Davarim
Chapter 9.
-hebraicstudies.net-
Please do NOT visit this site on Shabbat or on
the Yom Tovim (Feasts)!
Throughout this site I will use any of the following
three versions of the TaNaKh: 1. “Jewish
Publication Society” (JPS), 2. “Sefaria.org” (SEF), 3. “Mechon-Mamre.org” (MEC).
Colour coded
details of the - TaNaKh: 1. Torah =
History & Law, 2. Nevi’im =
The Prophets. 3. *Ketuvim = all
other Writings).
*The Ketuvim - includes, Poetical
books - Psalms, Proverbs, Job, the Megillot, or
Scrolls - Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations of
Jeremiah, Ecclesiastes, and Esther, prophecy of Daniel, and
history of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles I & II.
Please Note: Some minor alterations have been made
relating to Names and Attributes having been corrected.
YYYYYYY
With Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
Let us take an in-depth look at Davarim - Deuteronomy chapter 9 and how it flows, has themes, and what it all means for us today!
1. Overview and Structure:
Davarim - Deuteronomy chapter 9 shows us very clearly that Moshe - Moses’ solemn reminder to Israel that their conquest of Canaan is neither their doing nor a reward for personal merit, but entirely אֱלֹהִים-hwhy (YHVH Elohim’s) Grace. He recounts their rebellion’s, as well as that horrid ‘golden calf’ incident, and then his (Moshe’s) own intercession.
Promise and Warning Vs 1 to 6 - אֱלֹהִים will go before Israel; victory is not due to their righteousness.
Golden Calf Recount Vs 7 to 21 - Israel’s idolatry at Horeb; Moses intercedes and breaks the tablets.
Other Rebellions Vs 22 to 24 - Incidents at Taberah, Massah, Kibroth-Hattaavah, Kadesh-Barnea.
Moshe’s’ Intercession Vs 25 to 29 - Forty days of prayer pleading אֱלֹהִים covenantal mercy.
2. Key Themes:
Divine Initiative - Victory comes only because אֱלֹהִים “goes before” as a consuming fire, not because of Israel’s own strength.
Human Stubbornness - An repeated phrase: “a stiff-necked people” a picture of unwillingness to submit to אֱלֹהִים ways.
Mercy over Merit - The land is given to punish wicked nations and fulfil אֱלֹהִים oath to the patriarchs, not to honour Israel’s righteousness.
Intercessory Leadership - Moshe models the power and necessity of pleading for mercy on behalf of a wayward people.
3. Theological Insights:
אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) Sovereignty in Salvation!
Just as Israel’s conquest was an act of grace, our salvation was by אֱלֹהִים initiative. We are warned against equating blessing with personal merit.
The Danger of Self-Righteousness - Moses cautions any whould claim “I earned this blessing”, a timeless reminder to cultivate humility.
Role of the Mediator - Moshe stands between אֱלֹהִים-hwhy and Israel, anticipating ultimate intercession.
4. Historical and Cultural Context:
The Wilderness Generation - This speech came on the plains of Moab, toward the end of forty years’ wandering. Israel has to cross Jordan into hostile territory.
Covenant Memory - Recalling the golden calf and other failures keeps the community aware of its need for continual dependence on אֱלֹהִים.
Ancient Near Eastern Warfare - Conquest narratives often present divine judgment on pagan nations. Here, אֱלֹהִים fires imagery echoes His holiness and justice.
5. Practical Applications:
Embrace Humility - Whenever the beloved אֱלֹהִים is moving in your life, resist crediting your own “goodness.” Pause and acknowledge His Love and His Grace!
Remember Past Failures - Honest reflection on personal shortcomings guards us against pride and keeps us reliant on אֱלֹהִים mercy.
Cultivate Intercessory Prayer - Like Moshe, pray persistently (often) for your family (Mishpacheh), as well for your community, and the nation you live in, especially when facing entrenched sin.
Trust אֱלֹהִים Promises - Even daunting “giants” and “fortified cities” become conquerable when we remember that He goes ahead of us.
