The annual cycle reading for this week begins a new Book, and the final Book, in the Torah, or Books of Moses, and it also marks the final chapter, and month of his life. It is also something of a valedictory, in that it is a speech which is both his last address, as well as a summary of what has come before, and more.

Parsha “Devarim,” (Devarim or Deuteronomy chapters 1 through 3) is, very literally HaDebarim, or The Words, that Moshe spoke to ‘kol Israel,’ as they prepared to enter the land.

The English name for the Book suggests that it is a ‘second reading’ or summary, of the Torah, or Instruction delivered through Moses, but many students of His Word have suggested that the structure of the Book is that of a covenant treaty, between a King and His vassals.

And this parsha lays the groundwork.

The Erev Shabbat reading:

As Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship has often noted, the single Book of Deuteronomy itself is not only recognized as the foundation for the English, later American, Common Law, but is also THE most quoted reference by the Founders and the ‘Committees of Correspondence’ in our founding era.

Is this a Covenant that still applies to His people? His Remnant must understand.

WARNING: This is a blunt message, because time draws short – and strong language.

The combined two-part teaching is here: