Torah Thoughts on Va'etchanan (He Is On Your Side)

Va'etchanan (and I Pleaded)

 Parasha: Deuteronomy 3:23 - 7:1-11

1st Aliyah: Deuteronomy 3:23 - 4:4
 

Have you ever been disappointed?  Have you ever felt despised, rejected, alone or inadequate, then this week's Torah Study will encourage you.

In this week's study, YHVH had brought the children of Israel into the land they were to possess, and they were seven nations occupying the land.  These nations were: the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivvites and the Jebusites.

YHVH promised that these great nations would be delivered unto the Israelites and they would have victory over them, despite being more numerous and powerful than they were.  There was a caveat though, they were not to make agreements with these people, nor were they to intermarry with them.

YHVH also promised that if they did not heed this command that their sons would turn away from Him and His wrath would be kindled onto the people of Israel.  They were to demolish their altars, smash their monuments and destroy their gods.

YHVH goes on to tell the Children of Israel that He has set them apart for Himself

"...you are a holy people to the Lord, your God: the Lord your God has chosen you to be His treasured people, out of all the peoples upon the face of the earth...for you are the least of all the peoples." Deuteronomy 3:6-7

Imagine that, the King of the Universe, the Creator of everything roots for the under-dog.  He is for the least fortunate.  Well, this will preach, Amen?

That means, if you are feeling despised, rejected, alone or inadequate, He is on your side!  He will fill the void of what we lack and He will deliver victory to us over all our enemies.

He wants people who are inadequate.  It is by our weakness that He is made strong.  He yearns to take care of us, for us to depend on Him, need Him.  He is a good good Father, and like all good Daddys, He loves taking care of us, doing things for us.

All we have to do is come to Him (like little children), obey Him, keep His commandments and love.  And how do we love Him?.. by keeping His commandments! (John 14:15, 14:21, 15:1)

We hope to see you next Shabbat, at The Lord's Table, either in person or online. Until then, may our Lord bless you and keep you!

Love and Blessings!

David and Denise Salinas