Ekev
Deuteronomy 7:12 - 11:25
Précis: Moses continues his recapitulation of the commandments to the people, reminding them to be obedient to God’s laws in their forthcoming struggle with the Canaanites. Moses describes in detail all of the blessings which God had already provided them, and reminds them to bless and thank God for the bounty they receive. On the other hand, they should learn the lesson of rebelliousness of their fathers, including the incident of the Golden Calf. Moses reminds the people that he brought down a second set of tablets, which require their continued obedience to God.
Deuteronomy 8:10 – “When you have eaten and are satisfied, give thanks to Adonai your God for the good land which He has given you.”
In the reading this week, we are informed of the blessings and punishments which follow from the observance (or failure to observe) God’s commands (mitzvot). In the cited verse, we learn that we will be fed (and be satisfied) but that it is then incumbent to express thanks to God for His largess. But it is noteworthy that we are not commanded to thank God for the food, but rather for the land. Why this indirect distinction? Perhaps it is a matter of the forest and the trees.
The performance of some of the mitzvot can become almost automatic and unthinking (the trees), a complaint sometimes leveled against some traditional Jews who seem to be mumbling blessings constantly. On the other hand, when we thank God for the land, we are offering thanks not for the food itself (the tree) but recognizing His gift of the entire world, which in turn allows us to eat (the forest). This simple mitzvah is an important reminder to think about what we are doing, however mundane or ordinary, and find within it a basis for thanksgiving.
