47 - Torah Week: Re'eh ("See") רְאֵה
Portion Summary
The Torah portion Re'eh (רְאֵה) means "See," taken from the first verse: "See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse..." (Deuteronomy 11:26). This portion emphasizes choice, obedience, and blessing, urging Israel to observe YHVH's commands as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Israel is presented with the choice of blessing if they follow YHVH's laws or curse if they turn away.
The reading includes instructions on worship, dietary laws, tithing, and the importance of generosity and compassion. These commands are set to unify Israel in their worship and commitment to YHVH.
Torah:
Deuteronomy 11:26 – The call to choose between blessing and curse.
Deuteronomy 12 – Guidelines for centralized worship and avoiding idolatry.
Deuteronomy 13 – Warnings against following false prophets and idols.
Deuteronomy 14 – Laws distinguishing clean and unclean animals.
Deuteronomy 15 – Laws regarding debt forgiveness and caring for the needy.
Deuteronomy 16 – Observance of pilgrimage festivals.
Deuteronomy 30:15-16; 32:46-47 – Keeping YHVH's commandments as a source of life and blessing.
Nevi'em:
Isaiah 54:11; 55:1-5 – Invitation to covenant and joy for those who follow YHVH.
Jeremiah 23:16-17, 25-33 – Warnings against false prophets.
Malachi 3:16-18 – YHVH's promise to distinguish the righteous from the wicked.
Writings:
Psalms 119 – Emphasis on YHVH's law as truth.
Proverbs 18:21 – The power of words to give life or death.
1 Kings 18:20-40 – Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal.
Gospels and Epistles:
John 6:35-51 – Y'shua as the Bread of Life, symbolizing divine provision.
John 14:6 – Y'shua as the Way, Truth, and Life.
1 Peter 2:5 – Believers as a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices.
Apocrypha:
Sirach 34:1-8; 4:1-10 – The importance of mercy and justice.
2 Esdras 7, 13, 15 – Teachings on judgment, hope, and divine authority over nations.Major Themes and Reflections
1. Choices and Consequences
YHVH presents Israel with a choice between blessing and curse, underscoring that blessings follow obedience to His commands. Y'shua, similarly, invites us to choose His way, promising life and relationship with Him.
Reflection: How do our choices reflect our commitment to YHVH? Are we choosing His ways daily, even in difficult circumstances?
2. Centralized Worship and Community
Israel is commanded to destroy idols and worship YHVH in a central place, emphasizing purity and unity in worship. This foreshadows the gathering of believers in Y'shua's name, where He is among them.
Reflection: Are we keeping YHVH at the center of our lives and gathering together in unity and devotion to Him?
3. Generosity and Compassion
The portion emphasizes generosity toward the poor, debt forgiveness, and showing compassion, reflecting YHVH's character and justice.
Reflection: How can we show generosity in our communities, using our blessings to help those in need?
4. Discernment of False Teaching
Warnings against idolatry and false prophets remind Israel, and us, to guard against spiritual deception, staying close to YHVH's Word.
Reflection: How can we seek YHVH's truth and discern His guidance in a world with many voices?
Symbolism and Foreshadowing of Y'shua:
Bread of Life: Y'shua as the ultimate provision for life, nourishing us spiritually as the manna did in the wilderness.
Living Water: Y'shua's conversation with the Samaritan woman and His offer of living water echoes Isaiah's invitation to drink freely of YHVH's provision.Application for Today
The Torah portion Re'eh calls us to actively choose YHVH's path, reflecting obedience in our actions, compassion toward others, and discernment in truth. By centering YHVH in our worship and gathering in unity, we honor His presence and extend His blessings to our communities.
The Torah portion Re'eh (רְאֵה), meaning "See," comes from Deuteronomy 11:26–16:17 and centers on the concept of choice, urging the Israelites to "see" the path YHVH is setting before them: the choice between blessing and curse, depending on whether they obey His commandments.
Key Themes in Re'eh:
Choice Between Blessing and Curse: Moses presents the people with the consequences of following or turning away from YHVH's commandments. A blessing would come through obedience, while disobedience would bring a curse (Deuteronomy 11:26-28). This choice symbolizes the profound responsibility the people bear to align with YHVH's will.
Centralization of Worship: Re'eh emphasizes the importance of worshiping YHVH at a central location, eventually established in Jerusalem, rather than at any place the people might choose. This instruction underscores a unified approach to worship that maintains purity and focus on YHVH alone (Deuteronomy 12).
Forbidden Practices and Idolatry: The Israelites are instructed to destroy pagan idols and practices from the land. They are warned against following other gods or adopting foreign practices that could lead them away from YHVH. This portion forbids divination, child sacrifice, and the worship of other deities, reinforcing the covenant's call to holiness and separation (Deuteronomy 12:29–13:18).
Dietary Laws: Moses reiterates dietary laws that distinguish clean from unclean animals, which serve as a reminder of holiness in everyday actions (Deuteronomy 14:3-21).
Generosity and Justice: Instructions regarding the sabbatical year and generosity towards the poor emphasize a compassionate, just society. The people are reminded to lend freely to those in need, release debts every seven years, and treat others with dignity (Deuteronomy 15:1-11).
Festivals and Pilgrimage: The portion reviews the pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot), underscoring the collective worship and celebration before YHVH, which strengthens unity and remembrance of His deliverance (Deuteronomy 16:1-17).
Reflection for Today:
Re'eh calls us to examine the choices we make and the consequences they bring. It teaches the importance of aligning our actions with our faith and embracing generosity, justice, and true worship in our lives. This portion invites us to "see" not only the choices we face but the deeper significance of obedience and devotion to YHVH.
Questions:
How does Re'eh connect with the themes of the New Testament readings?
What aspects of this portion challenge or inspire you the most?
Where do you see Y'shua's teachings in the themes of this week's portion?
How can we demonstrate YHVH's love and justice in our communities?
This portion challenges us to walk in blessing, choosing YHVH's ways in every aspect of life.
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