Parshat Ekev opens on a note of promise—one that I find deeply relatable. The Torah assures us that if we remain faithful, God will bless us with fertility, prosperity, and security in the land:

“And if you do obey these rules… the ETERNAL your God will maintain faithfully for you the covenant… [God] will favor you and bless you and multiply you…” (Deut. 7:12–15).

When my husband and I came to Israel 59 years ago, we felt that blessing. Our three children were born and raised children here. We each contributed in our own way, and shared in building this society.

But the blessing comes with a troubling message. Protection is paired with destruction:

“You shall destroy all the peoples… showing them no pity… no one shall stand up to you, until you have wiped them out” (Deut. 7:16–24).

Why must God’s blessing be tied to annihilation? Why does the Torah assume that our neighbors are, by default enemies?

The Hardest Battle Comes After Victory

Parshat Ekev, together with its haftarah (Isaiah 49:19–20), promises growth, return, and flourishing in the land. Yet both also force us to confront an uncomfortable truth: the greatest danger we face is not from our enemies—but from within.

The Torah promises that God will remove disease from us and inflict it upon our enemies. But reality........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)