Torah Portion Ki Tavo – Avoiding Both Sin and Neglect
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Torah: Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8
Haftarah: Isaiah 60:1-22
Besorah: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Elul 18, 5784 | September 21, 2024
Shalom Chaverim (Friends)!
Thank you for joining me as we explore this week’s Torah portion, Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26:1–29:8), along with the Haftarah from Isaiah 60:1-22 and the Besorah from 1 Corinthians 15:1-11.
This week, we’re going to focus on something that often gets overlooked in our spiritual journey: not only transgressing God’s commandments but also neglecting to do the good we’re commanded to do.
As we dig into these portions, we’ll learn how God’s instructions are meant to shape our lives both by what we avoid doing and by what we’re called to actively do.
Let’s explore how this lesson applies to our daily lives and how it is reflected in the Haftarah and Besorah readings.
You can download a printable copy of this portion along with study and reflection questions at the end of this post!
Torah Portion: Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8)
Understanding the Portion
In Ki Tavo, Moses instructs the Israelites about what they must do once they enter the Promised Land. He lays out rituals, such as bringing the first fruits to God in thanksgiving and acknowledging His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. But the heart of this portion is the blessings and curses that follow obedience or disobedience to God’s commandments.
Moses makes it clear that Israel is expected to keep all of God’s commandments—not just avoiding what is forbidden but also engaging in the good acts God has commanded. It’s easy to focus on the negative commandments—“Don’t do this” or “Don’t do that”—but what about the positive commandments, the ones that tell us what we should do?
We often focus on sin as simply doing wrong, but neglecting to do what is right can be just as serious. For example, Deuteronomy 26:12-13 speaks about the command to give a tithe of the third year to the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows. Failure to give this tithe isn’t just disobedience—it’s neglect of compassion and responsibility toward those in need.
So, by neglecting to follow the positive commandments, we aren’t just failing to check off a box; we are failing to embody the very heart of what God wants for His people.
A Little Nugget: The Power of Neglect
In Hebrew, the word mitzvah (מִצְוָה) means commandment but is derived from the root tzavah (צִוָּה), which means to connect. The idea of a mitzvah is not just about rules; it’s about connecting to God through the actions He asks of us.
When we neglect the positive commandments, we miss out on the opportunity to connect with God through our actions. But when we do the good God commands, it doesn’t just fulfill an obligation—it transforms our hearts and brings us closer to Him.
In fact, God speaks of the need for the circumcision of the heart—removing the layers of hardness that keep us from fully loving Him. This circumcision happens when we engage with His commandments, allowing our hearts to soften and turn more toward Him with each act of obedience.
When we make choices that reflect His love and will, our hearts are reshaped in the process. I’ve written more about this powerful concept in a blog post on circumcision of the heart, which you can check out for a deeper dive into how our actions change us spiritually.
Each mitzvah isn’t just about external obedience; it’s about inner transformation, helping us become more aligned with God’s heart and will.
It’s important to realize that sin isn’t just breaking the rules by doing wrong; it can also be failing to do what is right. Ignoring the positive commandments, such as caring for the poor, engaging in worship, or expressing gratitude, is as much a form of disobedience as transgressing the negative ones.
What We Don’t Do Matters
Isn’t it funny how often we focus on what not to do to avoid sinning, yet sometimes forget that neglecting to do good can also be sinful? It reminds me of Yeshua’s words in Matthew 25, where He talks about the sheep and the goats:
“Then He will also say to those on the left, ‘Go away from Me, you cursed ones, into the everlasting fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink; I was a stranger and you did not invite Me in; naked and you did not clothe Me; sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’”
Matthew 25:42-43 TLV
Yeshua shows us that neglect—the failure to act in love and compassion—is just as serious as active wrongdoing.
