Shoftim - Reading #1

Shoftim שֹׁפְטִים - Judges

Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9

Reading #1 - Deuteronomy 16:18–17:13

My Thoughts:

Today is all about the Israeli judicial court system. They were to go to the priests and the judge, listen to them and do what they say. There must be at least two witnesses with an offense. It’s all about fairness. We may think it super harsh to enforce a death penalty, but remember they are entering a land filled with paganism. Hashem wants to protect them against this. And to set an example. It is His decision that He wanted to do things this way. In this particular time, life and death were handled quite differently than today. His desire has and will always be that people follow after Him and NOT after false gods. And that is what we desire to do also. Amen.

Challenge: 

We are told in verse 19 “you shall not pervert justice”. Taking bribes or favors to help a guilty person to be freed is not allowed. As it is not allowed in our United States judicial system.  However, that does not mean that it is not happening. Look at our lobbyists that so influence our lawmakers. Money and promises during election years determine support for potential candidates. Our justice system is “perverted” every day. In our system if the accused (defendant) in a case has money and influence, it is likely he/she will win the case. The less advantaged person who does not have money will have a totally different type of trial and likely get sentenced whether guilty or not guilty. Yes in the USA our judicial system has its “roots” in the Judeo-Christian teachings, but what really happens when someone goes to court can be a different story. My challenge to you today is to do your part to help defend those who are defenseless. Hashem will show you who they are and how you can help them. And if you can be someone who can be a part of encouraging justice in our court system, then I pray Hashem will help you to do so. Let’s each do what Hashem enables us to do to be sure people are treated fairly and our constitutional rights are protected. Amen.

Reading #1 - Deuteronomy 16:18–17:13

16:18 You shall make judges and officers in all your gates, which Hashem your Elohim gives you, according to your tribes; and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment. 19 You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality. You shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous. 20 You shall follow that which is altogether just, that you may live and inherit the land which Hashem your Elohim gives you. 21 You shall not plant for yourselves an Asherah of any kind of tree beside Hashem your Elohim’s altar, which you shall make for yourselves. 22 Neither shall you set yourself up a sacred stone which Hashem your Elohim hates.

17:1 You shall not sacrifice to Hashem your Elohim an ox or a sheep in which is a defect or anything evil; for that is an abomination to Hashem your Elohim

2 If there is found among you, within any of your gates which Hashem your Elohim gives you, a man or woman who does that which is evil in Hashem your Elohim’s sight in transgressing His covenant, 3 and has gone and served other gods and worshiped them, or the sun, or the moon, or any of the stars of the sky, which I have not commanded, 4 and you are told, and you have heard of it, then you shall inquire diligently. Behold, if it is true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is done in Israel, 5 then you shall bring out that man or that woman who has done this evil thing to your gates, even that same man or woman; and you shall stone them to death with stones. 6 At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, he who is to die shall be put to death. At the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death. 7 The hands of the witnesses shall be first on him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So you shall remove the evil from among you.

8 If there arises a matter too hard for you in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within your gates, then you shall arise, and go up to the place which Hashem your Elohim chooses. 9 You shall come to the priests who are Levites and to the judge who shall be in those days. You shall inquire, and they shall give you the verdict. 10 You shall do according to the decisions of the verdict which they shall give you from that place which Hashem chooses. You shall observe to do according to all that they shall teach you. 11 According to the decisions of the law which they shall teach you, and according to the judgment which they shall tell you, you shall do. You shall not turn away from the sentence which they announce to you, to the right hand, nor to the left. 12 The man who does presumptuously in not listening to the priest who stands to minister there before Hashem your Elohim, or to the judge, even that man shall die. You shall put away the evil from Israel. 13 All the people shall hear and fear, and do no more presumptuously.

