Deuteronomy 29:9(10)-30:20

Torah portion Nitsavim sets a stage for one of the most pivotal moments in Israel’s history. Here, Moses gathers the people on the plains of Moab to renew their covenant with God. This gathering is an opportunity for every member of the community, from the leaders to the woodcutters, to take their stand before God collectively.

This portion highlights a profound paradox: while it emphasizes the communal nature of Israel’s covenant with God, it equally insists on the individual’s responsibility. Each person, regardless of their status, holds a stake in this sacred commitment. Moses reminds the people that embracing God’s covenant brings blessings, while turning away can lead to curses. It’s a clear call to reflect on personal responsibility and its ripple effects on the wider community.

A resounding theme in Nitsavim is that of choosing life. Moses presents the idea that life and prosperity are directly linked to obedience to God’s word. It’s both a spiritual and practical choice, urging the Israelites to wholeheartedly engage with this life path over a way that leads to ruin. The idea goes beyond survival; it’s about thriving under divine guidance.

In the essence of establishing a covenant, Moses calls for heartfelt obedience, not mere rule-following. The idea here is that the word is not out of reach. It’s not in the heavens or across the sea, but accessible and near. The call to action is to internalize and live out this word, making it a part of daily life.

Messianic Insights: Finding Messiah Yeshua in Nitsavim

The notion of standing before God in Nitsavim resonates deeply when considering Yeshua’s role as the Messiah. In standing, there’s a clear link to how Yeshua invites followers into a renewed covenant, echoing this collective commitment but with a deeper spiritual dimension. Yeshua’s life and teachings present a new layer of understanding, especially in how He fulfills these covenant promises.

Yeshua’s words in Matthew 26:28, during the Last Supper, reinforce the transformative nature of the covenant. He speaks of His blood as the blood of the new covenant, poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. This illustrates how Yeshua embodies the essence of what Moses was addressing — a binding promise but now framed as personal redemption from sin through Him.

Also he took a cup of wine, made the b’rakhah, and gave it to them, saying, “All of you, drink from it! For this is my blood, which ratifies the New Covenant, my blood shed on behalf of many, so that they may have their sins forgiven.
(Matthew 26:27-28 CJB)

The blessing and curse dynamics outlined in Nitsavim find their expression in the work of Yeshua. Paul writes in Galatians 3:13 about how Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. Understanding Yeshua’s sacrifice in this light opens up a fresh perspective on the choices presented in Nitsavim and how through Yeshua, the choice of life becomes attainable.

Moses foresaw a time of renewal, and Yeshua speaks directly to this when He proclaims Himself as the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). This declaration draws a clear line from Moses’ vision of future restoration to the fulfillment found in Yeshua’s ministry. It presents the continuity of divine promise woven through scripture, inviting believers to see consistency in God’s plan.

Yeshua said, “I AM the Way — and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through me. Because you have known me, you will also know my Father; from now on, you do know him — in fact, you have seen him.”
(John 14:6-7 CJB)

For those seeking to relate the teachings of Nitsavim to the life of Yeshua, understanding His role as both the mediator and the fulfillment is crucial. He doesn’t just stand as a historical figure but as an active, living representation of these ancient commitments — bringing the past promises into present day reality.

Living the Message: Life Applications for Followers of Yeshua

Applying the teachings from Nitsavim alongside Yeshua’s example offers a practical path forward for believers. At its core, choosing life is about embracing the teachings of Yeshua in daily living. Yeshua’s call to love one another, as found in John 13:34-35, encourages believers to actively practice and live these principles in community.

The message of abundant life, as expressed by Yeshua in John 10:10, aligns with the choice Moses presents. This is about more than just existing; it’s about experiencing the fullness of life aligned with divine intention. Followers are invited to consider how they can actively choose life, not just as a lofty ideal but as a tangible daily decision.

Examining the early church’s practices as described in Acts 2:42-47 provides a model for communal faith and shared life. These examples illustrate the importance of standing together, much like the collective gathering in Nitsavim. This acts as a blueprint for how modern believers might mirror the same commitment and community spirit.

Emphasizing faithfulness in covenant through Yeshua’s teachings can manifest in simple yet profound ways. Being present for others, showing consistent kindness, and maintaining a life of prayer reflect the nature of the covenant engagement as espoused in Nitsavim.

Navigating the everyday journey while keeping the teachings of Yeshua front and center means engaging with the scripture and each other seriously. This means making conscious decisions that reflect one’s faith, nurturing spiritual growth, and contributing to the well-being of others, reminding us that the covenant isn’t a one-time event but a life-long journey.

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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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