Nitzavim (Standing)

Deuteronomy 29:9–30:20, Isaiah 61:10–63:9, Romans 9:30–10:13, Hebrews 12:14–15

Summary: The passages speak about the covenant relationship between God and His people, the importance of obedience, repentance, and the blessings of God's salvation.

Application: This Parasha can encourage believers to faithfully obey God's commandments, to repent from sin, and to trust in the salvation offered through Messiah Yeshua . Moreover, it can also challenge those in the Body of Messiah to live lives of holiness and pursue peace with all people.

Teaching: The passages teach us the significance of entering into a covenant relationship with God, the consequences of disobedience, the power of repentance, and the blessings of salvation through Messiah Yeshua.

How this passage could point to Messiah: These passages highlight the need for a Savior to fulfill the covenant requirements on behalf of a sinful people. Yeshua is the ultimate mediator of the new covenant, bringing salvation to all who believe in Him.

Big Idea: By entering into a covenant relationship with God, obeying His commandments, repenting from sin, and trusting in Messiah Yeshua, believers can experience the blessings of salvation and peace with God.

Torah (Deuteronomy 29:9–30:20 ):

The structure of 29:9–30:20, the eighth of the eleven weekly portions of Torah readings in Deuteronomy, is outlined at the beginning of this section in a menorah pattern:

A The covenant is binding on future generations too 29:9–14

In Deuteronomy 29:9-14, Moses is speaking to a generation of Israelites who stand at the brink of the Promised Land. He reminds them of their covenant with God, emphasizing the importance of their commitment. This passage illustrates how history is rich with decisions that define our faith walk. Just as the Israelites needed to remember their covenant, we must acknowledge the choices made by our ancestors in faith, recognizing how those decisions shape our present and future. Commitment to God is both a personal and communal journey, deeply rooted in the history of our faith.

B Warning to those with reservations about keeping the covenant 29:15–20

Deuteronomy 29:15-20 confronts us with a choice- faithfulness or destruction. This resonates through history, where nations like Israel and Judah faced dire outcomes due to their rebellion against divine law. The biblical account serves as an urgent reminder that spiritual neglect has tangible consequences. Just as the Israelites were warned, so are we today to reflect on our commitments to God- choosing life and prosperity over rebellion is a matter of survival for our souls and our society.

C The exile from the land of Israel foretold 29:21–27

In Deuteronomy 29:21-27, we see a powerful warning about the consequences of turning away from God's commands. Historically, the Israelites faced exile and devastation as a direct result of their disobedience. This illustrates how nations can fall from grace due to moral compromise, reminding us to heed God's instructions to avoid the same fate.

X Secret and revealed things: Do all the words of this Torah! 29:28

In Deuteronomy 29:28, we are reminded that the secret things belong to the Lord our God, while those revealed belong to us and our children forever. This recognition of limits reflects the reality of our historical faith. Just as ancient Israel had mysteries they could not comprehend, we too grapple with the vastness of God's plans. Throughout history, believers have stood in awe of divine revelations, underscoring the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty even when we cannot see the full picture.

There is a purpose clause in this passage “so that” we can observe. If we knew everything there was to know about God, we may not trust Him the way we should.

C′ The possibility of returning to YHWH is there 30:1–5

When Moses spoke to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 30:1-5, he framed the concept of repentance as a return to God with all their heart and soul. Historically, returning signifies restoration and a fresh start, much like a wayward child who finally realizes their need for home. Today, this illustrates how we too can turn from our distractions and sins towards God, seeking His embrace and the hope of new beginnings.

In Deuteronomy 30:1-5, Moses reminds the people that their choices directly affect their relationship with God and their future. Historically, this was a communal acknowledgment that they were stewards of their faith. In our current society infused with individualism, this serves as a stark reminder that our choices carry collective weight. Just as the Israelites stood together in covenant, so too must we uphold our community's spiritual health through our decisions.

B′ When you return, YHWH will return the covenant blessings 30:6–10

In Deuteronomy 30:6-10, God promises to circumcise our hearts, transforming them to love Him fully.

Think of a parent nurturing a rebellious child, not out of fear but with relentless love. This love transforms the child’s heart, pulling him back from the edge of destruction. In the same way, God desires a transformation within us, a deep-seated love that compels us to follow Him authentically.

