Introduction
Welcome to another edition of Shabbat Lounge with Matt and Jake. Each week, Torah portions unite people worldwide, and this is Week 50: Ki Tavo, meaning “when you come.” This portion can be found in Deuteronomy 26–29:9. Sabbath Lounge invites readers to like, share, and subscribe, and to explore our resources on Torah portions. The best way to engage is to read the Torah directly—there is no substitute for the actual words of Scripture.
Highlights from Week 50
The Mighty Hand and Outstretched Arm
Deuteronomy 26:8 references a “mighty hand and an outstretched arm,” a phrase found ten times in Deuteronomy. Yeshua reinforces this imagery in Matthew 26:64, where he describes himself as sitting at the right hand of Yahuah and coming on the clouds of heaven. This connection is significant; the outstretched arm points to Yeshua and even evokes imagery of the cross. The mighty right hand suggests a place of honor and fellowship, an offer of help when one cannot help themselves—just as Yeshua extends a helping hand to humanity.
Isaiah 59:1-2 affirms, “My hand is not too short to save, nor is my ear heavy that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have separated you from me and your sins have hidden my face from you.” The hand is a symbol of salvation and deliverance, and the passage stresses the importance of remaining close to Elohim so that prayers are heard.
Tithing: Blessings and Responsibility
Deuteronomy 26:12 discusses tithing from agricultural produce as blessings increase. Tithes are given according to one’s blessing and are primarily agriculture-based, but connections to monetary gifts exist, as seen when Abraham tithes after rescuing Lot. The biblical tithe often supports strangers, the fatherless, and widows but is mainly intended for the Levites who do not receive land.
James 1:27 states, “Pure, unstained religion according to Elohim our Father is to take care of orphans and widows when they suffer and to remain uncorrupted by this world,” echoing the Torah portion’s teachings. Acts 6:1-7 further illustrates early believers’ commitment to caring for widows by appointing spiritually wise men to distribute assistance fairly.
Modern ministries reflect this principle, from supporting those in need with food or cars, to practical help like mechanics assisting single mothers. The biblical command remains—support the vulnerable among us.
Stones as Memorials
Deuteronomy 27 commands the setting up of stones as memorials, a tradition found throughout the Torah. Genesis 31:45-50 recounts Jacob creating a marker stone pile called “witness pile” or “galid” with his relatives. This practice appears again in Joshua 4:2-3, when twelve stones are taken from the Jordan River as a memorial of Israel’s crossing.
Memorial stones serve as reminders for future generations of significant events and Yah’s faithfulness. These piles—left uncut by human hands—are tangible witnesses for all who encounter them.
Christians and Torah
Deuteronomy 27 emphasizes commandments familiar to most Christians: avoiding idols, honoring parents, not stealing, caring for the vulnerable, and moral living. These foundational principles are directly from Torah and generally accepted by the worldwide Christian community.
Blessings and Curses
Deuteronomy 28 outlines blessings (verses 1–14) and much lengthier curses (verses 15–67) for Israel. The disproportionate space emphasizes the breadth of potential consequences for disobedience. Historically, foreknowledge of Israel’s future choices is evident, as the blessings were not always fully realized due to their actions.
The curses include vivid warnings: “Your carcass shall be meat for the fowls…” (28:26), paralleling Genesis 15:11, where Abraham drives away birds from carcasses, symbolizing the need to protect from negative spiritual outcomes. Scripture sometimes uses birds to represent evil, but not always—context is critical.
Deuteronomy 28:46 frames the curses as an everlasting sign—a warning for all generations, reminding the people to serve Yahweh joyfully—a stack of stones in discipline, intended for correction out of love.
Extreme Warnings
The severity of the punishments is highlighted: in 28:53, “You will eat the flesh of your own children…” This stark prophecy mirrors warnings from Leviticus 26:29 and finds historical fulfillment in 2 Kings 6:26-29—a tragic scenario during Israel’s siege. History and historians like Josephus confirm such events took place.
Blessings and Curses: Ritual and Geography
The Torah portion concludes with the people of Israel poised to enter the promised land, standing between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. Blessings are pronounced from one mountain (Gerizim) and curses from the other (Ebal). The tribes are divided between the two, symbolically dramatizing the choice between obedience and rebellion. This setting is associated with the patriarchs, who passed through this area, further underscoring its importance.
Conclusion
Week 50, Ki Tavo (“When You Come”), covers Deuteronomy 26–29:9 and explores mighty hands, memorial stones, blessings and curses, and our ongoing responsibility to care for those in need. Sabbath Lounge encourages readers to explore further resources on blessings and curses. For more insights, visit SabbathLounge.com, subscribe, and share your thoughts or unique emojis in the comments to let us know you’ve visited.
This Sabbath Lounge lesson is crafted by Matt and Jake.
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