Shoftim - Week #5

Shoftim שֹׁפְטִים - Judges

Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9

Isaiah 51:12-52:12

John 14:9-20

1.1 First reading — Deuteronomy 16:18–17:13

1.2 Second reading — Deuteronomy 17:14–20

1.3 Third reading — Deuteronomy 18:1–5

1.4 Fourth reading — Deuteronomy 18:6–13

1.5 Fifth reading — Deuteronomy 18:14–19:13

1.6 Sixth reading — Deuteronomy 19:14–20:9

1.7 Seventh reading — Deuteronomy 20:10–21:9

Re'eh - Reading #7

Re'eh רְאֵה - See!

Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17

Isaiah 54:11-55:5

John 6:35-51

Reading #7 - Deuteronomy 15:19–16:17

My Thoughts:

When we come to Jerusalem three times a year to celebrate the Feasts -- verse 16:16-17 we read not to come empty handed, “They shall not appear before Hashem empty. 17 Every man shall give as he is able, according to Hashem your Elohim blessing which He has given you.” So, here is the point. We are giving our tithes only because we tithes to give. And it all comes from Hashem. Every perfect gift from heaven comes from Him. And we are to share a portion of that gift with others. The incredible part is when we do this, we will be even further blessed! It’s a win-win! How perfect and wonderful is Hashem. He gives, we give and all the time we are blessed.

Challenge:

We do not have a Temple to visit for all three Feasts during the year, but we can still celebrate them. And we must celebrate/remember them. If you are not already honoring these Feasts, then start planning today. They are spaced out so nicely. One in the spring, early summer and fall. Read and study about them and then make preparations. Especially Pesach, that requires a lot of planning with cleaning your house to get rid of the bread (leavening) and a very special (long) dinner. Shavuot is pretty simple, it can be mostly a Bible study. And Sukkot is really fun -- making a Sukkah (booth) and having meals or living in it for seven days. You will be so blessed and you will be learning and remembering how Hashem blessed His people and how He blesses us today! Amen!

Reading #7 - Deuteronomy 15:19–16:17

19 You shall dedicate all the firstborn males that are born of your herd and of your flock to Hashem your Elohim. You shall do no work with the firstborn of your herd, nor shear the firstborn of your flock. 20 You shall eat it before  Hashem your Elohim year by year in the place which Hashem shall choose, you and your household. 21 If it has any defect—is lame or blind, or has any defect whatever, you shall not sacrifice it to  Hashem your Elohim. 22 You shall eat it within your gates. The unclean and the clean shall eat it alike, as the gazelle and as the deer. 23 Only you shall not eat its blood. You shall pour it out on the ground like water.

16:1 Observe the month of Abib, and keep the Passover to Hashem your Elohim; for in the month of Abib  Hashem your Elohim brought you out of Egypt by night. 2 You shall sacrifice the Passover to Hashem your Elohim of the flock and the herd, in the place which Hashem shall choose to cause His name to dwell there. 3 You shall eat no leavened bread with it. You shall eat unleavened bread with it seven days, even the bread of affliction (for you came out of the land of Egypt in haste) that you may remember the day when you came out of the land of Egypt all the days of your life. 4 No yeast shall be seen with you in all your borders seven days; neither shall any of the meat, which you sacrifice the first day at evening, remain all night until the morning. 5 You may not sacrifice the Passover within any of your gates which Hashem your Elohim gives you; 6 but at the place which Hashem your Elohim shall choose to cause his name to dwell in, there you shall sacrifice the Passover at evening, at the going down of the sun, at the season that you came out of Egypt. 7 You shall roast and eat it in the place which Hashem your Elohim chooses. In the morning you shall return to your tents. 8 Six days you shall eat unleavened bread. On the seventh day shall be a solemn assembly to Hashem your Elohim. You shall do no work.

9 You shall count for yourselves seven weeks. From the time you begin to put the sickle to the standing grain you shall begin to count seven weeks. 10 You shall keep the feast of weeks to Hashem your Elohim with a tribute of a free will offering of your hand, which you shall give according to how Hashem your Elohim blesses you. 11 You shall rejoice before Hashem your Elohim you, your son, your daughter, your male servant, your female servant, the Levite who is within your gates, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow who are among you, in the place which Hashem your Elohim shall choose to cause his name to dwell there. 12 You shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt. You shall observe and do these statutes.

