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WEEKLY PARSHA
Parsha #51: Deuteronomy [D'varim] Natzavim (Standing) 29:9-30:20
Haftarah: Yesha'yahu (Isaiah) 61:10-63:9
B’rit Chadasha: Romans 9:30-10:13; Messianic Jews (Hebrews) 12:14-15
In regular years this Parsha is read with Parsha #52; in leap years separately
Moshe is speaking to the Israelites one of the last times and he is preparing them to enter into the Land of Israel.
This Parsha focuses on the B'rit, "The Covenant," between YHVH and B'nai Yisrael. A covenant usually implies something that is mutually beneficial but in this case there are no options. This spiritual law binds us to YHVH Elohim forever and is set and unchangeable
Unfortunately, throughout history there have always been those that think that they can change G-d's laws, covenants, etc., or ignore it and all it entails. They feel they can do whatever they want, when they want and however they want. This Parsha compares these people to a fungus that is sometimes found on otherwise healthy roots. YHVH Elohim promises that He will not forgive these people, and will bring upon them all the curses written in the previous Parsha. Sometimes the fungus is so extensive within the people that YHVH punishes an entire nation. In so doing G-d's intention is not so much punishment as it is to correct a way of thinking.
If we take a close look at this nation and the repairs it needs we can see the Hand of G-d in the background trying to lead us into correction. If we do not heed His urging we will soon find ourselves like Israel of old exiled from His grace.
Halftarah: Yeshayahu 61:10-63:9
This is the last of the seven "prophecies of comfort" read between the Fast of Av and Rosh Hashanah. In our Halftarah, the prophet comforts the people and tells them that everyone will now know that B'nai Yisrael have not been forsaken. The walls of Jerusalem will be rebuilt and G-d will no longer allow their crops to be taken away and eaten by other nations.
Things to think about:
1. Moshe tells the nation that the covenant, which is gong to be made between B'nai Yisrael and G-d, is going to bind future generations. How can that be?
2. Why did G-d appoint the heavens and earth as witnesses of the covenant?
Sages Wisdom:
"Your leaders, elders and policemen…" (29:9)
Why didn't Moshe include "judges" in this list of distinguished people?
Judges are universally respected because they have the power to decide a person's guilt or innocence. Policemen, however are usually are in the role of the "bad guys," since they have the task of enforcing the law. So, to make sure that the policeman received their fair share of the honor, Moshe included the policemen instead of the judges.
"For it is very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart, to do."(30:14)
This is a reference to the Torah and we learn that the Torah that was once in your mouth, once known to you, now forgotten is always easier to remember than to have to learn it from scratch. The mouth is mentioned before the heart, because sometimes, in order to get our hearts involved we must first take action. Even if we don't feel like we're "getting into it" we should not give us. .
Gematria:
Atem nitzavim…"You are standing…" (29:9)
The numeric value of the word Atem, "you" is 441. this is the same numeric vale as the word Emet, "Truth." From this we learn that B'nai Yisrael will be able to stand together if they tell the truth.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Davis
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