Parasha Ekev (עקב) — Devarim 7:12 – 11:25. Read on Shabbat, August 21, 2027.
Summary of Parasha Ekev
Moshe declares that if the people listen to and observe the laws, G-d will keep His covenant and bless them: with children, harvests, flocks and health. The people must not fear the nations of the land, whom G-d will drive out little by little. Moshe recalls the forty years in the wilderness, during which G-d fed the people with manna to teach them that man does not live by bread alone. He describes the goodness of the land, a land of wheat, barley, vines, figs, pomegranates, olives and honey, and commands that, after eating and being satisfied, one bless G-d. He warns against the pride that would make one say: “My strength and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.” It is not because of its righteousness that Israel inherits the land. Moshe then recalls the sins of the wilderness, in particular the golden calf, the broken tablets, his forty-day prayer and the second tablets placed in the ark. He mentions the choice of the tribe of Levi for the service. Then he asks: “What does G-d ask of you, but to fear Him, to walk in His ways and to love Him?” and calls on the people to circumcise their hearts and to love the stranger. The parasha contains the second paragraph of the Shema, which links the rain to the observance of the commandments and repeats the commandments of tefillin, of teaching one’s children and of the mezuzah.
The Themes
- Gratitude after the meal
- The danger of pride
- Circumcising one’s heart
Rav Raphaël Benizri’s Lectures on Ekev
There are no lectures by the Rav on this parasha yet. Find all the available lectures on the Parasha of the Week page.
A Question for the Shabbat Table
Moshe fears that, once satisfied, the people will forget where their wealth comes from: how can we remain grateful when all is going well?
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Summary by the Pensées Juives editorial team. The Rav’s teachings are found in his lectures, linked above.