Parshat Eikev
QUESTIONS
1)Why does Moshe say AND G-D WILL GUARD HIS COVENANT TO YOU (LECHA)? (7:12) As the verse itself continues to relate, the covenant for our nation to succeed was made with our forefathers!
2)Moshe relates that when he prayed for the Jewish people after the sin of the golden calf, G-D listened to his prayers ALSO THAT TIME. (9:19) When else, prior to the revelation at Sinai, did Moshe pray and G-D heed his prayer?
3)Why does Moshe describe that he put the tablets into the Ark and THEY WERE THERE AS G-D COMMANDED ME? (10:5) Of course Moshe did it as G-D had commanded him! Why does this have to be specified?
ANSWERS
1)The Kli Yakar explains that the word LECHA comes specifically because of the fact that there is a standing covenant with the forefathers. Moshe is explaining that if this generation does not follow G-D’s commands, of course He is still bound to fulfill his promise, but it will be with future generations and not TO YOU. If, however, they followed commands, then G-D’s promise to the forefathers would be fulfilled to this generation.
2) The Ibn Ezra points to Shemot 15:25 where Moshe cried out to G-D and G-D showed him a piece of wood to throw into the water to sweeten the water as the one clear situation where Moshe prayed to G-D before Sinai and was answered.
3)The Ohr HaChayim answers that these words mean that they remained in that Ark as long as G-D allowed but at a certain point Moshe was instructed to move the tablets to the Ark built by Betzalel.