13 You shall keep the feast of booths seven days, after you have gathered in from your threshing floor and from your wine press. 14 You shall rejoice in your feast, you, your son, your daughter, your male servant, your female servant, the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow who are within your gates. 15 You shall keep a feast to Hashem your Elohim seven days in the place which Hashem chooses, because  Hashem your Elohim will bless you in all your increase and in all the work of your hands, and you shall be altogether joyful. 16 Three times in a year all of your males shall appear before Hashem your Elohim in the place which he chooses: in the feast of unleavened bread, in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of booths. They shall not appear before Hashem empty. 17 Every man shall give as he is able, according to Hashem your Elohim blessing which he has given you.

Haftarah

My Thoughts:

In verse 17 we read about a promise that is often quoted, “No weapon that is formed against you will prevail;

and you will condemn every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of Hashem’s servants.” It is a good verse to memorize. Hashem is promising us that as His servants (one who loves Him, serves Him and follows Torah) that we are defended against the enemy! No weapon the enemy throws at us will prevail. It may “hit” us, but it will not accomplish anything it intends. And that the “judgment” of your enemies against you will be condemned. To me, this is a very comforting verse. It makes me realize that Hashem does protect me and I don’t need to worry or be anxious about enemy attack. It will be short lived. But His grace and mercy and love will be long lived!

Challenge:

Verses 55:3 is another wonderful verse about “life” given to us, “Turn your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul will live.  I will make an everlasting covenant with you.” What are the requirements to have everlasting life with Hashem? By “listening” to Him (His Torah, His Words) and by “coming” (following) to Him. When we do this we He will establish an eternal covenant with us. That’s today's challenge. Once again I encourage you to study and follow His Torah. Make the changes in your life that are necessary to become obedient to ALL you are albe. Listen to what He tells you to do throughout the day. You will be blessed today, and forever. 

Haftarah: Isaiah 54:11-55:5

1 “You afflicted, tossed with storms, and not comforted,

    behold, I will set your stones in beautiful colors,

    and lay your foundations with sapphires.

12 I will make your pinnacles of rubies,

    your gates of sparkling jewels,

    and all your walls of precious stones.

13 All your children will be taught by Hashem;

    and your children’s peace will be great.

14 You will be established in righteousness.

    You will be far from oppression,

    for you will not be afraid,

    and far from terror,

    for it shall not come near you.

15 Behold, they may gather together, but not by Me.

    Whoever gathers together against you will fall because of you.

16 “Behold, I have created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame,

    and forges a weapon for his work;

    and I have created the destroyer to destroy.

17 No weapon that is formed against you will prevail;

    and you will condemn every tongue that rises against you in judgment.

This is the heritage of Hashem’s servants,

    and their righteousness is of Me,” says Hashem.

55 “Hey! Come, everyone who thirsts, to the waters!

    Come, he who has no money, buy, and eat!

    Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

2 Why do you spend money for that which is not bread,

    and your labor for that which doesn’t satisfy?

Listen diligently to Me, and eat that which is good,

    and let your soul delight itself in richness.

3 Turn your ear, and come to Me.

    Hear, and your soul will live.

    I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

4 Behold, I have given him for a witness to the peoples,

    a leader and commander to the peoples.

5 Behold, you shall call a nation that you don’t know;

    and a nation that didn’t know you shall run to you,

    because of Hashem your Elohim

    and for the Holy One of Israel;

    for He has glorified you.”

