Gratitude & Reverence: Serving Hashem In The Land Of Promise

Parashat Eikev teaches that living in Eretz Yisrael is not merely a privilege but a sacred responsibility. The Torah describes the Land as one of abundance—“a land of wheat, barley, grapes, figs, and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and date honey”—yet it warns that prosperity can breed complacency. The Jewish people are reminded to acknowledge that all blessing comes from G-d, and to remain grateful, obedient, and humble.

The commandment to recite Birkat HaMazon after eating—“And you will eat and be satisfied, and bless the L-rd your G-d for the good land He has given you” (Devarim 8:10)—teaches us that gratitude must be ingrained in daily life. The four blessings of Birkat HaMazon were introduced at different stages: the first by Moshe after receiving the mahn, the second by Yehoshua after entering the Land, the third by David and Shlomo for Yerushalayim, and the fourth by the sages following the tragic aftermath of the Bar Kochba revolt. Each blessing reflects historical gratitude, layered through generations.

Moshe warns the people: “Beware lest your heart grow haughty… and you forget the L-rd your G-d Who brought you out of Egypt…” (Devarim 8:14). Forgetting G-d, he says, leads to downfall. Thus, prosperity must be met with spiritual vigilance.

In one of the parashah’s most stirring verses, Moshe declares, “And now, Israel, what does the L-rd your G-d require of you? Only to fear the L-rd your G-d, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul” (Devarim 10:12).

Fearing G-d means recognizing His sovereignty and consequences for wrongdoing. Loving G-d, however, involves more: It is a deep emotional connection, a longing to fulfill His will, to pray sincerely, to perform mitzvot with joy, and to bring others close to Him. A Jew who loves G-d seeks truth, strives for kindness, and finds happiness in every opportunity to connect with the Divine.

The Rambam teaches that contemplating G-d’s creation—its order, beauty, and wisdom—naturally leads to awe and love. By observing nature, one can come to appreciate the infinite wisdom of the Creator and feel inspired to serve Him.

As Moshe reviews the past and prepares the nation for the future, he reminds us that Divine love must be answered with loyalty, humility, and avodat Hashem. Through gratitude, awe, and love, we remain deserving of the gift that is Eretz Yisrael.

Parashat Eikev is sponsored by Rabbi Moshe Abramov & Family