The Torah Portion called Ekev, or rewards, is perhaps the most important lesson in Scripture, and certainly one of the most overlooked. Paul reminds thous of us us living in the last days to look to the exodus generation as examples of what we should and should not do. 1 Corinthians 10:1-10. Ekev takes place as Moses is instructing, warning, and actually prophesying about the exodus generation as they cross into the Promised Land, and is so doing is speaking directly to this generation as well. He reminds them they are about to enter a land of milk and honey, a place where the land will produce 30, 60, or 100 fold for all that are willing to work. He reminds them, and us, not to become stale in the land and forget that it is YHVH who is multiplying our work.
The word Ekev ties us to Jacob, or Israel, we can choose to be the head or the heel, we can choose to thank God, or trust in our abilities. Most importantly Moses tells the people they will forget God and may need another wilderness like experience, less as punishment from God and more because He loves them (us).
This is a portion we should carefully consider as we live the easy life in the USA.