Apostolic Reading

My Thoughts:

In verses 38-39 we read, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of my Father who sent Me, that of all He has given to Me I should lose nothing, but should raise him up at the last day.” Today’s verses seem to point to the resurrection after death. Yeshua is teaching us that death is not the end, but that we will be raised up. Our bodies will resurrect and be joined with our spirits to live eternally. Both Jews and Christians teach this about the olam haba (the world to come). When Yeshua came to the earth to represent Hashem in many ways, He taught only about Torah and Elohim. It was His calling to bring people back to Hashem. I believe that is our calling too, that by our deeds and actions we will be a “light” to the nations and bring people back to faith in the one true Elohim! Amen!

Challenge:

Yeshua’s fellow Jewish friends did not understand when He would talk about coming from heaven. And many of us do not quite understand this either. There are great discussions about the deity of Yeshua and really understanding who He is. I believe He is the “emanation” and “heart” of Hashem. He is His perfect representation of Elohim on earth. By studying His story we learn more about the character of Elohim. It’s like Hashem in all His greatness, loves us so much He sent a “messenger” to tell us so. Only we didn’t listen and killed Him. My challenge for you today is to study about Yeshua. Read about how He always pointed His sayings back to Hashem. His coming to earth was to bring people’s back to Hashem. We all need our hearts to return to Him. Amen?

Apostolic Reading: John 6:35-51

6:35 Yeshua said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will not be hungry, and whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty. 36 But I told you that you have seen Me, and yet you don’t believe. 37 All those whom the Father gives Me will come to Me. He who comes to Me I will in no way throw out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 This is the will of my Father who sent Me, that of all He has given to Me I should lose nothing, but should raise him up at the last day. 40 This is the will of the one who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son, and believes in Him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”

41 The Jews therefore murmured concerning Him, because he said, “I am the bread which came down out of heaven.” 42 They said, “Isn’t this Yeshua, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How then does He say, ‘I have come down out of heaven?’”

43 Therefore Yeshua answered them, “Don’t murmur among yourselves. 44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up in the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, ‘They will all be taught by Elohim.’ Therefore everyone who hears from the Father and has learned, comes to Me. 46 Not that anyone has seen the Father, except He who is from Elohim. He has seen the Father. 47 Most certainly, I tell you, he who believes in me has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness and they died. 50 This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, that anyone may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread which came down out of heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. Yes, the bread which I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

Re'eh - Reading #6

Re'eh רְאֵה - See!
Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17

Reading #6 - Deuteronomy 15:1–18

My Thoughts:

 

Fairness in slavery? That seems odd to us today. Slavery the way Hashem describes it - is far from what has happened in Europe and America and the atrocities they inflicted upon others. What Hashem is saying is that at the end of seven years a slave has a choice to stay or leave. What we need to think about is that the slave was probably bought because he/she was in poverty. It was like securing a live-in job. I’m sure there were difficult and harsh task masters, but that is where Hashem is telling His people to treat people fairly. And give the slaves an opportunity to go free after seven years. I wonder how many slaves were treated so fairly that they decided to stay on permanently. When we are following Hashem’s commands to love Him and to love others, the world literally changes.

Challenge:

In verse 4 Hashem is telling us that if we follow Him in all ways, He will bless the land so much that there will be no poor in it. That people will take care of people. Unfortunately that is not true today. We have poor and starving people across our world. But the Torah has the remedy and it is outlined in today’s portion. It’s about taking care of each other - feeding, hiring for help, sharing and loving. Sure there must have been people who took advantage of this situation, from both sides. But Hashem does have the perfect plan for a “whole” and “healthy” world. Today’s challenge is to see how you can help the poor in your community. And how you can make the world a better place -- by following Torah’s directions. Amen.

