Nitzavim (Deuteronomy 29:9 - 30:20)

The portion is named Nitzavim, literally "you stand", because it begins with words
Moses brings to the people when they are standing and waiting to enter into a sworn covenant with God.

This week's (unusually short) portion continues the ideas concerning the covenant with God which are prominent throughout the Book of Deuteronomy.

Moses prepares the people for a covenant with God that will be not only for those making it today, but for all the generations to come. He warns of God's wrath towards any Israelite who will commit idolatry, and describes the great destruction that will come upon the people and the land for breaking the covenant.

However, after the great punishment which will include exile, Moses foresees that the people will return to God, and he will redeem them. Obeying God will result in great prosperity.
Moses concludes by saying that the godly commands are not difficult to obey. Not obeying these commands means choosing death; obeying them means choosing life.