Walking the Torah Portions - V'zot HaBracha

Overview

• Speaker: Tyler Merwin
• Torah Portion: Deuteronomy 33.1-34.12
• Haftorah: Joshua 1.1-18
• V'zot HaBracha means "And this is the blessing."
• Last portion of Deuteronomy and the Torah.

Moses' Blessing to the Tribes

• Moses blesses the tribes of Israel before his death, similar to Jacob.
• Opens with 'bezot' linking to Jacob's blessing in Genesis 49:28.
• Key Verses:
  • Deuteronomy 33:1-2: God came from Sinai, associated with angels and fiery Torah.
  • Deuteronomy 33:3-5: Israel gathered at Mt. Sinai, covenant as a heritage.

Individual Tribal Blessings

• Reuben (Deuteronomy 33:6): Prayed to live and be included in Israel despite previous poor choices.
• Judah (Deuteronomy 33:7): Leadership and dependence on God in battle.
• Levi (Deuteronomy 33:8-11): Priesthood duties, teaching Torah, maintaining righteousness.
• Benjamin (Deuteronomy 33:12): Security and blessing (Temple in its territory).
• Joseph (Deuteronomy 33:13-17): Fertile land, leadership (Joshua), parallels with Messiah.
• Zebulun and Issachar (Deuteronomy 33:18-19): Prosperity and study partnership.
• Gad (Deuteronomy 33:20-21): Mighty warriors, first to claim inheritance.
• Dan (Deuteronomy 33:22): Nimble and adventurous, coastal territory.
• Naphtali (Deuteronomy 33:23): Rich, fertile land.
• Asher (Deuteronomy 33:24-25): Abundance in offspring and resources.

Omissions and Observations

• Simeon not listed due to involvement in Baal Peor incident.
• All tribes physically present despite omissions in text.

Moses' Final Words and Death

• Deuteronomy 33:26-29: God as protector and savior of Israel.
• Deuteronomy 34:1-12: Moses sees the promised land, dies at 120 years.
  • Unique relationship with God, unparalleled until Yeshua HaMashiach.

Conclusion

• Call to be strong and continue Torah study.
• Torah is eternal, cyclical.
• Encouragement to shine forth the light of Yeshua and His teachings.

Final Blessing

• Prayer for strength, courage, and blessings to community.