Reading #6 - Deuteronomy 15:1–18

15:1 At the end of every seven years, you shall cancel debts. 2 This is the way it shall be done: every creditor shall release that which he has lent to his neighbor. He shall not require payment from his neighbor and his brother, because Hashem’s release has been proclaimed. 3 Of a foreigner you may require it; but whatever of yours is with your brother, your hand shall release. 4 However there will be no poor with you (for Hashem will surely bless you in the land which Hashem your Elohim gives you for an inheritance to possess) 5 if only you diligently listen to Hashem your Elohim’s voice, to observe to do all this commandment which I command you today. 6 For Hashem your Elohim will bless you, as He promised you. You will lend to many nations, but you will not borrow. You will rule over many nations, but they will not rule over you. 7 If a poor man, one of your brothers, is with you within any of your gates in your land which Hashem your Elohim gives you, you shall not harden your heart, nor shut your hand from your poor brother; 8 but you shall surely open your hand to him, and shall surely lend him sufficient for his need, which he lacks. 9 Beware that there not be a wicked thought in your heart, saying, “The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand,” and your eye be evil against your poor brother and you give him nothing; and he cry to Hashem against you, and it be sin to you. 10 You shall surely give, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him, because it is for this thing Hashem your Elohim will bless you in all your work and in all that you put your hand to. 11 For the poor will never cease out of the land. Therefore I command you to surely open your hand to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor, in your land. 12 If your brother, a Hebrew man, or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you. 13 When you let him go free from you, you shall not let him go empty. 14 You shall furnish him liberally out of your flock, out of your threshing floor, and out of your wine press. As Hashem your Elohim has blessed you, you shall give to him. 15 You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and Hashem your Elohim redeemed you. Therefore I command you this thing today. 16 It shall be, if he tells you, “I will not go out from you,” because he loves you and your house, because he is well with you, 17 then you shall take an awl, and thrust it through his ear to the door, and he shall be your servant forever. Also to your female servant you shall do likewise. 18 It shall not seem hard to you when you let him go free from you, for he has been double the value of a hired hand as he served you six years. Hashem your Elohim will bless you in all that you do.

Re'eh - Reading #5

Re'eh רְאֵה - See!

Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17

Reading #5 - Deuteronomy 14:22–29

My Thoughts:

We are learning about tithing what we have. And then bringing it to Jerusalem to the Temple. He gives us really good instructions for all of this. Even if you are living far away. And you do all this verse 23 so that, “...that you may learn to fear Hashem your Elohim, always...”. It is all about learning how to serve and love Hashem in all we do. We need to learn how to "fear" Hashem. The “fear” is the possibility of not having Him in our life. The “fear” is punishment and separation. The "fear" is about respect and followed by loving Him so much - that we would do anything to please and honor Him. Amen.

Challenge - 

Verse 29 is all about taking care of people, “The Levite, because he has no portion nor inheritance with you, as well as the foreigner living among you, the fatherless, and the widow who are within your gates shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that Hashem your Elohim, may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do.” It is about sharing the tithe of your land after 3 years and then supplying food for those less fortunate. Here is today’s challenge. Always have your spiritual “antennas” up looking for ways in which you may be able to help the poor. Ask Hashem to show you. Believe me, He will. And when He presents a situation -- take it. Help out someone or a family. Even a smile or “hello” can change someone’s day. Let’s be “givers” and not “takers”. Let’s start doing that right now.

Reading #5 - Deuteronomy 14:22–29

14:22 You shall surely tithe all the increase of your seed, that which comes out of the field year by year. 23 You shall eat before Hashem your Elohim, in the place which He chooses to cause His name to dwell, the tithe of your grain, of your new wine, and of your oil, and the firstborn of your herd and of your flock; that you may learn to fear Hashem your Elohim, always. 24 If the way is too long for you, so that you are not able to carry it because the place which Hashem your Elohim, shall choose to set His name there is too far from you, when Hashem your Elohim, blesses you, 25 then you shall turn it into money, bind up the money in your hand, and shall go to the place which Hashem your Elohim, shall choose. 26 You shall trade the money for whatever your soul desires: for cattle, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatever your soul asks of you. You shall eat there before Hashem your Elohim, and you shall rejoice, you and your household. 27 You shall not forsake the Levite who is within your gates, for he has no portion nor inheritance with you. 28 At the end of every three years you shall bring all the tithe of your increase in the same year, and shall store it within your gates. 29 The Levite, because he has no portion nor inheritance with you, as well as the foreigner living among you, the fatherless, and the widow who are within your gates shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that Hashem your Elohim, may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do.

