Parashat Va’etchanan (To Implore or Beg)
D’varim (Deuteronomy) 3:23-7:11
Haftarah: Isaiah 40:1–26

Parashat Va’etchanan speaks of the unchanging God of Israel – Past, Present, and Future. It opens with a deeply moving scene where Moses, the leader whom God entrusted to bring the children of Israel out of Egypt, pleads with God to allow him to cross the Jordan River and enter the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy 3:23–27, Moses speaks from the depths of his heart:

I pleaded with the LORD at that time, saying, ‘Lord GOD, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your strong hand; for what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as Yours? Please let me cross over and see the good land that is beyond the Jordan, that good hill country, and Lebanon.’ But the LORD was angry with me on your account, and would not listen to me; instead, the LORD said to me, ‘Enough! Do not speak to Me any more about this matter. Go up to the top of Pisgah and raise your eyes to the west, the north, the south, and the east, and see it with your eyes; for you shall not cross over this Jordan.’
Deuteronomy 3:23–27

To many, God’s response might seem severe. He instructs Moses to stop asking and simply to look upon the land he will not enter. Yet, this moment is a powerful testament to God’s unchanging nature and His divine plan. The same God who led Moses and the Israelites through the wilderness had a greater purpose for Moses, which we see revealed in Matthew 17:1–3:

Six days later, Yeshua took with Him Peter and James, and his brother John, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.

Here, we witness Moses not just seeing the Land but standing within it and speaking with Yeshua Himself. This profound moment underscores the truth that the God who was with Moses is the same God who remains faithful to Israel throughout all generations. His plans, though sometimes beyond our understanding, are always perfect and for the ultimate good.

God’s call to Israel was to live by His commandments. In this week’s Parashah, Moses delivers vital instructions to the the children of Israel, reminding them of the importance of adhering to God’s commandments:

"And now, O Israel, hear the statutes and the judgments which I am teaching you to do, in order that you may live and go in and take possession of the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you."
Deuteronomy 4:1–2

These words emphasize the enduring wisdom in following God’s ways. The statutes given to Israel were not just rules; they were a path to life, wisdom, and a deep relationship with the Almighty. Moses warns the Israelites to guard their souls diligently and to remember what God has done for them:

Only be careful for yourself and watch over your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons.
Deuteronomy 4:9

Despite these clear instructions, history shows that Israel struggled to remain faithful, turning to other gods and eventually facing exile. Yet, even in their disobedience, God’s promise to Israel remains unshaken.

The Haftarah reading from Isaiah 40:1–12 offers a beautiful message of hope and comfort, reaffirming that the same God who led Israel in the past will continue to be their comfort and hope in the future:

"Comfort, comfort My people,” says your God. “Speak to the heart of Jerusalem; and call out to her, that her warfare has ended, that her iniquity has been removed, that she has received of the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.”
Isaiah 40:1–2

These words are a powerful reminder that God’s love and care for Israel are unwavering. The same God who brought Israel out of Egypt and through the wilderness is the same God who promises to comfort and restore them. His word stands forever, and His promises to Israel will be fulfilled. The imagery of God as a shepherd, tenderly gathering His flock and leading them, is a vivid depiction of His enduring care and guidance and a wonderful reminder of the ultimate Shepherd, Yeshuah our Messiah, who will gather His flock and will be leading them (us) one day.

As we reflect on Parashat Va’etchanan, we are reminded of the faithfulness of the God of Israel—past, present, and future. His plans are perfect, and His promises are sure. In these challenging times, when Israel faces many challenges and trials, let us remember that the same God who has always been with Israel is still their hope and comfort.

Let us be moved to action by praying for the peace of Jerusalem and for the people of Israel. May they find their comfort and hope in the unchanging God who has promised to gather them, protect them, and lead them into the fullness of His promises.

Shabbat Shalom,
Moran