Podcast: Play in new window | Download (8.0MB)
This morning, we have a double-parasha: Nitzavim and Vayelech. Nitzavim means “Those Standing” and Vayelech means “And He Went”. These consecutive Torah portions mark a pivotal moment in Israel’s journey. Moses delivers a profound farewell address, and recounts the words of the covenant between Adonai and Israel.
Chapter twenty-nine opens with Moses reminding Israel of God’s grace and mercy. As the new generation stands at the border of the Promised Land, he describes the miraculous events when God delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage, and how He cared for them during their wilderness journey. Moreover, he reminds them that it was Adonai’s faithful presence that gave them victory over the nations east of the Jordan. And now, because of God’s mighty hand, they’ll soon enter the Promised Land as one nation united. “You’re all standing, so that you may pass over as one into God’s Covenant.” The Covenant was established for those present and for future generations. The many will become one people, one kingdom, and one nation; this is the heart of Nitzavim.
Moses warned Israel to abstain from idol worship, and to remain faithful to Adonai and His Covenant. He wanted them to be careful, and not be deceived into worshiping the gods of the surrounding nations. If they become idolaters, God will judge them and their land, causing desolation and devastation throughout, as an example of what happens to those who violate His Covenant.
Finally, he acknowledges God’s sovereignty, and the limitations of human wisdom and understanding. There are certain truths that Adonai has revealed to us, but there are mysteries that will remain hidden. This acknowledgement encourages dependence on God, and the importance of faithfully obeying His revealed truths. The secret to receiving God’s blessing is obedience.
Chapter thirty anticipates the time to come when Israel will break God’s covenant, which will result in His judgement and their exile to foreign lands. Nevertheless, Moses prophesied a hopeful future of restoration under the blessings of the Covenant, and an eternal bond with God, who promised to be with them forever, if they return to Him wholeheartedly. That generation will prosper even more than the previous generations.
No other nation in history has suffered as much as the nation of Israel. And yet, no other nation has given so much spiritual wealth to the world.
The promise of a changed heart is the key to this chapter. Adonai Himself will circumcise their hearts, enabling them to love Him with all of their being. The day will come when God opens their hearts by the working of His Spirit, establishing them in the New Covenant, through His Son, Messiah Yeshua. This transformation will produce heartfelt obedience, rather than having to be externally imposed. This New Covenant, as announced in Jeremiah 31:31-34, will mark a new relationship between God and Israel.
Moses made it clear that it was a simple decision. “Choose this day!” God’s Covenant is offered to everyone, but not everyone will receive it. We were created in His image, with minds to think, emotions to feel, and a will to choose. God has given the revealed truth of His Word, which is available to everyone who exercises faith in Messiah Yeshua.
In chapter thirty-one Moses is now 120 years old, and couldn’t “go out” to war, nor “come in” to the Promised Land with his people, although he was physically fit to do so. The time had come for them to enter Canaan, but God prohibited Moses from crossing the Jordan River into Canaan because of his transgression at Meribah. Adonai had chosen Joshua, the new leader of Israel to conquer the land of Canaan. Moses, this humble man of God, blesses and encourages Joshua and the people to be strong, courageous and fearless, because the Lord their God was with them, would never leave them, and would go ahead of them to destroy their enemies.
To ensure continuity among the people, Moses delivered the written Torah to the priests and elders, instructing them to publicly read it aloud every seven years, at the Feast of Tabernacles, to the assembled nation of Israel, in reverence and obedience to Adonai. This is an important lesson for us, to guard the truth of His Word, obey it, and pass it to the next generation.
Adonai summoned Moses and Joshua to the Tent of Meeting, where He sadly informs them that despite the many blessings Israel had seen and heard, they will disobey and rebel against Him, turning to foreign gods. Then He will no longer answer them, and will allow great troubles to come to the nation. Moses is told to write a farewell song to Israel, reminding them of God’s everlasting presence and goodness. This song will also remind them of their separation from Him, but also that if they return to Him with their whole heart, He will forgive and restore them.
Closing thoughts:
Moses gave a powerful, prophetic message, filled with both hope and warning. It was a call to faithfulness, a reminder of God’s Covenant, and how to live righteously before Him. As Israel stood at the threshold of a new beginning, Moses’ words served as a light, with the wisdom and courage they needed to face the challenges and temptations to come.
As believers we’ve entered a heart-transforming Covenant with our Redeemer, Messiah Yeshua. If we’ll seek God’s kingdom first, and love Him with our whole being, then our lives will be blessed, and in harmony with Him.
Everyone who is joined to the Lord becomes one in spirit with Him. Brothers and sisters, we have not merely entered into an individual relationship, but into a Covenant community, together with Yeshua. Israel stood as one nation, present and future, in God’s Covenant. Let us stand as one new man in His Truth.