Parashah Devarim Comments 2021
Jewish people read a portion of the Torah (the Five Books of Moses) every week. Each portion—or parashah—is named by the first words of that portion. The five Books themselves also take their Hebrew names from their opening words. This week, in Hebrew schools, synagogues, temples, and yeshivot around the world, we begin the last of the Five Books: Devarim, meaning “the words.”
Why “Deuteronomy”—the Second Law?
When seventy Hebrew scholars translated the Older Testament (the Tenach) into Greek, they titled the Book “Deuteronomy”—from deutero (second) and nomos (law). The name fits: Deuteronomy is a covenant restatement and Moses’ final address before his death.
A New Generation on the Jordan
Why repeat the Torah? A new generation stands ready to enter the Land. Their fathers shrank back in unbelief, and that adult generation perished in the wilderness—Moses included. Now, beside the Jordan, Moses exhorts the children to recommit to the Torah and to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The Covenant Frame
God’s agreement with Israel follows a familiar ancient covenant form: identification of the parties, historical prologue, stipulations, and blessings and curses. This structure undergirds the Five Books and is preambled in this week’s portion.
Encouragement: “As the Stars of the Sky”
Moses also encourages the people, reminding them of God’s faithfulness:
Deuteronomy 1:10 — “The Lord your God has increased your numbers so that today you are as numerous as the stars in the sky.”
This echoes God’s promise to Abram:
Genesis 15:1–5 — After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” … Then he took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”
God doesn’t make promises He cannot or will not keep. The covenant promises life and prosperity for obedience—and sorrow and death for rebellion.
Brought Near in the Messiah
The Apostolic Writings carry the same heartbeat: those far off are brought near in Messiah Yeshua.
Ephesians 2:11–13 — “Therefore, keep in mind that once you—Gentiles in the flesh—… were separate from Messiah, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise… But now in Messiah Yeshua, you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of the Messiah.”
“The blood” is the life (nefesh)—as Torah says:
Leviticus 17:11, 14 — “For the life of a creature is in the blood… because the life of every creature is its blood.”
John proclaims that the Word was with God and was God—and became flesh (John 1:1, 14). Yeshua is the Living Word; His words and deeds are pure Torah embodied.
Tenach and Brit Chadashah: One Voice
Ironically, many Jewish readers study the Scriptures yet miss how vividly Yeshua is revealed there; many Christians read the Brit Chadashah yet miss the Torah’s foundational message—God’s call to turn from sin and follow Him. The prophets and writings keep us aligned with covenant stipulations, blessings, and warnings; the Gospels and letters amplify and clarify what God already revealed. Properly presented, Older and Newer Testaments fit like hand in glove.
Jordan River Parallels
Moses speaks repentance and deliverance on the Jordan’s banks. John the Immerser preaches in the same region, preparing the people for the Promised Land of forgiveness whose leader is Yeshua ben Yosef, Yeshua HaMashiach. As Moses hands authority to Joshua, Elijah passes mantle to Elisha near the Jordan, and John yields to Yeshua: “He must increase, I must decrease.”
“Seventy Tongues” and Shavuot
Jewish tradition says Moses spoke in “seventy tongues” (all languages), as did God at Sinai. In Acts, no legend—just fulfillment:
Acts 2:1–5 — “The festival of Shavu’ot arrived… Suddenly there came a sound from the sky like a violent wind… They were all filled with the Ruach HaKodesh and began to talk in different languages, as the Spirit enabled them.”
Shavuot (Weeks) falls fifty days after Passover; hence the Greek name Pentēkostē (Pentecost). Torah at Sinai and Gospel to the nations harmonize as one story.
“Do Not Be Afraid”
The covenant life is saturated with courage, not fear. From Abram onward, Scripture repeats this command—over 130 times.
Deuteronomy 3:21–22 — “Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God Himself will fight for you.”
John 12:15 — “Fear not, Daughter of Zion! Look! Your King is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt.”
Matthew 10:31 — “So do not fear; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
“Not Under Law”? The Heart of the Covenant
Some object: “We are not under the law.” But the covenant is not a works-based ladder to earn salvation. We love the Father because He first loved us, and we delight to please Him—just as children who honor their parents. Awe (yirat Adonai) deepens love, not dread.
Job 9:10 — “He does great and unfathomable things, wonders beyond number.”
When our hearts are wrong, our works are worthless; when our hearts are right, obedience becomes a sweet aroma.
Isaiah 64:6 — “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags.”
The point is not tallying 613 commands; many do not apply to everyone. Rather: turn to God, walk in His ways, become like Him, and you will flourish.
Psalm 119:18 — “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your Torah.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13 — “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”
Unity, Fellowship, and Peace
Tenach and Brit Chadashah speak with one voice: God wants all His children to dwell with Him—and with one another. In a fractious age, we pursue what unites us in Him: loving our neighbor, seeking peace over pride, and trusting the One God who gave one Bible to one family.
Closing Praise
Hineh mah tov umah na’im, shevet achim gam yachad.
Psalm 133:1–2 — “See how good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in harmony!”
May it come quickly and in our days. Amen.
