ‘allowed’ for them. Forty years? Let’s see? How long did the rains and flooding continue in the story of Noah? How long did Moshé live in Midyan before being called into service to bring Isra’el out of Egypt? How long did Moshé remain on Sinai’s peak communing with God? How old was Moshé when he died? How long were the spies in Yisra’el seeking their knowledge? How long did Elohim twice allow the land to ‘rest” in the book of Judges? (5:31 and 8:28) How long did Eli hold the position of Judge over Isra’el? How long, in total, did King David reign? How many days did Elohim give Nineveh to repent? For how long was Y’shua tempted in the wilderness and how long did He spend teaching his Talmidim the last minute items they would need to carry on His mission (from Resurrection to Ascension)? And finally, approximately how many weeks is a human pregnancy?
Now, ask yourself – what do these things (and other Biblical examples, too) have in common? The significance of the number 40 in Scripture is that it always indicates a time of Judgement, or more importantly – a time of Testing and Preparation. In Isra’el’s case, just a baby in gestation, God knew it would require 40 years to bring B'nei Yisra'el to be the united, obedient, and righteous people they were being called to be. The spies were just the trigger issue – if there hadn’t been the spy fiasco, I feel certain Elohim would have found another reason to give the people the time they needed to become the children (the people) He desired them to be. And notice the correlation between Moshé’s spending time with B'nei Yisra'el to instruct them, and Y’shua being with His talmidim an “extra” forty days, before they too, set out into ‘uncharted’ territory. Why Forty? Because Elohim planned it that way.
2 Sforno and others note that the whole episode of the spies was doomed from the outset. They point to the manner in which the request was brought to Moshé. One commentator reports that the word “Belevim” (“All of you” in 1:20) indicates an unruly mob approaching Moshé. “In this word, the Sages find a key to the disastrous outcome of the mission. The people approached Moshé in a disorderly , disrespectful manner, with young people pushing ahead of elders and older people pushing ahead of leaders…. When there is no respect, the approach must be suspect.” Alternatively, Sforno adds: “Such an important proposal should have been put forward by the leaders, not as a raucous, mass demand.”
In examining the request closely we see two levels at work. On the one plane, it could have been a logical request, based on the simple desire to learn more knowledge of the ‘enemy’. This could have assisted in the creation of plans for the invasion. On a deeper level however, it could (And I believe did / does) show a complete lack of trust in Elohim. The information which the spies would bring back would be used to strategize the attack against the Emori and the Kena’ani etc. In other words, the people were trying to “birth a Yishma’el” by taking the matter into their own hands. Those demanding this action go back in their thoughts to the loss of so many ‘neighbours’ following the Golden Bull incident, and spread the rumour that Elohim hates B'nei Yisra'el and that He couldn’t be trusted to help them.
This could be born out in the phrase found in verse 40: “Turn yourselves around” – which also has two levels to it. Physically, it clearly instructs the people to make a course alteration, to head back toward the west and try a different approach. On a psychological level however, it could also indicate that the people had to change their ways of thinking to agree with what Elohim is telling them, “Turn yourselves around, make a change of mind, a change of attitude about My relationship with you. Snap out of the “stinkin’ thinkin’” that these ne’er-do-wells have implanted, and think in a more righteous manner.”
I know that sometimes we are tested to prove our faithfulness to Adonai. Sometimes all He really wants from us to simply “Trust and obey” His directions. When we can keep our eyes and mind on Him, on what He wishes to accomplish through us, then we won’t get side-tracked, falling into lack of faith, and trying to do things “our way”. As the song’s chorus puts it: “Trust and Obey, for there’s no other way,…”
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1 Every reader of the Torah knows that the wilderness experience of B'nei Yisra'el lasted forty years. Even allowing for the journey to Sinai and the ‘resting there’ for almost two years while Elohim revealed his will to Moshé and the Hebrew people, the journey should not have taken so long. After Sinai, the people had shown their willingness to forge ahead. The journey from Sinai to Kadesh Barnea should have taken eleven days. Adonai, in his concern to get them to the Promised Land quickly and safely, brought them to Kadesh in just 3 days travelling. (SEASC Page 939) Likewise, the journey from Kadesh to Mo’av and into the Promised Land should have been quick as well. Instead it took 38 years, half of which was spent “stuck” at Kadesh itself. Why? What caused the delay so that 40 years was lost? We know, from Scripture, that it was at Kadesh Barnea that the people tried to take things into their own hands. They sent spies into the land, then sinned against Elohim further by not trusting Him to bring them safely to the land promised to Avram. So it was their sin of mistrust that led to the delay!
Well, yes and no! God knew it would take 40 years, long before they set out, I am sure. He foresaw the sins of B'nei Yisra'el – every one of them, and I believe He ‘allowed’ for them. Forty years? Let’s see? How long did the rains and flooding continue in the story of Noah? How long did Moshé live in Midyan before being called into service to bring Isra’el out of Egypt? How long did Moshé remain on Sinai’s peak communing with God? How old was Moshé when he died? How long were the spies in Yisra’el seeking their knowledge? How long did Elohim twice allow the land to ‘rest” in the book of Judges? (5:31 and 8:28) How long did Eli hold the position of Judge over Isra’el? How long, in total, did King David reign? How many days did Elohim give Nineveh to repent? For how long was Y’shua tempted in the wilderness and how long did He spend teaching his Talmidim the last minute items they would need to carry on His mission (from Resurrection to Ascension)? And finally, approximately how many weeks is a human pregnancy?
