This Shabbat, we begin reading the fifth book of the Torah, the book of Deuteronomy. The title of the book in Hebrew, Devarim, is the first significant Hebrew word in the text - meaning "words". The English title of the book, Deuteronomy, means, "second law". The book of Deuteronomy presents many of the laws found in other parts of the Torah. Most scholars feel that the book of Deuteronomy was the text discovered during the time of King Josiah that recommitted him to the purity of Israelite worship in Jerusalem. Deuteronomy was written as three farewell addresses of Moses prior to the Israelites' arrival in the land of Canaan.

This Shabbat, we begin with the first farewell address of Moses. Moses reviews how assistants were engaged to aid him in his leadership. He continues to share the episode of the spies. The spies were sent to investigate conditions in the land of Canaan. Unfortunately, the Israelites were overwhelmed by the report of the spies. They felt they would be incapable of conquering the native peoples of Canaan. Only Joshua and Caleb felt otherwise. Therefore, they would be permitted to enter the land. Upon hearing this difficult news, the Israelites rebelled at Hormah.

The Israelites were commanded to skirt the territory of Seir as that area was promised to the descendants of Esau. Israel was also commanded to by-pass the ancestral homelands of Moab and Ammon. These areas were also seen as a divine gift to these peoples. Moses reviews the battle against Sihon, king of Heshbon, who refused to allow Israel safe passage through his territory. Israel defeated Sihon and obliterated his nation. Similarly, Israel annihilated Og, the king of Bashan, and his people. These conquests gave Israel territory in the northeast section of the land, corresponding to where the Golan Heights are today.

The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Menashe were given land on the eastern bank of the Jordan River. However, their warriors were committed to the conquest of the remainder of Canaan with the other tribes. The Torah reading for this Shabbat concludes with the charge of leadership imparted to Joshua," You shall not fear them; for the L-rd your G-d, He it is that fights for you."