In life, we often ask ourselves, “What should I avoid?” but how often do we reflect on the good we’ve neglected to do? Perhaps we’ve missed opportunities to visit a sick friend, to show kindness, or to offer help. These are just as much a part of our spiritual journey as avoiding sin. If we’re not careful, we can find ourselves neglecting the very things that God has placed before us to do.
Taking Action in Our Faith
Think about the areas in your life where you might be neglecting the good that God has commanded you to do. Are you being intentional about worship, generosity, or acts of kindness? How can you take a more active role in living out the positive commandments in your day-to-day life? Our faith isn’t just about avoiding sin but about actively engaging in the good works God has called us to.
Haftarah: Isaiah 60:1-22
Understanding the Portion
The Haftarah in Isaiah 60 is one of the most beautiful prophetic visions of restoration and hope. It begins with the powerful declaration:
“Arise, shine, for your light has come! The glory of Adonai has risen on you.”
Isaiah 60:1, TLV
This passage paints a picture of Jerusalem being restored as a light to the nations, with God’s presence shining brightly upon His people. It’s a vision of restoration, redemption, and glory, where all nations will come to God’s light.
But how does this connect to action? Isaiah’s call to “arise and shine” isn’t passive. The word used for “arise” in Hebrew is ק֘וּמִי (kumi), which means to stand up, to take action. God’s people are being called to actively reflect His light. Just as we are called to keep the positive commandments in Ki Tavo, this passage reminds us that we are to be engaged in shining God’s light through our actions.
A Little Nugget: God’s Glory Through Our Actions
The idea that God’s glory will rise upon His people ties into a deeper spiritual truth: God’s light shines through us when we act in accordance with His will.
When we fulfill the positive commandments—whether through acts of justice, mercy, or generosity—we are reflecting God’s light to the world. We are, in essence, mirrors of His glory, showing others His presence through the way we live.
This prophecy points to the ultimate restoration of Israel, but it also speaks to our role today. By neglecting to do good, we diminish the light we’re meant to shine. By stepping into the positive actions God has commanded, we allow His glory to be seen in and through us.
Our Light in the World
This idea of arising and shining makes me think of how we, as believers, are called to stand out in the world. Yeshua said:
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Matthew 5:14, TLV
But how often do we hide that light through inaction? It’s not just about being a light by what we avoid doing; it’s about letting that light shine through the good we do.
When we fail to act, whether through kindness, generosity, or sharing our faith, we’re dimming the light that God has given us. Each time we help someone, show mercy, or offer a hand to those in need, we’re reflecting the glory of God to the world around us.
Arise and Shine
Consider how you can “arise and shine” in your daily life. Are there opportunities where you can be more proactive in letting God’s light shine through your actions? Whether it’s helping someone in need, offering a kind word, or engaging in worship, every action we take to fulfill God’s commandments is a way of reflecting His light in a dark world.
Besorah: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Understanding the Portion
In the Besorah portion, Paul is reminding the believers in Corinth of the core message of the Gospel—the death, burial, and resurrection of Yeshua. He emphasizes that Yeshua’s resurrection was not just a historical event but something that transformed his life and the lives of others who witnessed it:
“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received—that Messiah died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day.”
1 Corinthians 15:3-4, TLV
Paul goes on to describe how Yeshua appeared to the apostles and many others after His resurrection. What’s remarkable here is that Paul considers himself unworthy to be called an apostle because of his past:
“For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted God’s community.”
1 Corinthians 15:9, TLV
Yet despite this, Paul was transformed by God’s grace and became one of the greatest proclaimers of the Gospel.
A Little Nugget: Grace in Action
Paul’s story reminds us that neglecting to do good is not something we are powerless to change. Even though Paul was once a persecutor of the church, God’s grace enabled him to become an active servant of the Gospel. This teaches us that no matter where we’ve fallen short—whether we’ve failed to avoid sin or neglected to do good—God’s grace empowers us to get back on track.
