Read Time: 5 Minutes
This week’s Torah portion, Eikev (Deuteronomy 7:12–11:25), is a powerful reminder of the blessings that come from obedience to YAH’s covenant. As Moses delivers his final address to the Israelites before they cross the Jordan into the Promised Land, he emphasises the importance of hearing, keeping, and doing YAH’s commandments. These timeless lessons resonate deeply with believers today, reminding us to follow in the footsteps of Yeshua, cling to His heel, and align our lives with the will of YAH.
The Hebrew word Eikev, meaning “because,” “as a consequence of,” or “on the heel of,” serves as the foundation of this Torah portion. It highlights the connection between obedience and reward, and it invites us to reflect on the deeper spiritual implications of walking in the ways of our Messiah. Let us explore the themes of remembrance, obedience, and transformation found in this portion and discover how they apply to our lives today.
Eikev: The Blessings of Obedience
The portion begins with a promise:
"Then it shall come to pass, because (Eikev) you listen to these judgments and keep and do them, that YHVH will keep with you the covenant and the mercy which He swore to your fathers." (Deuteronomy 7:12)
This verse sets the tone for the portion, emphasizing the importance of hearing (Shema), keeping (Shemah), and doing (Asah) YAH’s commandments. The blessings of the Promised Land—the fruitfulness of the land, health, and victory over enemies—are contingent upon Israel’s faithfulness to the covenant.
From a Hebraic perspective, Eikev also means “heel,” symbolizing the idea of following closely behind, as one would follow in the footsteps of another. This imagery reminds us of the Messianic prophecy in Genesis 3:15, where the seed of the woman (Messiah) would crush the serpent’s head, even as the serpent strikes His heel. As followers of Yeshua, we are called to cling to His heel—His ways, His teachings, and His example—and walk in His footsteps.
Remembrance: A Key to Faithfulness
Throughout this Torah portion, Moses repeatedly calls the Israelites to remember:
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“And you shall remember that YHVH led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.” (Deuteronomy 8:2)
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“You shall remember well what YHVH did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt.” (Deuteronomy 7:18)
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“Beware that you do not forget the YHVH by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes.” (Deuteronomy 8:11)
Why does Moses emphasize remembrance so strongly? Because forgetting leads to disobedience and spiritual death:
"If you by any means forget the YHVH and follow other gods and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish." (Deuteronomy 8:19)
Remembrance is not merely about recalling past events; it is an act of bringing YAH’s deeds and commandments to the forefront of our hearts and minds. It is through remembrance that we learn, grow, and align ourselves with His ways. The act of remembering also deepens our relationship with YAH, as we acknowledge His faithfulness and love.
Shema and Asah: Hearing, Keeping, and Doing
The Hebrew words Shema (hear) and Asah (do) appear repeatedly in this portion, emphasizing the need for active obedience. To Shema is not merely to hear with our ears but to listen with intelligence and obedience. To Asah is to take action, to live out the commandments in our daily lives.
James 1:22 echoes this principle:
"But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
Yeshua Himself modelled this obedience, walking in perfect alignment with the Torah. As His followers, we are called to imitate Him, not just in what we believe but in how we live. Our faith must manifest in deeds motivated by love, as James writes:
"Faith without works is dead." (James 2:26)
Circumcision of the Heart: Transformation Through Yeshua
One of the most profound teachings in this portion is the call to circumcise the heart:
"Therefore, circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked no longer." (Deuteronomy 10:16)
Circumcision of the heart is a spiritual act, symbolizing the removal of the veil that separates us from YAH. It is a transformation of the inner self, aligning our desires, thoughts, and will with His.
Paul elaborates on this in Romans 2:29:
"But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from YAH."
This circumcision is made possible through Yeshua, who tears away the veil when we turn to Him:
"When one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away." (2 Corinthians 3:16)
Through Yeshua, we are made new, transformed from the inside out, and empowered to walk in His ways.
The Hebrew word mul (מוּל - H4135), which means “circumcise,” also carries the meaning “to face.” (מוֹל - H4136) This dual meaning beautifully illustrates the connection between circumcision of the heart and orienting ourselves toward YAH.
To face Godward is to live in alignment with His will, keeping Him at the center of our lives. Just as the Israelites camped around the Tabernacle, facing the Tent of Meeting, we are called to orient every aspect of our lives toward YAH.
This alignment is not just physical but spiritual. It involves guarding the gates of our hearts and minds, ensuring that what we see, hear, and do reflects His holiness.
"You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." (Deuteronomy 11:20)
May our lives be worthy of His presence, as we face Him and follow in His footsteps.
Conclusion: Walking in the Footsteps of Yeshua
The Torah portion Eikev reminds us of the blessings that come from hearing, keeping, and doing ’s commandments. It calls us to remember His faithfulness, circumcise our hearts, and align ourselves with His ways.
As followers of Yeshua, we are invited to walk in His footsteps, cling to His heel, and reflect His attributes—justice, righteousness, mercy, and love. Our faith is not merely intellectual but practical, demonstrated through deeds motivated by love.
Let us remember what Yeshua has done for us, repent when we fall short, and turn back to Him. May we align our hearts with His will, face Godward, and live as lights in the world.
"And now, Israel, what does YHVH require of you, but to fear YHVH, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve YHVH with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good?" (Deuteronomy 10:12–13)
May we walk on the heel of Yeshua, following His footsteps and living in the blessings of obedience.
From our house to your house, shalom.
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