Another way to reflect on this passage would be to think of a garden neglected and overgrown, yet beneath the weeds lie seeds of potential. God’s promise to re-circumcise our hearts mirrors a gardener’s careful tending to each plant, pulling out weeds of doubt and despair while nurturing growth. The transformation is not an instantaneous process; it’s a gradual awakening to His love that leads us back to a life of abundant blessings.

A′ The choice before you is between life and death—choose life 30:11–20

In Deuteronomy 30:11-20, Moses presents the choice between life and death to the Israelites. This moment echoes throughout history as a pivotal moment for God's people. Imagine a road diverging in a thick forest; one path leads to flourishing life, filled with God's blessings, while the other leads toward destruction. The Israelites were reminded that their choice would shape their future and the future of their descendants, encouraging all of us to weigh the decisions we make in our lives.

In Matthew 7:13-14, Yeshua contrasts between a narrow gate which leads life and and a narrow gate, which leads to destruction. These are free-will choices that we all have to make between life and death.

In John 10:9, Yeshua says that He is the gate and anyone who comes in through Him, will be saved.

Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20 offers practical applications for covenant faithfulness and repentance. The passage emphasizes inclusivity, addressing all members of the community regardless of status, gender, or age[1]. It encourages readers to see themselves as part of God's covenantal community, extending to future generations[1][2]. The text discusses the consequences of disobedience, including exile, but also provides hope through the promise of restoration upon repentance[3]. The concept of "return" (t'shuvah) is central, appearing multiple times and emphasizing the possibility of restoration with God[4]. The passage also distinguishes between "hidden things" known only to God and "revealed things" that are the responsibility of the people[1]. For modern readers, including LGBT individuals, this can be interpreted as an invitation to focus on present realities and actions rather than hidden aspects of identity[1]. Overall, the text serves as a call to covenant loyalty, promising prosperity for faithfulness while offering hope for redemption even after disobedience[3][5].

[1] Gregg Drinkwater et al., Torah Queeries:

Weekly Commentaries on the Hebrew Bible (New York, NY: NYU Press, 2023), 263–264.

[2] Duane L. Christensen, Deuteronomy 21:10–34:12, vol. 6B, Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 2002), 713.

[3] Paul D. Weaver, ed., Surveying the Pentateuch, Learn the Word Bible Survey Series (Learn the Word Publishing, 2019), Dt 29:9–30:20.

[4] Russell Resnik, Gateways to Torah: Joining the Ancient Conversation on the Weekly Portion (Baltimore, MD: Messianic Jewish Publishers, 2000), 219.

[5] Chris Benfield, “The Secret Things of the Lord,” in Pulpit Pages: Old Testament Sermons (Mount Airy, NC: Chris Benfield, 2015), 148.

Haftarah - Redemption: Robes and Righteousness (Isaiah 61:10 - 63:9)

PART 1. CELEBRATION OF ZION (Isaiah 61:10–11)

In Isaiah 61:10-11, the prophet expresses a deep sense of joy in God's righteousness. While reflecting on our lives, consider a time when you felt overwhelmed by burdens but later experienced God’s lifting hand. It's like wearing a beautiful dress covered in joy when all you felt was heaviness before. This transformation is a reminder of God’s promise to wrap us in His garments of praise, lifting our spirits and renewing our hearts.

Historically, the people of Israel faced immense suffering, yet Isaiah delivers a message about the coming joy and restoration. Imagine a farmer whose land has been devastated by drought yet, after years of faith and hard work, finally sees the first signs of life in the soil. This aligns with verses that speak of God showering righteousness like rain, providing hope and renewal amid despair.

Hypothetically, think of a community that has suffered loss, experiencing deep sorrow. Now, envision that same community as they gather one day to celebrate their resilience, sharing stories of how they’ve grown through adversity. This mirrors the spirit of Isaiah 61:10-11, where deep mourning turns to joy, reinforcing that God’s faithfulness turns our sorrows into songs of praise for His wondrous works.

PART 2. ANTICIPATION AND PROMISE (Isaiah 62:1–7)

In Isaiah 62:1-7, we learn that God has a passionate desire to restore His people. Just as a parent searches tirelessly for a lost child, God watches over us, longing for our return to Him. This passage serves as a reminder of His unwavering love and the urgency of our mission to shine His light in a world that often feels lost and broken.

