Consequences

Ekev

Deut. 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 dangerous 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.

Deut. 11:13-14 “And it will come to pass, if you listen diligently to My commandments which I command you this day, to love Adonai your God and serve Adonai with all your soul, that I will give rain in your land in due season.”

            The meaning of this parasha can be easily summed up: actions have consequences. We observe that our tradition is clear about this matter each time we recite the Sh’ma when we recite this verse. But then we see the alternative: "Take care not to be lured away to serve other gods and bow down to them. For the Lord's anger will flare up against you and God will shut up the skies so that there will be no rain. The ground will not yield its produce and you will soon perish from the good land the Lord is giving to you."

            Some view this dichotomy in a very literal sense: Whenever something bad happens to us or to the Jewish People, it’s because we have failed to follow the commandments. When things go well, we can assume it is because we have been living a good life.
              

            For me, I cannot make this a basis for my personal belief system. Too many bad things happens to too many good people, and vice versa. Having said that, however, I do believe, and believe strongly, that actions have consequences. What do you believe?