Read Time: 5 Minutes
Shalom and welcome! This week’s Torah portion is Va’etchanan, a deeply profound chapter that reveals the heart of Moses as he pleads with God (YAH) to enter the Promised Land. At first glance, many theologians and scholars interpret Moses’ plea as being rejected, but upon closer examination, we see something extraordinary: YAH’s redirection of Moses’ request into a greater reality.
This article will explore the themes of patience, waiting on YHVH, divine redirection, and the intentionality of YAH in fulfilling His promises. We’ll also delve into the Hebraic understanding of waiting on YAH and how it’s a form of worship and spiritual anchoring. Finally, we’ll reflect on how YAH’s ultimate goal is not simply to grant requests but to grow character and faithfulness in His children.
Moses’ Plea: Rejected or Redirected?
The Torah portion begins with Moses pleading earnestly with YAH to allow him to cross the Jordan and enter the "good land." In Deuteronomy 3:23–29, Moses says, “I pray, let me cross over and see the good land beyond the Jordan.” YAH responds, “Enough of that. Speak no more to Me of this matter.”
At first glance, this appears to be a rejection. However, when we examine the text, we notice that YAH does not explicitly say “no” to Moses. Instead, He redirects Moses’ request. YAH tells him to ascend Mount Pisgah and look north, south, east, and west, allowing him to see the land with his eyes.
What seemed like a denial was actually a redirection toward a greater reality. Centuries later, Moses stands in the Promised Land at the Mount of Transfiguration alongside Elijah and Yeshua (Matthew 17:1–3). Moses enters the land spiritually and glorified, fulfilling his plea in a way far beyond his expectations.
This teaches us that YAH’s plans are always bigger and better than our own. His redirection is not rejection; it’s an intentional alignment with His eternal purposes.
Waiting on YHVH: A Hebraic Perspective
One of the central themes in Va’etchanan is the concept of waiting on YHVH. In our Western mindset, waiting often feels passive, like standing at a bus stop or enduring a delay. But Hebraically, waiting on YAH is active, it’s a form of worship and spiritual intimacy.
The Hebrew word for “wait” is qavah (קָוָה), which means “to bind together like a cord” or “to be anchored into YAH.” Waiting on YHVH is not about passively enduring time; it’s about actively trusting Him, binding yourself to His strength, and anticipating His mighty hand at work in your life.
Isaiah 40:31 beautifully captures this concept:
“Those who wait on YHVH shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
Waiting on YAH renews us, it strengthens us spiritually and prepares us for His purposes. It’s not about feeling a deficit due to delay; it’s about growing closer to victory with each passing moment.
Divine Redirection: YAH’s Loving Intentionality
As believers, we often interpret unanswered prayers as rejection. But the story of Moses reminds us that YAH’s “no” is often a redirection toward something greater.
Throughout Scripture, we see examples of divine redirection:
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David pleads to build the Temple but is redirected. His son Solomon fulfills this task, creating a legacy that surpasses David’s own vision.
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Joseph endures years of imprisonment and suffering, only to be elevated to save Egypt and his family. His waiting was not wasted; it was preparation for his destiny.
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Yeshua Himself pleads in Gethsemane, asking for the cup to pass from Him. Yet, through obedience, He accomplishes the salvation of the world.
YAH’s redirection is always intentional. He sees the bigger picture, and His plans are designed for His glory and our ultimate good. As Romans 8:28 reminds us: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love YAH, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Good Fathers Grow Character
YAH is not arbitrary in His responses to our prayers. Like a loving father, He doesn’t simply grant requests; He cultivates character.
As earthly parents, we don’t give our children everything they ask for. A child may plead for chocolate for breakfast every day, but a good parent knows what is best for them. Similarly, our Heavenly Father lovingly redirects our requests to align with His will and purposes.
Hebrews 12:10 reminds us: “For they [earthly fathers] indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He [YAH] for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.”
Delays and redirections may hurt, but they are designed to breed holiness, maturity, and faithfulness. YAH doesn’t just prepare a place for us; He prepares us for that place.
Trusting the Process
One of the hardest lessons for believers is learning to trust the process. When we are waiting on YAH, it can feel like time is decaying us. But Hebraically, waiting strengthens us, it’s silent warfare waged by endurance and patience.
Habakkuk 2:3 says, “Though the vision tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come to pass.” YAH’s timing is impeccable, and His promises are never late. They arrive exactly when we need them.
Joshua declares this truth in Joshua 21:45: “Not one of all YHVH’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; everything was fulfilled.”
If it’s not okay, it’s not the end. YAH’s promises are “yes” and “amen” in Yeshua (2 Corinthians 1:20).
To wait on YHVH is to worship Him. It’s a declaration of faith that says, “I trust You, even when I don’t understand.”
David understood this intimately, as seen in Psalm 130:6:
“My soul waits for YHVH more than the watchmen wait for the morning.”
Waiting is not weakness; it’s spiritual strength. It’s binding yourself to YAH’s timing and trusting His process.
Conclusion: The Promises of YAH
Moses’ story in Va’etchanan teaches us that YAH’s redirection is not rejection. His plans are always greater than our own, and His promises are steadfast.
As we wait on YHVH, let us remember:
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Waiting is active trust and worship.
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YAH’s delays are purposeful, designed to grow character and align us with His will.
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His promises are “yes” and “amen” in Yeshua.
Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23).
If you’re waiting on YHVH today, know that your plea has not been rejected, it’s being redirected toward something greater. Trust the process, bind yourself to YAH, and anticipate His mighty hand at work in your life.
May the promises of Yeshua be fulfilled in your life as you wait in YHVH.
From our house to your house, shalom.
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