The Words of Love

This week's torah portion, Devarim דְּבָרִים (Words), is both the name of the portion and the name of the book we are beginning to explore. It is the last part of the Torah and a recap of everything discussed in previous books. The name of this book is better known as Deuteronomy, which is made up of two Greek words: deuterons, which means "second", and nomos, which means "law". So, is this another set of laws yet again? After we were just given these laws in Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers? Not at all, it is the retelling of the law, or a better explanation is that it is a recap of the law. God is very legalistic because He is the perfect Judge. A Judge cannot rule righteously if the law is not clear, and one of God's principles is this:

"A truth is established by two or more witnesses," based on 2 Corinthians 13:1, which is in itself based on Deuteronomy 19:15.

This means that God will write something at least twice when He wants to establish something as a definite law (including that principle itself). That is why the law is restated all over again in Deuteronomy. Not because God or Israel has already forgotten, but because He wants us to be sure He meant it the first time. This also rules out the misuse and misinterpretations of isolated verses used out of context. God is legalistic, and when He rules a judgment, He needs us to know it was based on an established truth or law. We see this throughout all of scripture and even His covenants or agreements with mankind, He is dealing with contracts or legally binding stipulations.

When we begin to understand this, we can see how Torah was structured in the same way the Hebrew nations draw out marriage contracts. A Jewish or ancient Hebraic marriage contracts that is still done this way today have 5 clauses that need to be signed by all parties involved. The first clause is the introduction of the groom, his lineage, and promises to the bride. The second clause is the introduction of the bride, her lineage, and acceptance of the proposal. The third clause is the responsibilities of the groom and expectations from the bride. The fourth clause is the responsibilities of the bride and her family, and expectations from the groom. Lastly, we have a recap and final clause that shows the outlines of the entire contract, where everyone involved signs. That is, the groom, his family, the bride, and her family.

We see this is exactly what Torah is: a marriage contract between the Groom (Yeshua), His Father (YHVH), the bride (Israel and the church), her family (the priestly lineage), and finally, in "Deuteronomy" we have the "WORDS" or Devarim that outlines the entire contract. We see this introduction of the Groom and His family in the book of Genesis or Beresheet (In the Beginning) in Hebrew. The introduction of the bride (Israel) in the book of Exodus or Shemot (Names) in Hebrew. The responsibilities and expectations from the Groom and family in Leviticus or VaYqrah (And He Called) in Hebrew. The responsibilities of the bride and her family in Numbers or Bamidbar (In the Wilderness). And now, in Deuteronomy or Devarim (Words), we see the recap of the entire contract and expectations of all parties. How beautiful a picture Adonai has painted through this structure. It is truly a perfect image of His love and desire to be our husband (in the sense that He wants us to be part of His family).

To top it all off, there is a portion of the contract that is traditionally written by hand and should be done by the groom. It is a written love declaration that the groom should write ornately. It should include his promises to the bride when he asks for her hand in marriage. It is called Ketubah, which simply means "writing" in Hebrew. God, in His infinite perfection, even did that. We spoke about this briefly last week. The portion of the "contract" God wrote with His finger: The Ten Commandments... or in Hebrew it is called "The Ten WORDS" עשרת הדיברות (literally the Ten Devarim).

May His love for you be so evident this week as you approach Him and see Him more clearly. May you see His WORDS as promises and not commands. May His love reach into your hearts as Torah becomes more alive every day as you learn to seek Him. Shavuah Tov Ve'Shalom, beloved!

The WORDS of Adonai are His heart and law! Halleluiah!

BONUS: The first and last letters of the Torah spell out "Lev" לב: The Hebrew word for heart!!! The Torah is the heart of God's message and is in the center of His heart. It was written with LOVE and as a declaration of love to us. A marriage proposal. Halleluiah!