Now, ask yourself – what do these things (and other Biblical examples, too) have in common? The significance of the number 40 in Scripture is that it always indicates a time of Judgement, or more importantly – a time of Testing and Preparation. In Isra’el’s case, just a baby in gestation, God knew it would require 40 years to bring B'nei Yisra'el to be the united, obedient, and righteous people they were being called to be. The spies were just the trigger issue – if there hadn’t been the spy fiasco, I feel certain Elohim would have found another reason to give the people the time they needed to become the children (the people) He desired them to be. And notice the correlation between Moshé’s spending time with B'nei Yisra'el to instruct them, and Y’shua being with His talmidim an “extra” forty days, before they too, set out into ‘uncharted’ territory. Why Forty? Because Elohim planned it that way.
2 Sforno and others note that the whole episode of the spies was doomed from the outset. They point to the manner in which the request was brought to Moshé. One commentator reports that the word “Belevim” (“All of you” in 1:20) indicates an unruly mob approaching Moshé. “In this word, the Sages find a key to the disastrous outcome of the mission. The people approached Moshé in a disorderly , disrespectful manner, with young people pushing ahead of elders and older people pushing ahead of leaders…. When there is no respect, the approach must be suspect.” Alternatively, Sforno adds: “Such an important proposal should have been put forward by the leaders, not as a raucous, mass demand.”
In examining the request closely we see two levels at work. On the one plane, it could have been a logical request, based on the simple desire to learn more knowledge of the ‘enemy’. This could have assisted in the creation of plans for the invasion. On a deeper level however, it could (And I believe did / does) show a complete lack of trust in Elohim. The information which the spies would bring back would be used to strategize the attack against the Emori and the Kena’ani etc. In other words, the people were trying to “birth a Yishma’el” by taking the matter into their own hands. Those demanding this action go back in their thoughts to the loss of so many ‘neighbours’ following the Golden Bull incident, and spread the rumour that Elohim hates B'nei Yisra'el and that He couldn’t be trusted to help them.
This could be born out in the phrase found in verse 40: “Turn yourselves around” – which also has two levels to it. Physically, it clearly instructs the people to make a course alteration, to head back toward the west and try a different approach. On a psychological level however, it could also indicate that the people had to change their ways of thinking to agree with what Elohim is telling them, “Turn yourselves around, make a change of mind, a change of attitude about My relationship with you. Snap out of the “stinkin’ thinkin’” that these ne’er-do-wells have implanted, and think in a more righteous manner.”
I know that sometimes we are tested to prove our faithfulness to Adonai. Sometimes all He really wants from us to simply “Trust and obey” His directions. When we can keep our eyes and mind on Him, on what He wishes to accomplish through us, then we won’t get side-tracked, falling into lack of faith, and trying to do things “our way”. As the song’s chorus puts it: “Trust and Obey, for there’s no other way,…”
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Acknowledgements – A General List
For these weekly reflections at least some of the following sources are used to resource basic and foundational information which augment’s the reflections offered.
Alexander, D and P, et al, The Eerdman’s Handbook to the Bible, William H. Eerdman Publishing, Grand Rapids, MI 1983
Ausubel, Nathan, The Book of Jewish Knowledge, Crown Publishers, New York, NY, 1970
Gehman, H. S. The New Westminster Dictionary of the Bible, Westminster Press, Philadelphia, PA 1970
Barker, Kenneth, General Editor, The New International Study Bible, (NIV) Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1985
Scherman, R. Nosson; and Zlotowitz, R. Meir; Editors, Stone Edition Art Scroll Chumash, (SEASC) Mesorah Heritage Foundation / Mesorah Publications, Ltd., Brooklyn, New York, 2008
Stern, David, The Complete Jewish Bible, (CJB) Jewish New Testament Publications Inc, Clarkville, Maryland. 1998
Zodiates, Spiros, Exec Editor, The Hebrew Greek Key Word Bible (New American Version Bible) (NASV) AMG Publishers, Chattanooga, TN 1977
Wikipedia and other Internet sources for background information and some images. Other images are from personal files.
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For these weekly reflections at least some of the following sources are used to resource basic and foundational information which augment’s the reflections offered.
Alexander, D and P, et al, The Eerdman’s Handbook to the Bible, William H. Eerdman Publishing, Grand Rapids, MI 1983
Ausubel, Nathan, The Book of Jewish Knowledge, Crown Publishers, New York, NY, 1970
Gehman, H. S. The New Westminster Dictionary of the Bible, Westminster Press, Philadelphia, PA 1970
Barker, Kenneth, General Editor, The New International Study Bible, (NIV) Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1985
Scherman, R. Nosson; and Zlotowitz, R. Meir; Editors, Stone Edition Art Scroll Chumash, (SEASC) Mesorah Heritage Foundation / Mesorah Publications, Ltd., Brooklyn, New York, 2008
Stern, David, The Complete Jewish Bible, (CJB) Jewish New Testament Publications Inc, Clarkville, Maryland. 1998
Zodiates, Spiros, Exec Editor, The Hebrew Greek Key Word Bible (New American Version Bible) (NASV) AMG Publishers, Chattanooga, TN 1977
Wikipedia and other Internet sources for background information and some images. Other images are from personal files.
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