The imagery in Isaiah 62:1-7 depicts God as a bridegroom rejoicing over His bride, signifying a deep, intimate relationship between God and His people. This commitment highlights not just God's faithfulness, but also our call to live in such a way that reflects His glory. Just as we wear our wedding rings as symbols of love and devotion, we are to bear witness to our faith in every aspect of our lives. Isaiah 62:4–5 The new names are announced: Zion shall be called “I delight in her” (ḥeftzi vah) and “Espoused” (beʿulah) (v. 4), for the Lord shall rejoice over her and the land shall be espoused—just as “a youth espouses a maiden” and “a bridegroom rejoices over his bride.”

Isaiah's declaration of God's promise to His people is like a lighthouse shining in the darkest night. It reassures us that even in our most troubling times, God's truth can guide us back home. It’s a call to see ourselves as God’s beloved, reminding us how crucial it is to carry His light into the shadowed corners of our own lives and those of others.

a. Isaiah 62:1–3 The prophet now proclaims his enduring concern for the fate of Zion and says that he shall not keep silent (loʾ ʾeḥesheh [v. 1]) on her behalf until her victory is complete and she is given a new name by God Himself.

c. Isaiah 62:6–7 The prophet adds that he has set watchmen on the walls of Jerusalem who shall also not be silent (loʾ yeḥeshu), but shall serve as continual “remembrancers” (mazkirim) of Zion and her plight before God (v. 6), “until He establish Jerusalem and make her renowned on earth” (v. 7).

PART 3. OATH AND ADVENT (Isaiah 62:8–63:6)

In Isaiah 62:8-63:6, God expresses His unwavering commitment to His people, declaring that He will not rest until Jerusalem is restored. This illustrates the seriousness with which God approaches His covenant. Much like a devoted parent who fights tirelessly for the well-being of their child, God's relentless love reminds us that His promises to us are not idle. He fights for our restoration, urging us to have faith in His plans even in our darkest hours.

The imagery in Isaiah 63:3, where the Lord says, 'I have trampled the winepress alone,' highlights both the seriousness of sin and the depth of His sacrifice. It reminds us that just as a vintner carefully presses grapes to extract the wine, so too does Yeshua’s suffering press out the life-giving grace for us. This illustration reflects how seriously God views our redemption, as He willingly endured the weight of our sins to bring us back to Him.

In his anguished plea, Isaiah proclaims that God is coming to save His people. This serious sense of urgency is seen in the metaphor of God as a warrior in Isaiah 63:1, emphasizing not only His power but also His determination. Picture a soldier rushing into battle to rescue those in peril: this is how God approaches our struggles. He will not sit idly by; He is moving swiftly to deliver us from all that binds us, demonstrating His fierce love.

a. Isaiah 62:8–12 The prophet dramatizes God’s deliverance by citing two divine speeches. The first is an oath “by His right hand” that the enemies of Zion shall “nevermore” harvest the grain of the land for which the nation has labored; rather, they who have sown and reaped shall rejoice in the Temple before God (vv. 8–9). The second speech is God’s word to the prophet to “announce to Fair Zion, your Deliverer is coming!” In this statement we learn of other names to be given to the people (“The Holy People, the Redeemed of the Lord”) and to the city (“Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken”) (vv. 11–12).

b. Isaiah 63:1–6 Following the oath and proclamation, the prophet beholds a wondrous sight and asks: “Who is this coming … majestic in attire?” God answers that “It is I, who contend victoriously” (v. 1). And to the further question, “Why is Your clothing so red?” God answers that His clothing is stained with the blood of the peoples (vv. 2–3)—“trampled” in “anger” on a terrible rampage of “vengeance” (vv. 3–4, 6).

Application. We live in a time of strange paradoxes. One of those is that we have never had such emphasis on self-esteem coupled with such a high suicide rate. What explains this? I am not suggesting that our emphasis on self-esteem is causing the suicides, of course. But I would suggest that increasing our (artificial) attempts to induce self-esteem does not address the problem. What causes feelings of self-worth? What enables people to go on living when problems seem to mount above eye level?

Oddly enough, self-esteem outside of a positive complex of relationships is not a good thing but a bad one. The serial killer often feels good about himself and has nothing but contempt for his victims. In other words, we are focusing on the wrong thing. We should be helping people to find complex, stable webs of relationship in which they play a vital and necessary part. In such a setting they will know themselves to be of worth, but that worth will not be the most important thing to them. What will matter is that we find our “self” by giving it away to others. If Messiah is the Divine Warrior who will eventually triumph over sin in the world at large, the time is now to let him defeat sin in our own lives and to give us a thorough going hatred of it in all its forms.

