Ekev (Deuteronomy 7:12 - 11:25)

The portion is named Ekev, literally "as a consequence of", because it begins with elaboration
on all the good that will come to the Israelites for keeping all the laws given by God.

This week's portion, which continues Moses' speech to the Israelites before his death, begins with all the blessings that will come upon the Israelites if they keep the laws of God - fertility, abundance of crops, removal of diseases, and victory over all the surrounding nations.

As part of this victory, there is a long description of how the Israelites will defeat their enemies. The enemies will not be defeated at once and in advance, because if this were to happen, the land would be inhabited by wild beasts. Therefore, natural causes will begin the process of abolishing the enemies, a process which will be brought to an end in war. It is very important that the Israelites not give in to the temptation of idolatry and destroy all signs of idol worship they find after conquering the land.

The Israelites are reminded of all the good God has done for them in the desert and told of the wonders of the Land of Canaan. They are commanded to remember that all these blessings are brought to them by God and they must not believe that it is their own strength that brought them to victory. If the Israelites forget God and worship idols, they will be punished and abolished off the face of the earth. It is not the righteousness of the Israelites that will bring them victory, but the sins of the other nations, who are therefore being punished. The Israelites are reminded of some of their sins, and first and foremost the sin of the Golden Calf. Moses describes how he had to beg God not to destroy the people due to their sins.

After the destruction of the original Stone Tablets on which the Ten Commandments were written when Moses learned of the Sin of the Golden Calf, Moses is commanded to make new tablets. They are placed in an ark of wood for posterity.

Moses continues to tell the Israelites what is expected of them: to follow God's ways and love and worship him. He describes the glories of God and his mercy and justice to all, as well as the many miracles the Israelites saw with their own eyes during the Exodus.

At the end of the portion, the rain patterns in the Land of Canaan, which are very different from those in Egypt, are described. The land is completely dependant on rain, and God takes care of it and makes sure that there is no shortage. This care is dependant on the proper behavior of the Israelites. If they follow God's way, they will not only be blessed with rain but will also conquer every place in which they step foot in Canaan easily.