Torah week 45 Va'etchanan "I Pleaded" (וָאֶתְחַנַּן)
Portion Summary
In this forty-fifth Torah portion and the second in Deuteronomy, Va'etchanan, meaning "and I besought," opens with Moses' heartfelt plea to enter the Promised Land, which YHVH denies but offers encouragement.
This portion covers Moses' review of the covenantal stipulations for Israel and includes the retelling of the Ten Commandments and the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9), emphasizing the central command to love YHVH with all one's heart, soul, and strength.
TORAH:
Deuteronomy 3:23-29 — Moses pleads with YHVH to enter the land but is told to encourage Joshua instead.
Deuteronomy 4:1-49 — A call to obedience and warning against idolatry, with reminders of YHVH's covenant and instruction.
Deuteronomy 5:1-33 — A recitation of the Ten Commandments, urging Israel to keep YHVH's laws.
Deuteronomy 6:1-25 — The Shema, a call for wholehearted devotion, and instructions for teaching future generations.
Deuteronomy 7:1-11 — Instructions for conquering and avoiding the practices of other nations.Leviticus 26:1-9 — Blessings for obedience to YHVH's commandments.
Genesis 2:24 — Foundational teaching on marriage, emphasizing unity (echad) between man and wife.
NEVI'EM:
Isaiah 40:1-26 — Words of comfort to Israel, reminding them of YHVH's power and constancy.
WRITINGS:
Psalm 19:7 — The perfection and transformative power of YHVH's law.
2 Chronicles 33:11-20 — Story of repentance and restoration, showing mercy and favor to those who turn back to YHVH.
GOSPEL AND EPISTLES:
Luke 3:2-15 — John the Baptist calls for repentance and a return to YHVH's ways, showing impartiality and righteousness.
James 3:1 — A warning on the responsibility of teaching, emphasizing humility.
Romans 2:11 — YHVH shows no partiality, judging based on one's deeds.
Acts 10:34-35 — Peter's revelation that YHVH accepts all who fear Him and do what is right.
Revelation 22:14 — The blessing for those who keep YHVH's commandments, granting them access to the tree of life.
Revelation 18:4 — A call for YHVH's people to separate from Babylon's ways.
John 17:20-22 — Y'shua's prayer for unity (echad) among His followers, as He and the Father are one.
APOCRYPHA:
Apocalypse of Abraham 5:1-15, 6:1-19, 7:1-12 — Insights into Abraham's relationship with YHVH and his understanding of faith and obedience.
Prayer of Manasseh 1:1-15 — A powerful prayer of repentance, emphasizing humility and the mercy of YHVH.Key Themes in Va'etchanan:
Obedience and Love for YHVH — The Shema emphasizes a wholehearted devotion to YHVH, uniting all aspects of life around faithfulness to His commandments.
Covenant and Law — Moses reviews the covenant as Israel prepares to enter the Promised Land, urging them to keep the Torah's teachings.
Unity (Echad) — The concept of echad (one) reflects unity with YHVH and among His people, as seen in the Shema and Y'shua's teachings.
Partiality and Justice — Scriptures highlight YHVH's impartial nature and call believers to pursue righteousness and Justus.Notes:
Partiality — Prejudice or bias in favor of something. In the context of YHVH's justice, He judges impartially based on one's heart and deeds.
Cleve (Dabaq) — To be one, keep close, unified. This unity with YHVH is foundational to the covenant relationship.Study
Questions:
What aspects of Moses' plea with YHVH stand out, and how does this reflect the humility required in approaching YHVH?
How does Y'shua exemplify the Shema's call to love YHVH with all heart, soul, and strength?What does this portion teach about unity (echad) and how can it apply to our lives today?
What reminders of YHVH's justice and impartiality do you see in the readings, and how does this affect how we live and treat others?
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TORAH STUDIES: LINKING SCRIPTURES
Spiritualité"Introduction to Torah" is a comprehensive study guide designed to facilitate a deeper understanding of the Scriptures, particularly the Torah, within the span of a year. What sets it apart is its emphasis on reading the Torah literally, along with...
