Moses continues his closing address to the children of Israel, promising them that if they will fulfill the commandments of the Torah, they will prosper in the Land they are about to conquer and settle in keeping with יהוה’s promise to their forefathers. Deuteronomy 7:12 Wherefore, it shall come to pass if you will listen to את judgments (commands) and keep and do אתם them, יהוה …
Va’etchanan (I pleaded)
Deuteronomy 3:23 And I pleaded withיהוה at that time saying, 24 O Adonai יהוה, אתה You have begun to show את־ your servant את־ your great וְאת־ and mighty hand: What other god is there in heaven or in earth that can do your works and mighty deeds? C-MATS Question: What does “I pleaded” mean in verse 23? Prayer is …
Dvarim (Words)
Question: Why was Deuteronomy written? Deuteronomy is referred to as Mishneh Torah, which is commonly translated as “Repetition (or Review) of the Torah,” or as “Explanation of the Torah”. These are the final words of Moses emerging from his face to face friendship with יהוה. Moses could not have given this message on the day of their exodus. His knowledge …
MATOT (tribes)/ MASSEI (stages)
Moses describes the laws of oaths; the Israelites battle the Midianites; the tribes of Reuben and Gad request to dwell outside of the Land of Israel. Numbers 30:1 And Moses spoke to the heads of the tribes concerning the Children of Israel saying, This is what יהוה has commanded. 2 If a man makes a vow to יהוה or obligates …
Pinchas (Phinehas)
In this Torah portion, יהוה makes a covenant of peace with Phinehas and his descendants, orders a second census, settles questions about inheritance, appoints Joshua to succeed Moses and lists the sacrifices for the appointed times. Numbers 25:10 And יהוה spoke to Moses saying, 11 Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned away את־ …