G-d’s rewards aren’t based on our merit

Last week’s Torah portion concluded with Moshe telling the people what will happen when they enter the Promised Land. Owing to the terrible deeds of the inhabitants of the land, G-d had decided that the Children of Israel were to be His messengers in ridding the land of the immoral idolators who dwelled there.

Aside from giving specific instructions as to how different forms of idolatry were to be destroyed — they have no place in G-d’s land. Moshe reminded the people that “it is not because you were greater in number than the other nations … for you are the smallest nation” but rather because you are a people dedicated to holiness chosen by G-d for the mission of spreading His name and teaching and modeling morality and monotheism. “It is because of G-d’s love for you, and on account of His keeping His promise that he made to your forefathers, that he took you out of Egyptian bondage.” (7:4-9)

This week in Parshat Eikev, we will read of Moshe telling the people of what’s to come when they cross the Jordan River and enter the land inhabited by populations much larger and stronger than them: “Don’t worry. G-d will pass before you as a consuming fire. He will drive them out and destroy them.”

Then comes the warning: “When G-d repulses them before you, do not say to yourselves, ‘It was because of my virtue that G-d brought me to inherit this land.’ It was because of the wickedness of these nations that G-d is driving them out before you. It was not because of your virtue and basic integrity that you are coming to inherit their land, but because of the wickedness of these nations whom G-d is driving out before you. It is also because G-d is keeping the word that He swore to your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Therefore, realize that it is not because of your virtue that G-d your L-rd is giving you this land as an inheritance, since you are a very stubborn nation. Remember and never forget how you provoked G-d your L-rd in the desert. From the day you left Egypt until you came here, you have been rebelling against G-d. Even at Horeb you provoked G-d! And G-d was ready to display anger and destroy you.” (9:4-8)