The Power of God’s Word – Shoftim – Aug. 30

The book of Proverbs teaches us that “A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor” (Prov 29:23).

What is the key to maintaining a humble spirit?

In this week’s Torah Portion God gives specific instructions to the kings that will one day rule over the kingdom of Israel. The first responsibility of a king was to write out a copy of the Law in the presence of the Levitical priests (Deut. 17:18). The word used for “copy” in this verse is the Hebrew word “mishneh,” which means a copy, a second, or a repetition. Each king was to personally write out his own mishneh (copy) of the Torah.

After the king wrote out a mishneh of the Torah he was not to put it in a museum or lock it up in a safe. The mishneh was to be with him and he was to read it all the days of his life (Deut. 17:19). In other words, the Word of God was to be his daily bread. Why?

God clearly explains why the king was to daily read the mishneh; to fear God, to keep His commandments, to keep the king humble, and so that the kingdom would endure from generation to generation (Deut. 17:19-20). Through the daily reading of the Word of God the king would walk in humility, fear God, and rule in a godlike way toward the people. The daily reading of God’s word is powerful and life changing.

This principle of reading God’s Word daily has become a discipline amongst believers in Yeshua (Jesus) for good reason. Yeshua taught that it is necessary for us to abide in Him and to let His Word abide in us in order for us to bear fruit in this life and to have complete joy in Him (John 15:1-11).

Humility, the fear of the Lord, and the joy of the Lord are only found in daily communion with the living God. Let us learn from the instructions given to the kings of Israel and walk in the fullness of all that God has for us by daily coming to Him and reading His Word!

Shabbat Shalom!

Torah Reading: Deut. 16:18 – Deut. 21:9

Haftarah Reading: Isaiah 51:12 – Isaiah 52:12
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