Deuteronomy Chapters 29: v. 19 through Chapter 30
LA JOLLA, California — The thrust of this parasha is modeled after the format of an ancient covenant treaty. The scene is set in the Plains of Moab on the east side of the Jordan, shortly before the death of Moses. This is to be followed by entrance to the promised land under Joshua’s leadership.
A word about ancient covenants. Unlike modern times wherein parties sign an arranged legal contract, the ancients performed ceremonies, characterized by proclamations, writings of the terms, proclamations of blessings and curses, erection of steles, and sacrifices. Curses include acts that symbolized the fate of violators. They would cut up the body of an animal, then the parties passed between the pieces, symbolizing what would happen to either if he/she violated the treaty.
Chapter 29: vv. 9-10 “You stand this day, all of you, before the Lord your God—your tribal heads, your elders, and your officials, all the men of Israel, your children, your wives, even the stranger within your camp…” The text goes onto say that the religious covenant of loyalty to this one God must be maintained, and that the terms apply equally to future generations. It then adds, vv. 17-19 “…perchance there is among you a stock sprouting poison…When such a one hears the words of these sanctions he may fancy himself immune…( from punishment, but) “The Lord will never forgive him…,etc,”
The text then adds a twist that suggests a ‘prediction of future violations’ of the covenant, i.e. paganism, which will trigger the punishment of exile. This text is so ‘prescient’ as to suggest that it was written much later, i.e. during exile, and inserted as to look like exile was predicted. Chapter 29: vv. 22-26 “…all its soil devastated by sulfur and salt, beyond sowing and growing…(because) the Lord was incensed…and brought …all the curses recorded in this book.”
There follows in the next chapter, a promise of reprieve, with the presumption that the people will mend their ways with all their heart and soul. Chapter 30: vv. 3-4 “…then…God will will restore your fortunes and take you back in love. He will bring you together again from all the peoples where the Lord your God has scattered you. Even if your outcasts are at the ends of the world…He will fetch you.”
These words sound so like the ‘predictions’ of several prophets, e.g. 2nd Isaiah Chapter 40 and subsequent chapters:
“Comfort, oh comfort My people,
Says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
And declare to her
That her term of service is over,
That her iniquity is expiated…”
Familiar indeed! This sequence can also be applied in our time, with the establishment of Israel and its dramatic growth since 1948.
Shabbat Shalom, and L’Shana Tovah.
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Irv Jacobs is a retired medical doctor who delights in Torah analysis. He often delivers a drosh at Congregation Beth El in La Jolla, and at his chavurah.