After warning the people what will befall them if they stray from God’s service, Moses reassures them that all is not lost. When these things befall the nation, they will be moved to return to God. God will then bring them back from exile among the nations and restore them to their land, with greater prosperity and blessing than they had before. All that the Israelites suffer will ultimately be revisited upon the heads of their enemies, and with the nation’s complete return to the ways of God, He will rejoice over them as He did over their forefathers.
The Israel Bible points out that this portion is read each year in the week prior to Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. The theme of redemption and return to the Land of Israel is closely related to the themes of the holiday. Rosh Hashanah is a time to restore one’s relationship with God, and recognize His dominion over the whole world. Only when the Jewish People return to their land will the entire world recognize God as the King of the Universe.
Virtual Classroom Discussion
Moses says God will “circumcise thy heart” (30:6). What do you think this means and why would He do so?