Biblical Parallels Index – Devarim 30/0

Biblical Parallels Index – Devarim 30

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Overview

This index is meant to help the reader explore Biblical parallels, be they two accounts of the same event, stories with similar motifs and themes, or units of text which are linguistically similar and perhaps alluding one to the other. The page includes links to tools that aid in comparison, primary sources that touch upon the parallels, and summaries of and links to articles which analyze them in depth.

Love of God

The theme of loving Hashem appears repeatedly throughout Sefer Devarim.

Tools

• Makbilot Bamikra points out that Devarim 6:5 is one of seven times in Sefer Devarim that the commandment of loving Hashem is referenced. 

Articles

• See Making Love Last, by R. Dr. Jonathan Sacks, for analysis of why love between Hashem and man is discussed so many times in Sefer Devarim and how this relates to the legal content of the book. He notes that love is built upon and thrives through commitment, a series of behaviors which entail doing and sacrificing for the other. The vast legal framework and rituals discussed in Sefer Devarim guide one in how to stay committed, teaching which behaviors are necessary to sustain our love for Hashem.
• See also Ahavat Hashem for analysis of commentator's different understandings of what the command to love God comprises. Some suggest that we are commanded to feel an emotion, similar to the love felt between spouses. Others maintain that the directive refers to a cognitive process of coming to know God, while yet others highlight that fulfillment of the command entails a series of actions, i.e. observance of Torah law.

Yehoshua’s Appointment as Leader

Yehoshua’s appointment is described in Bemidbar 27 and Devarim 3, and his transition to leadership begins to take place in Devarim 31. His selection as well as his transition into leadership can be better understood in the context of narratives throughout Torah and Sefer Yehoshua which speak of him.

Tools

• Use the concordance to find all mentions of Yehoshua in Tanakh.

Articles

• See מידת הענווה של יהושע, by R. Itamar Eldar, for analysis of Yehoshua’s challenges in assuming the mantle of leadership from Moshe, and how Moshe’s humility served as a model for Yehoshua and enabled his success. 
• See יהושע: ממשרת למנהיג, by Dr. Yael Ziegler, for analysis of Yehoshua’s actions and personality throughout Torah and why he is chosen over Calev to succeed Moshe. As Moshe’s loyal student, Yehoshua is selected to bring Moshe’s uncompleted mission to its culmination.  Yehoshua’s continuation of Moshe’s legacy is contrasted to the relationship of Eliyahu and Elisha.