Drash on Eikev

Rabbi Benjamin Meijer Verbrugge

Rabbi of the United Indonesian Jewish Community

Parasha Eikev continues Moses’ address to the Israelites, emphasizing the blessings that will come if they remain faithful to G-d’s commandments. He reminds them of their experiences in the wilderness, including G-d’s provision of manna and their dependence on Him. Moses warns against arrogance and forgetting G-d once they prosper in the Promised Land. He also recounts the sin of the Golden Calf and G-d’s mercy, urging the people to fear, love, and serve G-d wholeheartedly.

Parasha Eikev speaks deeply to personal growth, spirituality, and moral responsibility. It has the powerful messages as follows:

1. Gratitude Transforms the Mundane into the Sacred

“You shall eat, and be satisfied, and bless the Lord your G-d…” (Deut. 8:10). Gratitude is not just a polite gesture — it’s a spiritual discipline. Even in physical acts like eating, we’re called to be mindful and thankful. Gratitude elevates our everyday life.

This text is the source of Birkat HaMazon (Grace After Meals). It reminds us to express gratitude even after our physical needs are met, which combats entitlement and nurtures humility. Don’t just pray when you lack — remember G-d when you’re full. He will help us cultivate daily gratitude, especially when things go well, making our mealtime not just a time for daily eating habits, but a time of sanctification to serve G-d, where the dining table (at home) is an altar to G-d (Deut. 8:11-9:3).

Be grateful in abundance. The blessings bestowed upon us each day are evident in tangible ways. By beginning to thank G-d (saying beracha) for every meal you are given, you will train yourself to remember His goodness and express gratitude for all the good things He has given you in your life.

When we have challah, it reminds us that True Life comes from more than bread. “Man does not live by bread alone, but by everything that comes from the mouth of G-d.” (Deut. 8:3). We need more than material sustenance. Meaning, purpose, wisdom, and connection to the Divine — this is what sustains the soul.

2. Value Every Mitzvah, even the “Small” Ones

“All the mitzvot… you shall observe and do (Deut 8:1).” The simple meaning of the phrase “all the mitzvot” is the entire body/part of a divine commandment. Yes, to observe all mitzvot as best we can, but don’t put aside a small matter.

The Midrashic interpretation is: do the entire mitzvah. If you begin a good deed, complete it, for the mitzvah is credited to the one who completes the task. Thus it is written: “The bones of Joseph, which the Israelites took out of Egypt, they buried in Shechem.” Yet it was Moses himself who took Joseph’s bones from Egypt (Exodus 13:19).

This portion also reminds us that the “Small” mitzvot matter. “Because (eikev) you will listen…” (Deut. 7:12). The word “eikev” also means heel — alluding to commandments we might “step on” or see as minor. There are no small acts in spiritual life. The way we treat small moments, small people, and small decisions reveals our true character. Minor actions and mitzvot matter; therefore, we should be careful with what we might otherwise consider trivial.

Justice and compassion are core to Divine Service “What does the Lord your G-d ask of you… but to fear Him, walk in His ways, love Him… and observe His commandments…” (Deut. 10:12). This gives a message that G-d doesn’t just want rituals — He wants your heart, your actions, and your compassion. The path to holiness lies in walking humbly and doing what is right.

3. Stay Humble in Success

Don’t Let Success Make You Forget about the Wilderness. The Wilderness Was a Spiritual Training Ground; “To humble you, to test you, to know what was in your heart…” (Deut. 8:2). Life’s trials are not punishments — they’re refinements. What looks like a struggle may be shaping something more profound in you

“Lest you say in your heart: My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.” (Deut. 8:17). It is a warning against spiritual pride.

Moshe warns Israel not to become arrogant when they prosper. This is a timeless reminder about the danger of ego when success arrives. Success is not only a result of personal effort — it’s also a Divine blessing; therefore, we should stay grounded and recognize a higher source in our achievements.

Prosperity is a test just as much as poverty. When things go well, we’re tempted to forget that we’re not self-made. Life’s trials reveal and shape who you are. We should reflect on hardship not just as misfortune but as potential for growth. Stay humble and remember the Source.

4. G-d’s Love Is Reciprocal

“He is faithful… who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him and keep His commandments…” (Deut. 7:9). Divine love is not abstract. It grows in response to us in return. This verse encapsulates the Torah’s ethical framework: a relationship with G-d that requires reverence, love, and ethical behavior. Religion is not just ritual, but moral living and a relationship with the Divine. We should balance mitzvot with inner growth and ethical conduct.

In a Nutshell: Parasha Eikev teaches:

Be grateful in abundance

Stay humble in success

Value every mitzvah, even the “small” ones

Understand that struggles refine the soul

Seek justice, humility, and love as your spiritual path.

Shabbat Shalom

By. Rabbi Benjamin Meijer Verbrugge (Dr. Benny Prakarsa-Meijer S.Pd., M.A., M.Th,/Phil., M.M.)

Rabbi of the United Indonesian Jewish Community