Eikev: “following,” “as a result of,” “because of.” Listening to the instructions G-d gives through Moses, Israel will enjoy G-d’s covenant and lovingkindness. Israel will be blessed and multiplied. The L-RD will clear the Canaanites away for them. The Canaanites and their idols must be completely destroyed; if not, they will be a snare to Israel (Deuteronomy 7:12-26).

See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse (Deuteronomy 11:26). Moses sets before Israel the curse for disobedience and the blessing which follows keeping the commandments. Israel is instructed to do the same ”when the Lord brings you into the land” – specifically, at the mountains of Ebal and Gerizim, at the oaks of Moreh.

In Parshat Shoftim, Moses gives Israel multiple instructions. In the midst of it, we find a promise of a special prophet. G-d gave Israel a promise to raise up for them a special prophet like Moses; to him Israel must listen or face divine consequences. A false prophet on the other hand, shall die (Deuteronomy 18:15-22).

Parshat Ki Teitzei contains a great variety of laws, rules, prohibitions, statutes, and commandments. These cover broadly diverse topics: marrying a female captive; being a good neighbor; even the preservation of birds. Further commands concern sexual immorality; exclusion from the assembly of Israel; purity of the army’s camp; proper treatment of the vulnerable and poor; divorce; levirate marriage; honesty; and finally the commandment to blot out the memory of Amalek.

The main theme of our parsha is blessing and curse. Especially in Chapter 28, where Moses spells out blessings and terrifying curses which end in exile from the land. Which of the two will it be?

Parshat Nitzavim continues the recording of the covenant made in the plains of Moab. This additional covenant is a confirmation of the covenant between G-d and Israel, with a strong warning to those who will turn away from G-d. If Israel abandons the L-RD the land will be destroyed and they will be cast into another land. (Deuteronomy 29:10-29)

In this the shortest of the parshot, Moses informs Israel He will not lead them into the promised land. But G-d will go before them and destroy the Canaanites; Joshua will be Israel’s new leader. Moses reminds them to do to the Canaanites as He commanded and admonishes Israel to be strong and courageous because the L-RD will not forsake them.

In Parshat Haazinu we have the special prophetic song which G-d commanded Moses to teach Israel (see Deuteronomy 31:19, 30). It is an impressive prophetic witness against Israel, given in advance, prophesying future apostasy and the L-RD’s awe-inspiring response.

In Parshat Vezot Habracha we read Moses’ blessing of the tribes of Israel, given before his death. Because there is no one like the G-d of Israel, no one in the end is so blessed as the Israel which is saved by the L-RD. (Deuteronomy 33)