Devarim,Words
Deuteronomy 1:1 to 3:22
Haftarah: Isaiah 1:1 to 27
Psalm 85
Apostolic Writings/Newer Testament/B’rit HaChadashah: Matthew 14:22 to 33
This week we begin the final Book of the Torah, which in English is known as Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy is from the Greek meaning “second law”. The Hebrew name for the Book is as always taken from the key word in the beginning of the Book or passage; in this case, Devarim, which means words. This is from the phrase “These are the words that Moshe spoke to all Israel. . .”.
In the book usually known as Leviticus the main “speaker” was The Almighty Himself, and as we have seen there are more direct quotes from Him in that Book than in any other. Things are a little different in this Book, however; the main speaker is Moses our Teacher.
A lot of the terminology in this Book is different and stronger than in the other Books of the Torah.
In many ways this is a sad and angry book, as Moses reminds the people of the events of the previous 38+ years. The Sages tell us that chapter one happened just 37 days before his passing; this is his “Last Will and Testament”. He recounts for all Israel how he appointed judges, tells of the journey from Sinai and other key events and happenings. This is largely in frustration, as we see from the language used, especially in the Hebrew. One of the things they (and by extension, we) need to be reminded of is our (their) sin.
Just this morning I was sent some quotes from Andrew Strom of Revival School:
“The popular gospel of this day, is the laughing-stock of Hell; it dare neither damn the sinner, nor sanctify the saint.” - Catherine Booth.
The Almighty had and has plans for His people. As we read through this Book over the coming weeks, we’ll be reminded of many things.
Our Haftarah from the Prophet Isaiah is equally tough. In that passage we read very strong words of rebuke to the people chosen by The Almighty. It always amazes me when I encounter “Replacementists” or “Supercessionists” that they all want to appropriate for themselves the good promises of The Almighty, but want us, the Jewish people, to keep the judgements.
This passage from Isaiah is strongly condemnatory, yet at the same time it reads as a very sad saying. In verse 18 we read:
"Come now, let us debate, says the Lord. If your sins prove to be like crimson, they will become white as snow; if they prove to be as red as crimson dye, they shall become as wool."
As is quite often the case the Lectionary Psalm for this week follows on. Psalm 85 verse 9 (8 in Christian Bibles) says:
"I will listen to what the LORD God is saying,
for he is speaking peace to his faithful people
and to those who turn their hearts to him.
Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him,
that his glory may dwell in our land."
Our Gospel reading is also about listening and obeying. The account of Simon Peter walking on the water of Galilee is one which many have spent many pages examining. It is one of my favourite spots in Israel; Tiberias is a lovely town. If only he had just believed, he wouldn’t have got his feet wet, never mind begun to sink!
This was, of course, on one of the saddest days of Yeshua’s life. A long time ago I read a book by Max Lucado about that day. I don’t have the book any more and forget the title, but it was a terrific read.