Re'eh - Reading #4

Re'eh רְאֵה - See!

Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17

Reading #4 - Deuteronomy 14:1–21

My Thoughts:

In the last verse of today’s portion (verse 21) we read a curious commandment, “You shall not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk.” It’s like it comes out of nowhere. Many commentators agree that this is a commandment derived from the custom of bowling kid goats for animal sacrifice. Others will say it is Hashem being so kind to the mother as to not boil her kid in milk. Today I read a new commentary that said maybe the kid represents a new generation or new fruits (or other offerings)  and the milk represents the old generation or older fruits (or other offerings). So that in an offering it would not be good to mix old fruit with new fruit, just to make it a larger offering. Or old wheat with new wheat, etc. Whatever it could mean, current Jews will not mix dairy with meat at a meal. Or even use the same plates or utensils. This is a commandment you may have to study awhile to see what it means to you. Then arrive at a conclusion that brings you peace with Hashem.

Challenge:

In verses 3 and on we read about clean and unclean animals. Hashem calls the unclean animals “abominable”. So, what don’t we “get” about that? He has picked out very specific dietary laws for us and has His reasons. It could be to test our obedience, or for safety reasons, or for both. The point is, if Hashem declares it -- then we do it. We don’t question. It’s pretty clear. This is what you can eat and this is what you cannot eat. We don’t need a theological discussion. We are not permitted to change or delete Hashem’s Laws. My challenge to you today is to review your dietary habits. Are you abiding by Hashem’s Laws? If not, it is time to clean it up. And by the way, here is a whole other discussion. What products at the store have pig products in them.  Do some studying and see what you find out, you may be a little surprised. Marshmallows and gelatin are a big concern. And there are many others. 

Reading #4 - Deuteronomy 14:1–21

14:1 You are the children of Hashem your Elohim. You shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead. 2 For you are a holy people to Hashem your Elohim and Hashem has chosen you to be a people for His own possession, above all peoples who are on the face of the earth.

3 You shall not eat any abominable thing. 4 These are the animals which you may eat: the ox, the sheep, the goat, 5 the deer, the gazelle, the roebuck, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the chamois. 6 Every animal that parts the hoof, and has the hoof split in two and chews the cud, among the animals, you may eat. 7 Nevertheless these you shall not eat of them that chew the cud, or of those who have the hoof split: the camel, the hare, and the rabbit. Because they chew the cud but don’t part the hoof, they are unclean to you. 8 The pig, because it has a split hoof but doesn’t chew the cud, is unclean to you. You shall not eat their meat. You shall not touch their carcasses. 9 These you may eat of all that are in the waters: you may eat whatever has fins and scales. 10 You shall not eat whatever doesn’t have fins and scales. It is unclean to you. 11 Of all clean birds you may eat. 12 But these are they of which you shall not eat: the eagle, the vulture, the osprey, 13 the red kite, the falcon, the kite of any kind, 14 every raven of any kind, 15 the ostrich, the owl, the seagull, the hawk of any kind, 16 the little owl, the great owl, the horned owl, 17 the pelican, the vulture, the cormorant, 18 the stork, the heron after its kind, the hoopoe, and the bat. 19 All winged creeping things are unclean to you. They shall not be eaten. 20 Of all clean birds you may eat.

21 You shall not eat of anything that dies of itself. You may give it to the foreigner living among you who is within your gates, that he may eat it; or you may sell it to a foreigner; for you are a holy people to Hashem your Elohim.

You shall not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk.

Re'eh - Reading #3

Re'eh רְאֵה - See!

Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17

Reading #3 - Deuteronomy 12:29–13:19

My Thoughts:

A prophet that can pull you away from Hashem is part of today’s portion. In 13:5 we read, “That prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death, because he has spoken rebellion against Hashem.” The cost of someone trying to do this and using signs and wonders -- is death. It is serious business to be a prophet and be making statements that can actually lead someone away from Hashem. And even today these “prophets” are out there. They may be disguised as kind “Biblical” people but really their words are untrue. I bring this up because we must be super careful about who we listen to online, whether it be sermons or podcasts. Do not take everything at face value or as truth. Always check everything you have with Scripture to make sure you are hearing and learning things correctly. If they are not, be sure to think about whether you want to continue to listen to that person.

Challenge: 

Are you being ensnared? In our first verses (29-30) today we read, “When Hashem your Elohim cuts off the nations from before you where you go in to dispossess them, and you dispossess them and dwell in their land, be careful that you are not ensnared to follow them.” What happens when we are “ensnared” -- we can begin to do what other people are doing. We get drawn into their sin, their way of life. There is a saying, “You are who you hang with.” And we know that to be so true. When I hung out with party people, I partied. When I hung out with believers, I went to assemblies of believers. Today’s challenge. Think about who you “hang out” with. Are they enhancing your life and helping you to draw closer to Hashem? Or are they leading you away from Him? Fix it. 

Reading #3 - Deuteronomy 12:29–13:19

12:29 When Hashem your Elohim cuts off the nations from before you where you go in to dispossess them, and you dispossess them and dwell in their land, 30 be careful that you are not ensnared to follow them after they are destroyed from before you, and that you not inquire after their gods, saying, “How do these nations serve their gods? I will do likewise.” 31 You shall not do so to Hashem your Elohim; for every abomination to Hashem, which He hates, they have done to their gods; for they even burn their sons and their daughters in the fire to their gods. 32 Whatever thing I command you, that you shall observe to do. You shall not add to it, nor take away from it.

13 If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, 2 and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, “Let’s go after other gods” (which you have not known) “and let’s serve them,” 3 you shall not listen to the words of that prophet, or to that dreamer of dreams; for Hashem your Elohim is testing you, to know whether you love Hashem your Elohim with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 You shall walk after Hashem your Elohim, fear Him, keep His commandments, and obey His voice. You shall serve Him, and cling to Him. 5 That prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death, because he has spoken rebellion against Hashem your Elohim who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to draw you aside out of the way which Hashem your Elohim commanded you to walk in. So you shall remove the evil from among you.

6 If your brother, the son of your mother, or your son, or your daughter, or the wife of your bosom, or your friend who is as your own soul, entices you secretly, saying, “Let’s go and serve other gods”—which you have not known, you, nor your fathers; 7 of the gods of the peoples who are around you, near to you, or far off from you, from the one end of the earth even to the other end of the earth— 8 you shall not consent to him nor listen to him; neither shall your eye pity him, neither shall you spare, neither shall you conceal him; 9 but you shall surely kill him. Your hand shall be first on him to put him to death, and afterwards the hands of all the people. 10 You shall stone him to death with stones, because he has sought to draw you away from Hashem your Elohim, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 11 All Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall not do any more wickedness like this among you.

12 If you hear about one of your cities, which Hashem your Elohim gives you to dwell there, that 13 certain wicked fellows have gone out from among you and have drawn away the inhabitants of their city, saying, “Let’s go and serve other gods,” which you have not known, 14 then you shall inquire, investigate, and ask diligently. Behold, if it is true, and the thing certain, that such abomination was done among you, 15 you shall surely strike the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, with all that is therein and its livestock, with the edge of the sword. 16 You shall gather all its plunder into the middle of its street, and shall burn with fire the city, with all of its plunder, to Hashem your Elohim. It shall be a heap forever. It shall not be built again. 17 Nothing of the devoted thing shall cling to your hand, that Hashem may turn from the fierceness of His anger and show you mercy, and have compassion on you and multiply you, as He has sworn to your fathers, 18 when you listen to Hashem your Elohim ’s voice, to keep all His commandments which I command you today, to do that which is right in Hashem your Elohim’s eyes.