Deuteronomy 26:1–29:8(9)

Torah Portion Ki Tavo continues the narrative of the Israelites’ journey toward the Promised Land. The portion opens with a directive for the Israelites to bring the first fruits of their harvest to the temple. This act is a powerful gesture of gratitude and recognition of God’s blessings and sustenance.

Ki Tavo anchors itself in a series of blessings and curses detailed in Deuteronomy 28. These aren’t simply punitive measures. They are deeply woven into the fabric of covenant relationship between God and His people. Beyond simply outlining consequences, this section speaks to the heart of choice and accountability that every individual faces. It’s a therapeutic reminder that actions and choices have tangible repercussions.

The covenantal language within Ki Tavo can’t be overlooked. It’s steeped in historical context, as Moses uses these words to fortify a foundation for the Israelites right before stepping into Canaan. This is a call to action, urging them to adhere to God’s commandments in order to thrive and be a beacon to other nations.

Moses’ speeches in Deuteronomy lead up to a grand finale. Ki Tavo functions as a sort of conclusion, not in the sense of closure, but as a preparatory statement. It’s setting the stage for what lies ahead, ensuring the people are mentally and spiritually ready to embrace their new life beyond the Jordan River.

Messianic Insights: Finding Messiah Yeshua in Ki Tavo

Looking at the connection between Deuteronomy’s blessings and Yeshua’s teachings in the Beatitudes reveals a deeper layer of understanding. The Beatitudes, found in Matthew 5, echo the same heart of blessing for those who follow the ways of God, just like Moses’ words in Ki Tavo highlight how adhering to God’s commandments leads to a blessed life. It’s like a spiritual key that unlocks a deeper comprehension of how these scriptures relate across time.

So whoever disobeys the least of these mitzvot and teaches others to do so will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But whoever obeys them and so teaches will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness is far greater than that of the Torah-teachers and P’rushim, you will certainly not enter the Kingdom of Heaven!
(Matthew 5:19-20 CJB)

The instruction to bring the first fruits is more than a ceremonial act. In 1 Corinthians 15:20, Yeshua is described as the ‘first fruits of the resurrection.’ This parallel shows a tangible link where Yeshua embodies the fulfillment of scripture. It ties the old practices with the new realities of faith.

Yeshua’s words in John 14:15, “If you love Me, keep My commandments,” aligns perfectly with the principles found in the Torah. It’s like a continuation of the conversation around obedience, emphasizing that love for God naturally leads to a life in line with His teachings. This is a reminder that faith isn’t passive; it’s expressed through active, lived obedience.

“If you love me, you will keep my commands; and I will ask the Father, and he will give you another comforting Counselor like me, the Spirit of Truth, to be with you forever.
(John 14:15-16 CJB)

Curses and blessings found in this portion take on an even richer meaning when viewed through the lens of Yeshua’s sacrifice. In Galatians 3:13, Paul writes about how Yeshua redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. This perspective shifts the focus from condemnation to redemption, showcasing how the ultimate blessing has been secured through Yeshua’s sacrifice. It’s a transformative reminder of the grace available to those who follow Him.

Living the Message: Life Applications for Followers of Yeshua

Ki Tavo encourages us to take a good, hard look at our own lives. This call to self-examination echoes in Yeshua’s teachings on purity of heart. It’s about being honest with ourselves about where we stand spiritually, much like the Israelites had to inventory their relationship with God before entering the Promised Land.

Offering personal ‘first fruits’ in our own lives can take many forms, influenced by Yeshua’s example of humility and service. Whether it’s dedicating the first moments of our day to prayer or recognizing our resources as gifts from God, these acts of worship ground us. It’s about keeping the attitude of gratitude alive in practical, everyday actions.

Embodying the message of blessings and curses means weaving Yeshua’s teachings into everyday life. This looks like proactively choosing kindness, justice, and love in interactions, which reflect the spirit of Yeshua’s message. It’s about making choices that mirror His example and teachings.

The idea of covenant loyalty extends beyond an ancient agreement; it’s a living practice. For Messianic believers today, this means aligning daily actions with Yeshua’s values, nurturing faith through tangible commitment to His ways, and maintaining that sense of promise in everything we do. It’s about keeping that divine relationship alive and vibrant.

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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.

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