Deuteronomy 7:12 to 11:25

Ekev is a treasure trove of teachings on obedience and the profound blessings that follow such devotion.

This portion, Ekev, which translates to “on the heels of,” “because of,” or “as a result of,” hinges on the blessings tied to the Israelites’ commitment to God’s commandments. It’s a firm reminder of the covenant between God and His people, emphasizing not only the rewards but also the responsibilities attached to being chosen.

Set against the backdrop of the Israelites’ journey, Ekev serves as a reflective moment where Moses addresses the tribes. He urges them to remember their history and remain steadfast in their obedience to the divine law. At this juncture, Moses reminds the people of the vital lessons learned during the wandering, especially the reliance on divine provision over material sustenance alone.

The themes in Ekev stretch beyond historical significance, resonating within the Jewish liturgical calendar as it offers a universal message about loyalty, faith, and divine promise. Within these segments, universal values shine through, speaking of the eternal nature of God’s words and His enduring promise to those who walk in obedience.

Messianic Insights: Finding Messiah Yeshua in Ekev

In the evolving narrative of Ekev, the teachings hold profound links to the life and mission of Yeshua, or Jesus, marking a fascinating convergence of Old Testament prophecies and New Testament fulfilment. By delving into these connections, one can uncover valuable insights into the messianic themes interwoven within this portion.

Ekev speaks about the importance of the covenant. Yeshua is seen as the ultimate fulfilment of these divine promises, embodying both the law and the grace extended to humanity. Just as the Israelites were called to adhere to God’s commands to receive blessings, Yeshua calls His followers to embody righteousness, echoing the Torah’s call.

“Don’t think that I have come to abolish the Torah or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete. Yes indeed! I tell you that until heaven and earth pass away, not so much as a yud or a stroke will pass from the Torah — not until everything that must happen has happened.
(Matthew 5:17-18 CJB)

A pivotal verse, Deuteronomy 8:3, states, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone…’, an idea Yeshua famously echoes during His temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:4). This reference underscores a continuity between the teachings of Moses and the teachings of Yeshua, emphasizing reliance on spiritual sustenance over mere physical needs.

Furthermore, in Ekev, blessings and curses serve as reminders of the consequences tied to obedience or disobedience. Yeshua’s role as Messiah ushers in a new understanding of these age-old principles. By living them out, He brings forth a fresh perspective, offering a path of blessing through faith and alignment with His teachings.

“So, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on bedrock. The rain fell, the rivers flooded, the winds blew and beat against that house, but it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on rock.
(Matthew 7:24-25 CJB)

Yeshua’s teachings consistently highlight a shift from mere ritual compliance to heartfelt devotion, reflecting the deeper intent behind God’s laws in Ekev. These insights allow believers to see the messianic foundation laid out before them, encouraging a journey of faith that is both informed by ancient wisdom and inspired by Christ’s message.

Living the Message: Life Applications for Followers of Yeshua

As followers of Yeshua reflecting on the lessons in Ekev, the call to integrate these timeless principles into daily life becomes clear. The focus on obedient living and genuine faith is a core theme that extends into modern-day practice.

Applying the teachings of Ekev starts with the principle of listening and doing, which aligns with Yeshua’s encouragement to be active in our faith. In Matthew 7:24-27, Yeshua emphasizes building one’s life on solid foundations, much like Moses urged the Israelites to ground themselves in divine commands.

For believers today, this means more than outward compliance; it involves a heartfelt dedication to God’s word, nurturing a relationship that is honest and transformative. This aligns with the teachings found in Ekev, where the blessings stem from a true commitment, and not just superficial actions.

Yeshua’s emphasis on gratitude mirrors the thanksgiving and recognition of blessings described in Ekev. Embracing a lifestyle of gratitude becomes a powerful testament to faith and a key aspect of personal transformation. It nurtures a heart capable of witnessing to others and living out the blessings intended by God.

Community and personal growth thrive when believers commit to living the messages of both Ekev and the words of Yeshua. This means being active in showing kindness, justice, and mercy, aligning with the spirit of the commandments. It’s a life where faith informs actions, leading to meaningful change within our communities and ourselves.

Ultimately, by integrating the principles from Ekev and embracing Yeshua’s teachings, believers can navigate their faith journey with purpose and clarity, living as genuine reflections of divine love and wisdom.

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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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