Va'etchanan וָאֶתְחַנַּן - Pleaded
Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11
Reading #1: Deuteronomy 3:23–4:4
My Thoughts:
Moses recounts his trying to talk Hashem into changing His mind about going into the Holy Land of Israel. In fact he says he “begged” him. But, Hashem says to not talk about it anymore. And that he should commission Joshua to lead the people. It was sort of one last try. Have you ever done that with Hashem? Have you been punished for a sin or felt the consequences and begged Him to stop them? I am thinking that once you have sinned, His “hand” is released for that issue. When we are obedient, His “hand” stays on us -- to protect us, gift us, bless us. Which do you prefer?
Challenge:
Chapter 4 verses 1 and 2 are so powerful,” Now, Israel, listen to the statutes and to the ordinances which I teach you, to do them; that you may live, and go in and possess the land which Hashem, the Elohim of your fathers, gives you. 2 You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of Hashem your Elohim which I command you.” It is so clear we can not change the Law. We can’t add to it or subtract or call it “null and void”. I heard a protestant pastor teach yesterday that the Law was obsolete. We did not have to follow it anymore. That we could go home and eat bacon sandwiches. But, this verse is really powerful and tells us NOT to make ANY changes. My challenge to you today is to review whether you are “adding” or “taking away” from Torah. And if you find out that you are doing this -- stop it today. Go back to fully following the Commands in Torah, to the best of your ability. That’s what I am going to do. Amen.
Reading #1: Deuteronomy 3:23–4:4
3:23 I begged Hashem at that time, saying, 24 “L-rd Hashem, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness, and Your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or in earth that can do works like Yours, and mighty acts like Yours? 25 Please let me go over and see the good land that is beyond the Jordan, that fine mountain, and Lebanon.”
26 But Hashem was angry with me because of you, and didn’t listen to me. Hashem said to me, “That is enough! Speak no more to me of this matter. 27 Go up to the top of Pisgah, and lift up your eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and see with your eyes; for you shall not go over this Jordan. 28 But commission Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him; for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which you shall see.” 29 So we stayed in the valley near Beth Peor.
4:1 Now, Israel, listen to the statutes and to the ordinances which I teach you, to do them; that you may live, and go in and possess the land which Hashem, the Elohim of your fathers, gives you. 2 You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of Hashem your Elohim which I command you. 3 Your eyes have seen what Hashem did because of Baal Peor; for Hashem your Elohim has destroyed all the men who followed Baal Peor from among you. 4 But you who were faithful to Hashem your Elohim are all alive today.
