Deuteronomy 1-3:22, “Devarim” in Hebrew, begins the final address of Moses to Israel, a farewell that is part sermon, part history, and full of heart. The Hebrew title means “words,” and these are the last words of a leader who’s walked with Israel through triumph and failure. Moses recounts the journey from Mount Sinai to the edge of the Promised Land, repeating the law, urging obedience, and warning of the consequences of rebellion. But before launching into reproof, he blesses them, saying, “May the Lord… increase you a thousandfold… as you are.” Not because they earned it. Not because they were perfect. But because they are loved. Just as you are. That’s the starting point for all of us—loved by God, even in our mess.
That tender approach—correction with compassion—gives us a model. Moses doesn’t scold first; he blesses. He sees Israel with a “good eye,” the way Jesus sees us. As believers, we’re often tempted to lead with critique. But encouragement opens the heart. That phrase “as you are” packs a punch. Perfection is not a prerequisite for God’s blessing. He meets us in our condition and calls us forward. At the end of the reading, God commands Joshua to have courage, reminding him of past victories over giants like Sihon and Og. These victories are a nod to a deeper spiritual truth. If God brought you through before, He’ll do it again. Don’t let fear make your decisions. Don’t forget who’s fighting for you.
This week also ushers in Tishah B’Av, the most mournful day on the Jewish calendar, recalling centuries of sorrow: the spies’ sin, the destruction of both Temples, and many national tragedies. It begins Saturday at sundown and ends Sunday night, observed with fasting and reflection. This season, called The Three Weeks, begins with the breach of Jerusalem’s walls and leads to this national lament. But even in the sadness, there’s hope. The sages teach that Tishah B’Av will one day be the most joyful day, when Messiah comes and dwells with us. These sorrows are not the end of the story—they’re birth pains for redemption. Repentance, teshuvah, isn’t just about recognizing regret and turning from it; it’s about return. This section of Deuteronomy is paired with Lamentations, ending in a desperate prayer: “Lord, turn us back to you.”
That’s Hashivenu, the urgent appeal or plea for God in his grace to restore us and bring us back into his presence because we can’t do it ourselves. Jesus affirms this in John 6:44, “No one can come to me unless the Father draws him.” Let’s not forget the blessings in our lives, and even the trials and difficulties that ultimately turn us back to the Lord. Israel has had a long history of wandering far from God by disobedience to His laws, yet time and again, God in His infinite love and mercy calls His people to repent and return to Him. This theme is recurring throughout scripture, in Zechariah 1:3, the Lord pleads, “Return to me, and I will return to you.” Jesus also instructs us in John 15:4, to “remain in me, and I will remain in you.” Hopefully, we will never leave Him. But if we wander, He will always call us back, and “cause” us to return to Him.
