A Journey Through Torah

A Journey Through Torah Volume 5 - D’Varim/Deuteronomy Introduction Whenever Kings of Israel read from Torah, the Five Books of Moses, Deuteronomy was often the book they read. Why was this Book read more than the others? The Hebrew title of the fifth book is D’Varim, which means ‘words’ or ‘utterances’, focuses on an intense encapsulation of Israel’s 40-year journey through the wilderness of the Sinai Peninsula. Some have called D’Varim ancient Israel’s constitution , while others state this book serves other purposes, such as a book of instruction and a summary of the covenant between ADONAI and man . Indeed, as you read through this fifth volume, I am sure you will determine other purposes for this writing of Moshe. Throughout the 34 chapters of the ‘Book’, there are a multitude of instructions, laws and regulations discussed and explained. These are not new to Israel; they are a summarization of what was given to Israel at the base of Mt. Sinai (Exodus 20) and presented within the four first books of Torah. It does appear that HaSefer D’Varim, the Book of Deuteronomy, is a series of teachings or sermons given by Moshe to his people, the Congregation of ADONAI. As you read through the Book, alongside this brief introduction, keep in mind the culture of Israel at the time of its writing was much different from yours. Indeed, it was a much earlier time, with different physical challenges and much less security than we have today. It has been suggested that “The book of Deuteronomy is possibly a cornerstone to the Apostolic writings. There are numerous quotes that YESHUA and the apostles used. One may also see it as a sacred charge to the people of Israel and also a farewell address” by Moshe. Be aware also that there is a good deal of controversy surrounding Moshe and the writing of Torah, the five first books of the Bible. One source of controversy comes from Martin Noth , who claimed that there were multiple writers of the Torah. The total collection was compiled by the high priest, Ezra, who wove the stories together to create a tangible and cohesive version of Israel’s life and journey through the wilderness. STRUCTURE OF VOLUME 5: D’VARIM, DEUTERONOMY Deuteronomy is divided into three parts: Chapters 1 to 11; 12 to 26 and 27 to 34. In the first part, Moshe calls Israel to remain faithful to ADONAI’s teachings. He reminds the second generation of the faithlessness exhibited by the first. Included in this first set of teachings, are the call to action. Based on the central prayer of the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4,5), this prayer is now central to Judaism and is recited twice a day, upon rising and retiring, and during the weekly Shabbat service. The second section, Chapters 12 to 26, focuses on instructions and ordinances regarding worship (Deuteronomy 12 to 16a), leadership (16b to 18) and the civil life (19 to 26) of the Israelites. Through these instructions, ADONAI, through Moshe, is pushing Israel to a higher standard of society life than their neighbours. This was the highest standard of civil life than had ever been experienced before. In Chapters 27 to 34, Moshe reviews the blessings for following ADONAI’s ordinances and teachings and curses for refusing to obey. This review comes to a climax in chapter 30:15-20, when Moshe forces the issue with: See, today I have set before you life and prosperity, death and adversity. For I am commanding you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commands, statutes, and ordinances, so that you may live and multiply . . . I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live. This section of HaSefer D’Varim ends with Moshe’s poem of warning Israel about their future (Chapter 32) and his blessings of the 12 tribes of Israel (Chapter 33). The Book then ends with Moshe’s death. The volume is further divided into parashot, or portions. Each parashah, portion, is focused on a central issue, decided by the scribes who memorized the teachings of Moshe, thousands of years ago and who eventually transcribed the Torah onto parchment scrolls. There are 11 parashot in this volume. You may read of them in the Table of Contents. Throughout the Book, you will read transliterated Hebrew words. If they appear for the first time, they will be in a different font, such as ADONAI. Otherwise, they will be in font used throughout the Book. Why translated Hebrew? The Book has been written through the lens of Messianic Judaism; thus, where it is appropriate, the original Hebrew word will be translated into English, instead of using its English translation. In many cases, the English translation of the Hebrew does not express the deeper meaning of the original Hebrew. Every attempt has been made to maintain the original meaning of the language used in HaSefer D’Varim, the Book of Deuteronomy. You will find, at the end of the Book, a glossary with all the Hebrew words fully translated.