
Deuteronomy 29:10 You stand this day before יהוה your Elohim; your captains of your tribes, your elders and your officers, and all the men of Israel. C-MATS
Question: What is important about the verse, “You stand this day before יהוה your Elohim?” You have provoked the Omnipresent to anger many times, yet He has not made an end to you. Instead you still exist before Him [“standing… before יהוה”]. יהוה has made light for you, and He will again make light for you in the future. And the curses and sufferings preserve you and enable you to stand before Him [the curses, by preventing you to stray from serving Him, and the sufferings, by cleansing you of your sins].
11 Your little ones, your wives, and your stranger that is in your camp, from the one who cuts your wood to the one who draws your water:
Question: What does this verse teach us? We are all equal in יהוה’s eyes-no matter what our position in life may be. Moses divided the people into categories to suggest that everyone is responsible according to how many others he or she can influence. Leaders may be able to affect masses of people; women, their immediate families and neighbors; children, only a few friends and classmates; common laborers, hardly anyone. יהוה does not demand more than is possible, but He is not satisfied with less (Or HaChaim).
Question: יהוה says that all people are equal in His eyes. יהוה judges us as we judge others. What do you think this means? Our attitude toward others is the measuring stick that יהוה uses to measure us and respond to our behavior. When we are forgiving to others even when they mess up, יהוה views us the same way and vice-versa.
Question: Is there anything that is ‘unforgivable?’ יהוה is the ultimate fair judge and sees to it that everyone eventually is rewarded for his good deeds, faces the consequences of his misdeeds and is compensated for his losses. Therefore, while we certainly are ethically allowed to prevent ourselves falling victim to other’s damaging behavior, we should adopt an attitude of forgiveness and leave the rest in יהוה‘s capable hands.