Ekev (Heel) D’Varim (Deuteronomy) 7:12-11:25
Torah Portion: Ekev (Heel) D’Varim (Deuteronomy) 7:12-11:25
Haftorah Reading Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 49:14-51:3
This afternoon our Torah section begins with the Hebrew word Ekev. It has many translations in English. It can mean, come to pass or because, it can also mean heel. It comes from the same root word as Isaac’s son Jacob. This comes from the fact he was holding on to the heel of Esau as they were being born. Tonight, I want us to major on the translation of heel for this word.
Ekev(Because) D’varim (Deut) 7:12-11:25
Torah Portion: Ekev(Because) D’varim (Deut) 7:12-11:25
Haftorah Reading: Isaiah 49:14-51:3
The Torah portion this week contains so many issues that should inspire us in our walk with the Father. Here we find the second paragraph of the Shema in Deut. 11:13-21, the description of the Land of Israel and G-d’s presence always looking after it in Deut. 11:10 through chapter 12.
Ekev (Because) Deut 7-11
Torah Portion: Ekev (Because) D’Varim (Deuteronomy) 7:12-11:25
HafTorah: Isaiah 49:14-51:3
This week we read a Torah portion that contains many spiritual lessons like the second paragraph of the Shema as well as Moshe’s speech about what G-d expects of the people when they cross over into the Land.
One glaring difference is in the personal pronoun used mainly in this portion as compared to last week. For example, the first part of the Shema from last week’s portion was written with the singular pronoun, “you.” This week we read the second paragraph and see it written with the plural pronoun, “you.” I would like us to explore this and see what it might say to us spiritually. This is especially important given what happened in Israel this past week and what is going on in our country and communities each day. Deut. 7:12-13 is an example of this, when Israel as a nation kept G-d’s Torah He would bless them and multiply them.
Ekev (Because/Heed) Deut 7-11
Torah Portion: Ekev (Because/Heed) Devarim (Deuteronomy) 7:12-11:25
HafTorah: Isaiah 49:14-51:3
Tonight we read the Torah portion Ekev. This is an interesting word to be used in that its literal meaning is heel. If you remember the Patriarch Jacob, his name comes from this word because he held on to Esau’s heel at birth. He was tenacious and would not let go, a quality that we see later in his life when he struggles with the angel at the brook. Maybe this gives us insight into what Moses is telling us in this Torah portion. I feel G-d is telling us to not give up but to hold on to those things of G-d. We need to make an effort in maintaining our relationship with Him. I think you will see this through out this section.
Ekev (Because) Deut 7:12-11:25
Torah Portion: Ekev (Because) Devarim (Deut.) 7:12-11:25
HafTorah: Isaiah 49:14-51:3
NT Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13; James 5:7-11
Ekev: sometimes translated as “because.” Does anyone know where we have seen at least the root of this Hebrew word before? A hint: it is the root of the name of one of the Patriarchs. It is the name of Jacob. Why was he named Jacob? It is because he held his brother’s heel when they were born. So you could translate it as “on the heels of” or following. This opening verse this week really ties what follows from the last verse of last weeks section, Deut. 7:11, linking heart felt obedience to G-d’s blessing. Moses then goes on to point a beautiful picture of what will be the result of their obedience.