In Hebrew, the word for grace is חֵן (chen), which also means favor. Grace isn’t just about covering our sins; it’s about giving us the favor and the power to live out the calling God has placed on our lives. Just as Paul was transformed by grace, so too can we be empowered to live out both the positive and negative commandments with renewed purpose and strength.
Grace Moves Us to Act
It’s easy to feel like our past mistakes or failures disqualify us from doing what God has called us to do. But like Paul, we are reminded that God’s grace transforms us. His grace isn’t just about forgiveness—it’s about empowerment.
Think about times when you’ve felt unworthy or unqualified to serve God or others. Maybe you’ve felt like you’ve neglected your calling or that you’re too far off course. Paul’s story teaches us that it’s never too late to step back into action. God’s grace empowers us to do the good we might have neglected, to pick up the pieces and move forward in faith.
Embracing God’s Grace
Think about areas in your life where you may feel like you’ve neglected your responsibilities or calling. How can you rely on God’s grace to empower you to step into what He’s called you to do? Just as Paul was transformed by grace, so too can we rise up from where we’ve fallen short and move forward in God’s plan for our lives.
Connecting the Teachings: Arising from Neglect and Embracing Action
All three portions this week point us to the importance of action in our faith. It’s not enough to simply avoid sin; we must also embrace the positive commandments and actively engage in the good God has called us to do. The Torah portion reminds us that neglecting to act is a form of disobedience, while Isaiah’s vision of rising and shining teaches us that we reflect God’s light through our actions. Paul’s story of redemption through grace shows us that it’s never too late to step into the calling God has for us.
1. Acting on God’s Commands:
- In Ki Tavo, we learn that neglecting to act on God’s positive commandments can be as damaging as transgressing the negative ones. How can you be more intentional about fulfilling the good God has called you to do in your daily life?
2. Reflecting God’s Light:
- In Isaiah 60, we see that God’s people are called to arise and shine, reflecting His glory to the nations. What opportunities do you have this week to reflect God’s light through your actions, whether at home, work, or in your community?
3. Embracing Grace for Action:
- Paul’s transformation in 1 Corinthians 15 shows us that no matter where we’ve fallen short, God’s grace empowers us to rise up and take action. How can you embrace God’s grace to step into what He has called you to do, even if you’ve neglected it in the past?
Practical Applications
1. Commit to Positive Action:
- Reflect on the positive commandments you may have been neglecting. Whether it’s acts of kindness, worship, or generosity, make a plan to intentionally engage in these actions this week.
2. Shine God’s Light in Dark Places:
- Look for ways to actively reflect God’s light in your community. Whether it’s offering help to someone in need, sharing encouragement, or simply being present for others, allow your actions to mirror God’s love and glory.
3. Embrace Grace for Renewal:
- If you feel like you’ve fallen short or neglected what God has called you to do, remember that His grace is always available. Take time to pray and ask for His strength to step forward in your calling.
Reflection Questions
- What are some positive commandments you’ve neglected in your life? How can you take action to fulfill them and strengthen your relationship with God?
- In Isaiah, God calls His people to “arise and shine.” How can you rise up and reflect God’s light through your actions this week?
- Paul’s transformation shows that God’s grace is powerful enough to redeem even our biggest failures. Are there areas in your life where you need to embrace God’s grace and move forward in your calling?
- The Torah portion emphasizes caring for the vulnerable and restoring what is lost. How can you incorporate these values into your daily life and actions?
My Final Thoughts on Ki Tavo
This week’s portions remind us that faith isn’t just about avoiding sin—it’s about taking action, fulfilling God’s positive commandments, and shining His light through the way we live. As we reflect on these teachings, let’s commit to actively pursuing the good God has called us to, trusting in His grace and power to guide us.
Shabbat Shalom! I pray your week will be filled with peace, light, and renewed action in your faith. 🌿
For a printable version of this portion along with study and reflection questions, follow the link below!
Shabbat Shalom!
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Tree of Life (TLV) – Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society. Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.