Christopher A. Beetham and Nancy L. Erickson, eds., The NIV Application Commentary on the Bible, One-Volume Edition., NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2024), 573.

3. Righteousness: Law and Faith (Romans 9:30 - 10:13)

THE TWO GRAND CONCLUSIONS CONCERNING THIS SOVEREIGN SELECTION (9:30–33)

A. Through faith the Gentiles have found righteousness without even seeking it (9:30).

B. Through the law Israel has not found righteousness even after seeking it (9:31–33).

1. The seeking (9:31–32): They tried to be saved by works.

2. The stumbling (9:33): They have stumbled over Messiah the rock, as predicted by Isaiah (Isa. 8:14; 28:16).

In Romans 9:30-33, Paul highlights the irony of how those pursuing righteousness through law fell short, while the Gentiles who weren't even seeking it found grace. Think back to the story of the Titanic. Many believed they were safe because of their social status or wealth, but it was the humblest passengers who survived. Just like the Gentiles, they found hope in the most unexpected ways. God often works outside our expectations.

In ancient Rome, many relied heavily on tradition and status to gain favor, but Paul reminds them that faith is where true acceptance lies. Imagine two runners in a race: one has all the experience, the best gear, but he stumbles at the start; while the other has little training, yet runs freely, seeking the finish line. Often, it is not who we think will succeed, but those who trust in faith and grace that find victory.

Consider a personal experience of a time when you were striving for success, following all the right steps, only to find disappointment. Yet, during that period, something unplanned led to a new opportunity or a deeper relationship with God. Paul’s message in Romans 9 reminds us that God's grace can break through our pursuits of righteousness, offering us something better amid failures.

SECTION OUTLINE TEN (ROMANS 10)

Paul overviews God’s righteousness and Israel’s present rejection.

I. THE PRAYER CONCERNING GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS (10:1–3)

A. The prayer (10:1): Paul prays for Israel’s salvation.

B. The problem (10:2–3): Israel possesses:

1. Zeal without knowledge (10:2–3a)

2. Works without faith (10:3b)

In Romans 10:1-3, Paul expresses deep sorrow for his fellow Israelites who are zealous for God but lack the knowledge of His righteousness. Imagine a close friend preparing for a marathon but ignoring the advice of experienced runners. They train hard, but without proper guidance, they endanger their health. Similarly, the Israelites were sincere in their pursuit but misguided. This illustrates how zeal without knowledge can lead to a path of misunderstanding, reminding us to seek truth in our spiritual journey.

In ancient times, the Israelites believed that strict adherence to the Torah would grant them salvation. This mirrors how the Pharisees approached their faith. Imagine a skilled craftsman who, without proper tools or plans, creates a beautiful but impractical piece of furniture. While admirable, it lacks function. Similarly, the Israelites were sincere in their attempts to please God but missed the heart of the law- faith in Yeshua. Romans 10 speaks to the importance of understanding God’s righteousness more than mere practice.

II. THE SOURCE OF GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS (10:4–5)

A. It is found in Messiah(10:4). He is the end goal of the Torah. The Greek word telos is sometimes mistranslated as Messiah ending or nullifying the Torah, but we know that's not true based upon other passages.

B. It was foretold by Moses (Lev. 18:5) (10:5).

When the Israelites were given the Torah at Mount Sinai, it laid the groundwork for their relationship with God. However, over time, they became so focused on following the mitzvot to achieve righteousness that they missed the heart of God’s message. Paul emphasizes this shift in Romans 10:4-5, reminding them that the Torah leads to a relationship through Messiah, not mere rule-following. Understanding this realignment from law to grace is crucial for spiritual maturity.

Another explaination is that Torah (written and oral) governed every aspect of Jewish life, serving as a guide but also a barrier. Many viewed following it as a means to achieve righteousness. Through historical accounts, we learn that this mindset often led to pride and legalism. Paul confronts this by declaring that Yeshua not only fulfills the law but also redefines righteousness for everyone, turning faith into the pathway to God’s favor.

Paul is not saying that we shouldn’t keep the Torah because he would be contradicting what he previously said in Romans 3:31, along with what he said in chapters 6 &7.

