Why do parents count to three when they want the attention of their child? I remember when I fell into this trap. “One, two, three, . . . I said come here.” Wow. That didn’t work for so many reasons. Needless to say, I finally caught on that one command was sufficient. Though in the Torah, we find that Yahweh says “Hear O Israel” more than once. Why?
Many Hebrews will sing the Shema in their worship services. It’s a song developed from Deuteronomy chapter six which begins with “Hear O Israel.” It sings of a profound and dedicated love for Elohim from our heart, soul, and mind. Though in Deuteronomy chapter nine, we see another “Hear O Israel.” But this command carries a different kind of message.
“Hear O Israel! You are crossing over the Jordan today to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than you, great cities fortified to heaven, a people great and tall, the sons of the Anakim, whom you know and of whom you have heard it said, ‘Who can stand before the sons of Anak?’ Deuteronomy 9:1
In this command, Yahweh moves Israel towards another realization. After asking them to worship Him with all their being as described in Chapter Six, Yah brings up two important spiritual facts in Chapter Nine. He reminds them that are a small nation. And, He did not choose them for their righteousness. Instead, Yah reminds Israel, of His covenant to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—a plan of redemption through a mighty outstretched hand.
These reminders can still apply to us today, especially in light of evangelism. Yah’s work is not always seen through a mega-church with thousands in attendance and programs filled with excitement. Nor is Yah’s work always found in Cathedrals that make you stand in awe. Instead, Yahweh seems to remind Israel that if they are humble, follow His commands, and listen to His voice, then He will conquer the spiritual forces that keep people in bondage and darkness.
Like the days of old, we are presently faced with giants that seem overwhelming. They are tall and fortified with tremendous strength. These giants control our courts, our government seats, our schools, and even our workplaces. Many of us, are either overly fixated with fear of their power or unable to move in that we can’t think about anything else, as they yell, “One, two, three.” Though if doing so, aren’t we being controlled by the flesh rather than the spirit?” The Apostle Paul reminds us in the letter to Roman believers.
“. . . for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all whom the Spirit of Yah is leading, these are sons of Elohim. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry, “Abba Father!” Romans 8: 13-15
As you compare the study of Ekev with the book of Romans this week, I encourage you to consider the promises of Yahweh through His son Yeshua the Messiah. For if “Yah is for us, who can be against us. . . for in all these things we overwhelming conquer through Him who loved us.”
So, “Hear O Isreal”—all of those who wrestle with Yahweh and overcome. Humble yourself and let Yahweh work thru His Son. Let Him dispossess your giants, by hearing His voice and doing what He has called you to do. He is Mightier than anything you are currently facing. It is He who defeats the giants in the land. Are you allowing Him to scatter the evil surrounding you? Stop thinking about yourself and worship the Only One worthy of praise.
Be blessed,
Rollyn