Torah Portion: Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17

Re’eh (‘Behold’)

The word Re’eh that starts our Torah portion this week is an interjection demanding immediate attention: Behold! The word re’eh (behold, see, take note) occurs over a thousand times in the Tanakh and is often used by the prophets to preface statements of what God will do.

God says to Israel though Moses: Re’eh, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse (Deut 11:26). This is an important ‘here-and-now’ choice (today), a decision with serious consequences. Israel had seen much of God’s power, protection and provision, and many miracles. They were now given a choice regarding their future: would they hear (i.e. listen) and obey the commandments of God (the Hebrew words for hear (sh’ma) and obey (shamar) come from the same root)?

This is a choice we all must make – and like Israel, it must be made as a matter of urgency (Psalm 95 also says, “Today, if you hear God’s voice, do not harden your hearts…”).

Israel’s Instructions

Israel was given a number of clear instructions which we would do well to heed today. First, they were not to go after other gods or follow the ways of the nations (Deut 12:31), where every man did whatever was right in his own eyes (Deut 12:8). Instead they were to be careful to hear and obey all God’s regulations, “that it may always go well with you and your children” (Deut 12:28). God’s laws were for the protection of His people, who were to be separate from all the other nations on earth.

Secondly, Israel was to not listen to false prophets, who ensnared people into idolatry. This was a test of whether their love for the Lord was wholehearted (Deut 13:8). Again, this is so applicable today to us, surrounded by many false voices (1 John 4:1).

Finally, God stressed the importance of true worship, instructing Israel to observe the main Feasts of the Lord - Pesach, Shavuot and Sukkot (Deut 16:1, 10 and 13 respectively).

Vital Choice

Choosing to hear and obey brings blessing and life: “It will go well with you and your children”. Refusal to hear and obey brings cursing and death.

But how can we hear God’s voice among the many noisy demands of this world? It is so easy to focus on worldly voices. God’s word is clear: Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God (James 4:4). It’s that serious. God’s mercy and encouragement says: THEREFORE, CHOOSE LIFE.

Just as Moses challenges us, so do the prophets who followed him. Listen to Isaiah: “Why spend your money on what is not bread, and your labour on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to Me, and eat what is good…Come to Me; hear Me that your soul may live” (Isa 55:2): THEREFORE, CHOOSE LIFE.

Most importantly, Jesus echoes the same truth: “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35-51).

God’s promise of life is also a promise of restoration. We can see this being fulfilled before our eyes in the nation of Israel – born again physically (Isaiah 66:8) and soon to be born again spiritually.

THEREFORE, RE’EH, CHOOSE LIFE. Let us make the right choice - today.

Author: Greg Stevenson