6. Reflection Questions:
1. In what areas of your life do you tend to take credit for אֱלֹהִים work?
2. How does remembering past failures help you maintain humility today?
3. Who in your circle needs intercession, and how might you follow Moshe’s example?
4. What “fortified city” challenge are you facing that feels too big, and how do you trust אֱלֹהִים to go before you?
5. A special insight we should explore - Whether you are a rabbi or a member of your shul, will you be preaching, teaching, or meditating alone, Remember that Davarin - Deuteronomy chapter 9 completly reminds us, that it is never about us, it is always about Him, אֱלֹהִים-hwhy, blessed be His Sanctified Name!
YYYYYYY
In Conclusion, a Question to Deepen
the Conversation:
Which part of this Tanach study or possibly a
particular line or statement within it has touched you the most? And
how do you feel about spending more time studying our beloved Tanakh? I pray
that you are doing well as a faithful Hebrew, and אֱלֹהִים - Elohim willing you are
upholding as many as possible of our blessed Mitzvoth’s?
I am well aware that the modern world sadly
contains too many deviations as well as problems that seem to get in the way of our Hebrew
lifestyle. Yet worse than that, these days there are far too many enticements,
which can so easily throw many off track, and I know that has happened far too much.
Thus, if there are struggles that are taking place in your life, be it at this
or at any time, I am well aware that sadly it can often have a terrible and a
cruel effect upon your life?
Dear reader, please remember this, pray for
peace and solitude in your life, and then work on keeping as calm as possible
and learn to improve your life, for אֱלֹהִים, בָּרוּךְ
אֱלֹהִים - Bless Elohim, He is always there and
ready to help and guide you!
This site was originally set up for those who
needed to return to our blessed and wonderful faith, thus be wise and work on
your faith and pray at least three times a day, and always seek אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s guidance!
Remember what אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, blessed be
He, said the following via a number of our prophets...
“Return unto Me, and I will return unto you, saith צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה- the LORD
of hosts”. Mal’a’chi - Malachi 3:7. MEC).
And Remember ...
Enjoy your
Sabbath Rest, Shabbat Shalom!
אֲנִי יְהוָה
אֱלֹהֵיכֶם, בְּחֻקּוֹתַי
לֵכוּ; וְאֶת-מִשְׁפָּטַי
שִׁמְרוּ, וַעֲשׂוּ
אוֹתָם
וְאֶת-שַׁבְּתוֹתַי, קַדֵּשׁוּ; וְהָיוּ
לְאוֹת, בֵּינִי
וּבֵינֵיכֶם-לָדַעַת, כִּי
אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם
“I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה
(the LORD your God); walk in My statutes,
and keep Mine ordinances, and do them; and hallow My Sabbaths, and they shall
be a sign between Me and you, that ye may know that I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה - YaHVaH
Elohim”. Yechezkel - Ezekiel 20:19-20. (JPS).
YYYYYYY
“Hebraic Studies” motto
is as follows;
“The More
Torah, the More Life”,
For our Elohim is the One who gave us our ... Life!
May the שָׁלוֹם - Shalom (Peace)
of צְבָאוֹת-
יְהוָה(the LORD of hosts) be with you, and please always uphold our
blessed שַׁבָּת - Shabbat,
as well as the ‘מוֹעֲדִים - Mo’a’dim - Feasts, and continue saying your daily תְּפִלָּה - Te’fee’lah’s (Prayers) and regular בְּרָכָה - Be’ra’chah’s (blessings) before food and drinks, etc!
If you need help I can send you special printed items
to help you with your Ivrit - Hebrew that you may need, etc! Just email me
(using the link further below) and I will send it to you, without any follow up
or requests from me.
שָׁלוֹם
עֲלֵיכֶם - Shalom aleichem - Peace be
with you!
Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
iiEnter the Main Site IndexI
Or ...
http://www.hebraicstudies.net/Site-Index.htm
0Or Return to
the FRONT PAGE0
Or ...
https://www.hebraicstudies.net
-hebraicstudies.net-
Email the Rabbi
If the email link does not open - You can also copy the link and use it.
Although the author does not believe in having to copyright “Hebraic
Studies” which commenced in the mid 1980’,
but there have been occasions where there parts of his studies have been taken and quoted out of context
under his name, and thus he has been misquoted by those who have their
own reasons for doing so.
Thus, it is only for this reason these works are covered
under strict ...
Copyright © 2025 - “Hebraic Studies” - All rights reserved.