Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17

Torah Portion Re’eh covers major themes like blessings, curses, and essential commands on worship. The scripture begins with a choice: blessing for obedience or curse for rebellion, which is a recurring theme throughout the Bible.

A standout feature in Re’eh is how it lays out where and how worship takes place. God instructs the Israelites to destroy pagan altars and instead worship at the designated place He sets apart. This shift marks a clear directive towards a centralized form of worship, emphasizing obedience and purity in worship practices.

Perhaps it seems social justice is a just modern concern, but it’s right here in Re’eh. The text gives clear commands on taking care of the poor, a reminder that true worship includes compassionate action towards others. It talks about canceling debts during the Sabbatical year, aiming to create equality among the Israelites.

Re’eh also restates the dietary laws, defining what’s clean and unclean for consumption. Beyond food, these instructions show a lifestyle commitment to holiness, setting the Israelites apart from surrounding nations.

The Sabbatical year is significant, too, offering a chance to reset social and economic conditions among the people. It’s a reminder of trusting God’s provision and releasing control over our resources. Re’eh balances directives for personal faithfulness and community welfare, offering a holistic approach to living a God-centered life.

Messianic Insights: Finding Messiah Yeshua in Re’eh

The theme of ‘seeing’ in Re’eh parallels Yeshua’s call to follow Him, emphasizing vision and choice. It’s about recognizing the path laid before us, similar to how Yeshua invited His followers to ‘see’ the kingdom of God through His life and teachings.

Yeshua’s teachings on blessings echo the Deuteronomy message of choice. Consider the Beatitudes—He highlights the blessedness of the humble and righteous, aligning with the concept of blessings for obedience found in Re’eh.

Throughout His ministry, Yeshua performs miracles that point back to messianic prophecies, reinforcing His identity as the promised Messiah. The choice to follow Him reflects the weight of choice in Re’eh, bridging the covenant promise to a new fulfillment.

So he answered them by saying, “Go, tell Yochanan what you have been seeing and hearing: the blind are seeing again, the lame are walking, people with tzara`at are being cleansed, the deaf are hearing, the dead are being raised, the Good News is being told to the poorp — and how blessed is anyone not offended by me!”
(Luke 7:22-23 CJB)

Re’eh places an emphasis on the central place of worship, which resonates with Yeshua’s teaching that He is the true temple. This understanding shifts worship from a location to a person, a core tenet in Messianic belief.

But the time is coming — indeed, it’s here now — when the true worshippers will worship the Father spiritually and truly, for these are the kind of people the Father wants worshipping him.
(John 4:23 CJB)

Social justice commandments find their fuller meaning in Jesus’ ministry. His emphasis on loving one’s neighbor and serving ‘the least of these’ actively reflect the compassionate directives in Re’eh, making these age-old commands relevant in daily life now.

Living the Message: Life Applications for Followers of Yeshua

Living by faith involves making choices similar to those outlined in Re’eh. Followers of Yeshua are called to choose between blessing and curse in their everyday decisions, reflecting the teachings and example He set. Viewing every decision as an opportunity to align with His will makes faith an active part of everyday life.

Social justice, emphasized both in Re’eh and by Yeshua, prompts us to take concrete actions in helping those in need. Practically, this involves engaging in acts of kindness and support, following the guidance Yeshua provided in His ministry, making a tangible difference in the lives of others.

Yeshua’s approach to spiritual cleanliness gives a deeper understanding of being holy and set apart. His actions and teachings guide us in maintaining purity—not through rituals but through genuine heart transformation and sincere worship.

The concept of the Sabbatical year calls us to live with trust in God’s provision. It encourages letting go of control and embracing the freedom that comes from relying on God’s timing and care. By aligning with these principles, believers can experience deeper peace and balance.

Worship, as shown in Re’eh and embodied by Jesus, is about sincerity and heart devotion. Following Yeshua’s example means creating a personal, authentic connection with God, prioritizing internal transformation over external practices. This genuine approach to faith is central to building a strong spiritual foundation.

---

Dale Solberg is a guest writer at Messianic Torah Portion offering a commentary and devotional thoughts from a Messianic Perspective on each week’s Torah reading. His views and opinions do not necessarily reflect those of The Messianic Light. You can reach Dale at dale@messianictorahportion.com.

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken from the Complete Jewish Bible, Copyright © 1998 and 2016 by David H. Stern. Used by permission. All copyrights reserved worldwide.

This post contains affiliate links. Purchases help support Messianic Torah Portion and do not affect the price you pay. Please do not make purchases on the Sabbath.

Messianic Torah Portion is a ministry of The Messianic Light.