Not by bread (food) alone

Weekly Torah Lesson

Parasha:  Ekev  (as a result)
Torah: Devarim 7:12-11:25                                 

** I was observing a couple of my daughters eating dinner when I asked them, “What is the difference between a dog eating it’s food and a person eating their food?” Believe it or not, they were quiet.  I continued, “The main difference is that man is supposed to pray before and after he eats his food”.  A dog isn’t concerned about how it received the meal, the meal is his only concern. We, when we pray, acknowledge the Provider of our food and His kindness in allowing us to consume it.”

Here is what the Scriptures teach:

2 And you shall remember all the way which Avinu Elohekah led you these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you, and to prove you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments, or no. 3  And he humbled you, and suffered you to hunger, and fed you with manna, which you knew not, neither did avoteinu know; that he might make you know that man does not live by bread (food) only, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of Avinu does man live! (Devarim 8:2-3)

**  The first thing that we learn is that there is a purpose for our lives. “.. remember all the way which Avinu Elohekah led you these forty years in the wilderness, ..” We are being “led” as well.  Here is why, “.. to humble you, and to prove you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments, or no.”

This is the purpose for every life. We are living on this planet so “He will know our heart..”. Now we learn how “food” is being used in this process.  “.. And he humbled you, and suffered you to hunger, and fed you with mahna, which you knew not, neither did avoteinu (our fathers) know; that he might make you know that man does not live by bread (food) only, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of Avinu does man live!

** He uses food to humble and teach us so that He can absolutely know if we will follow His instructions concerning the food that we eat. Some humans have been given different food to eat than others. For some, certain foods are prohibited. The only way that we know which foods are prohibited is if we read the Scriptures and believe that the Scriptures tell us what food has been sanctified by Avinu.

** Shaul teaches us,

1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2  speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3  forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which Avinu created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. (1Ti 4:1-3)

** We have “faith systems” that command their congregants to abstain from eating certain foods for certain periods of time. The “foods” that they ask you to abstain from and the “times” that they ask you to observe this practice aren’t mentioned in the Scriptures.

** “.. Avinu created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.” Here we learn that the prohibitions that we read about earlier are meant for certain people.  “..those who know and believe..”  Some “know” but don’t “believe” while others just don’t “know”.  These aren’t subject to the prohibitions.

4  For every creature of Avinu is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5  for it is sanctified by the word of Avinu and prayer. (1Ti 4:4-5)

** “sanctified by the Word of Avinu.” Acceptable food is listed in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14.  In these chapters, Avinu specifically lists what can be eaten by “those who know and believe”.

**  “sanctified by prayer.”  Our part in “sanctifying our food” is the offering of recognition and thanksgiving to the Creator of food both before and after consuming. Prayer alone doesn’t sanctify food.  We can only add our part to food that is “sanctified by the Word of Avinu”.  

6 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Yeshua HaMeshiach, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. 7  But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward Avinu likeness. 8  For bodily exercise profits a little, but Avinu likeness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 9  This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. 10  For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living Avinu, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 11  These things command and teach.” (1Ti 4:6-11)