V'Zot HaBerachah וְזֹאת הַבְּרָכָה - And this is the blessing
Deuteronomy 33:1-34:12
Reading #1 - Deuteronomy 33:1–7
My Thoughts:
Could the “holy ones” in 33:2 be angels? Verse 33:2 reads, “He shone from Mount Paran. He came from the ten thousands of holy ones.” Can you imagine this? Moses is telling the story of the receiving of the Law, and in quite a passionate way. It would make sense that Hashem would surround Himself with His angels -- anywhere He goes. We have no concept what it would have been like on Mt. Sinai, that very special day. Clouds, fire and a majestic powerful voice. A time where the Holy Word on how to live our lives and serve the only true Elohim goes forth. What a beautiful experience that would have been. Maybe we weren’t there but we can study and read about it every year through Torah. And when we do that we can relive His glory surrounding this event. Pray and ask Hashem for revelation about all of this. Amen.
Challenge:
This week’s portion contains a blessing for each tribe as they are about to enter the Holy Land. Some blessings are more intense than others. Each has a different message. It makes me think about what “tribe” I would ascribe to? Have you ever thought of that? Maybe we have a blood lineage to one of these tribes and that is why we have such an intense interest in Torah and following Torah. That’s my challenge to you, to read through these blessings and pray. Ask Hashem if there is a tribe that you are descended from. And if you are sure you do not have Jewish heritage, maybe pray and ask Hashem if you can join a tribe (spiritually). Just like Ruth the Moabite joined Naomi from the tribe of Judah. “Your people will be my people”, she said to her. I relate to Ruth. I want to join Israel and have Israel’s people be my people and their Elohim my Elohim. Amen.
Reading #1 - Deuteronomy 33:1-7
33 This is the blessing with which Moses the man of Elohim blessed the children of Israel before his death.
2 He said,
“Hashem came from Sinai,
and rose from Seir to them.
He shone from Mount Paran.
He came from the ten thousands of holy ones.
At His right hand was a fiery law for them.
3 Yes, He loves the people.
All His saints are in Your hand.
They sat down at Your feet.
Each receives your words.
4 Moses commanded us a law,
an inheritance for the assembly of Jacob.
5 He was king in Jeshurun,
when the heads of the people were gathered,
all the tribes of Israel together.
6 “Let Reuben live, and not die;
Nor let his men be few.”
7 This is for Judah. He said,
“Hear, Hashem, the voice of Judah.
Bring him in to his people.
With his hands he contended for himself.
You shall be a help against his adversaries.”
