Bat Kol International, Weekly Torah Nuggets

Parashat Eikev | Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25

Theme: God will maintain the covenant

“If you listen carefully to the commandments I give you today…” (Deut. 11:13-15).

Hebrew eikev literally “on the heels of,” i.e., “as a consequence of,” meaning one thing follows another. This parashah is also a catalogue of blessings, which is a prominent theme of the Book of Deuteronomy.

God’s execution of the covenantal terms depends on each individual’s [Israel] response to the ever-faithful God and the blessings listed present the familiar recital of protection and fulfilment of promises.

If they are faithful to the covenant, they will be blessed materially as well as spiritually. But they should not attribute their success to themselves or their righteousness. Moses reminds the people of the shortcomings during the long wilderness years, the Golden Calf, the Korach rebellion, and other such episodes. He reminds them, too, of God’s forgiveness.

Remembering their history, they are exhorted to love and revere God and teach their children to do likewise, thus echoing the entire complex of beliefs summarised in the passage that became the very graphic second paragraph of the Shema (Deut. 11:13–21). Israel’s fate depends on Israel’s faith.

Reflection:

In the Buddhist tradition, one learns the spiritual power of mindfulness: “May each day of your life be a day of mindfulness.” This alertness to the “here and now” is the proper attitude for “doing the next right thing and taking the next right step” in the situations and circumstances that make up our daily lives. Reflect on what might help you to be mindful.

             Roy Da Silva, India

See all Weekly Torah Nuggets from Bat Kol International

Subscribe to Weekly Torah Nuggets

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Name *

First

Last

Email Name

Email *

Submit