Tag: Deuteronomy

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

‘Not by bread alone’: Messiah’s answer for temptation (Deuteronomy 8; Matthew 4; Luke 4)

Not by bread alone: Messiah's answer for temptation (Deuteronomy 8; Matthew 4; Luke 4). Pile of four croissants against a black background.

God is not one of many gods. Rather, He is the only Creator, the only One worthy of worship. The main theme of the Torah reading עקב Ekev/Eykev (“consequence,” “because,” Deuteronomy 7:12–11:25) is explanation of the First Commandment, “Have no other God’s before me.”

And there are key lessons we can get from comparing what Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ) experienced after His baptism and during His three temptations in the wilderness with what Israel experienced between the Exodus and 40 years of judgment in the wilderness before entering the Promised Land.

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Torah readings

Parashat Eikev/Ekev (עקב): Deuteronomy 7:12–11:25

Studies in Torah

Some have disregarded that at the time of Yeshua the Messiah’s (Jesus the Christ’s) earthly ministry and in modern times that Israel had anything to do with Bible prophecy, citing the perceived failings of the people in trusting God.

But as we see in this week’s Torah reading — Ekev or Eikev (“consequence”), Deut. 7:12-11:25 — God is faithful to His promises. We should be grateful for God’s mercy and bigger plans for our lives. Find out more through these Bible studies on this passage.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Heaven won’t let go as you are delivered from bondage to freedom (Deuteronomy 4)

Heaven won't let go as you are delivered from bondage to freedom (Deuteronomy 4). A hand from above grips a hand from below.

Ancient Israel’s path from bondage in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land was a decades-long, multigenerational journey. Our journey from our “house of bondage” (what held us captive to a life apart from the Creator) to freedom in Heaven’s Messiah, Yeshua (Jesus) also spans a lifetime. A key passage in Torah reading וָאֶתְחַנַּן Va’etchanan (“and I pleaded,” Deut. 3:23–7:11) gives us hope that Heaven won’t let go of us when we’re holding up our arms for help from the only true Source.

Also addressed in detail in this Bible study is the point of the Law, as expressed by apostle Paul in Rom. 10:4 (NASB): “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”

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Torah readings

Parashat Devarim (דברים): Deuteronomy 1:1–3:22

Studies in Torah

The roller-coaster ride of ancient Israel through trust in the LORD, apathy and rebellion mirrors our the turmoil that swirls around our daily lives. The Torah reading דְּבָרִים Devarim (“words,” Deut. 1:1-3:22) starts a “second telling,” or deuteronomy in Greek, to the post-Exodus generation of why Israel exists and what its mission is.

Devarim contains Moses’ recount of the Exodus and 40 years of wandering, Israel’s unbelief and the LORD’s provision. Discover through these Bible studies why Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ) quoted from Devarim so often and what these lessons can teach believers today.

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Torah readings

Parashot הַאֲזִינוּ Ha’azinu & וְזֹאת הַבְּרָכָה Vezot Haberachah: Deuteronomy 32–34

Studies in Torah

A common misconception about God’s Law is that it’s all about perfection, that it’s unrealistic in a fallen world. Rather, the capstone passages of the Torah — this week’s readings הַאֲזִינוּ Ha’azinu (“listen,” Deuteronomy 32) and וְזֹאת הַבְּרָכָה Vezot Haberachah (“and this is the blessing,” Deuteronomy 33–34) — recounts Israel’s screwups past, present and future as well as the LORD’s mercy and plan for redemption.

It should be no surprise, then, that the final acts of God’s redemption give the “song of Moses” (Deuteronomy 32) double-billing with the “song of the Lamb” (Revelation 15:3) by Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ).

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Torah readings

Parashat Vayelech (וילך): Deuteronomy 31:1–30

Studies in Torah

“Be strong and courageous.” Imagine getting that advice as you’re being sent out to accomplish something you feel totally unprepared for. Those were some of the last words Moshe (Moses) left as Israel was about to enter the Promised Land. What counts is how much trust you have in the one in charge. That baton was passing, but the people had to remember the One ultimately leading and fighting for them.

This week’s Torah section, וַיֵּלֶךְ Vayelech (“he went,” Deut. 31:1-30), introduces what’s really the second verse of the “song of Moses,” mentioned in Rev. 15:3. The first verse was in Exodus 15.

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Torah readings

Parashat Nitzavim (נצבים): Deuteronomy 29:9–30:20

Studies in Torah

In the previous Torah reading, כי תבוא Ki Tavo, we learned the importance of having character that survives stressors big and small. This week’s portion, נִצָּבִים Nitzavim (“standing,” Deut. 29:9–30:20), underscores the building blocks of that character: loving the LORD with all our heart, soul, strength and mind. We learn that the “New Covenant,” or “New Testament” really isn’t so new, but choosing a lifestyle that leads to life and not death does require us to leave our old “dead works” behind.