III. THE AVAILABILITY OF GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS (10:6–8)

A. Negative (10:6–7): One need not search the heavens or descend into the deep to find it.

B. Positive (10:8): It is, through Messiah, as near as one’s mouth and heart! Moses predicted this in Deuteronomy 30:12–14.

In your workplace, you might feel pressured to compromise your values for success. When faced with ethical dilemmas — perhaps witnessing dishonesty or unfair practices — lean into the truth of Romans 10:6-8 that God’s righteousness is near you. Hold a brief prayer before making decisions, asking God to guide your actions in wisdom and integrity. Additionally, seek opportunities to stand firm in your convictions by gently addressing concerns with your supervisors or colleagues, demonstrating how ethical practices ultimately benefit everyone.

Imagine a courtroom where the judge is known for his strict adherence to the law. One day, a defendant stands accused, and everyone holds their breath. Just as the judge is about to pass sentence, the courtroom doors swing open, and a well-respected charity worker enters, offering to pay the fine. The judge agrees, demonstrating that while justice must be served, mercy is also available. In Romans 10:6-8, Paul reveals that God's righteousness is made accessible to us not through our own deeds, but through faith in Yeshua, who fulfills the law on our behalf.

Not only does the charity worker pay your fine, but the charity worker adopts you into his/her organization. This is what Yeshua does when we accept His pardon.

IV. THE RECEPTION OF GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS (10:9–10): Both one’s heart and mouth are involved.

A. It is conceived in the heart (10:9b–10a).

B. It is confirmed by the mouth (10:9a, 10b).

Reflect on a moment when someone offered you a sincere apology. In that exchange, emotions run high, and the acceptance of that apology signifies the beginning of healing. Similarly, Romans 10:9-10 reveals our necessary response to God’s righteousness—confession and belief are our heartfelt acceptance. God extends His grace towards us, inviting us into a restored relationship, and just as we accept an apology, we can choose to embrace His transformative mercy.

Think of a gardener who plants seeds in faith, trusting that they will grow. Each seed represents our faith and action. In Romans 10:9-10, confessing and believing are like watering those seeds, ensuring they can sprout and flourish. The gardener waits patiently for the harvest, much like we wait for the manifestation of God’s righteousness in our lives, knowing it will come as we nurture our faith with our heartfelt confession and belief.

In ancient times, a king would send out a decree granting righteousness to certain subjects, but they had to come forward and accept it. If they refused, they remained in a state of rebellion. This is similar to what Paul describes in Romans 10:9-10. God offers us righteousness, but we must actively receive it by confessing and believing. Our acceptance is akin to stepping forward to claim the promise, unlocking a new covenant relationship with God.

V. THE SCOPE OF GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS (10:11–13)

A. It is impartial (10:11–12): It does not distinguish between Jews and Gentiles.

B. It is universal (10:13): Anyone calling on the name of the Lord will be saved.

In Romans 10:11-13, Paul emphasizes that anyone who believes in Christ will not be put to shame. This verse echoes an ancient promise that transcends time and culture, reminding us that God's love and salvation are universally available. Imagine a refuge welcoming all without regard for their past - that is the heart of our faith. It's a poignant reminder that regardless of our history, we can find solace in His grace, uniting us all under one banner of hope.

Consider a tapestry woven with various threads, each representing a different nationality, background, and experience. Romans 10:11-13 portrays God’s desire for unity among diverse people who call upon His name. Just as a tapestry relies on different colors to create a beautiful picture, Christ offers a place for everyone, breaking down barriers and inviting all to partake in His salvation. In His eyes, there is no distinction; the call to salvation is a thread that binds us all together.

Picture a large banquet table set with an abundance of food, where everyone is invited regardless of their status. This scene reflects the essence of Romans 10:11-13, where God offers salvation freely to all who believe. Just as a banquet welcomes guests without discrimination, God's grace transcends all boundaries, offering hope and restoration. This illustration encourages us to invite others to the table of God’s grace, emphasizing that the invitation is for everyone without exception.

4. Pursuit: Peace and Purity

Hebrews 12:14–15 “Pursue shalom with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God; and see to it that no bitter root springs up and causes trouble, and by it many be defiled.”

You could discuss the imperative of holiness and peace in the believer’s life, showing how these qualities are possible and perfected in Jesus. This can exhort listeners to live out their covenant relationship with God through a life marked by peace and pursuit of holiness.