Orthodox rabbis and Christian apologists have different interpretations of Deuteronomy 30:11-14

 

Orthodox rabbis and Christian apologists have different interpretations of Deuteronomy 30:11-14.

Orthodox rabbis see this passage as a reminder of the accessibility of the Torah and the responsibility of Jews to study and observe it. They interpret "the word" (Hebrew: "ha-davar") as the Torah itself, which is considered the word of God. Rabbis emphasize that the Torah is not some distant or mysterious thing, but rather something that is "very near" and accessible to everyone. They understand "in your mouth and in your heart" as a reference to the importance of studying and internalizing the Torah, and "that you may do it" as a call to action to observe the commandments.

Christian apologists, on the other hand, often interpret this passage as a prophecy about the coming of Jesus and the accessibility of salvation through faith in him. They see "the word" as a reference to Jesus, who is considered the Word of God (John 1:1). Christian apologists argue that the passage is saying that salvation is not some distant or unattainable thing, but rather something that is "very near" and accessible through faith in Jesus.

However, Orthodox rabbis point out that this passage contradicts the Christian notion that the law is impossible to obey. While Christians often argue that the law is a burden that was impossible to fully obey, and that Jesus' death and resurrection have freed believers from the law's requirements, Deuteronomy 30:11-14 explicitly states that the word is "not too mysterious" and "not far off", and that it is "very near" and accessible. This implies that the law is indeed possible to obey, and that it is a responsibility and privilege for Jews to study and observe it.

In summary, Orthodox rabbis see Deuteronomy 30:11-14 as a call to study and observe the Torah, while Christian apologists see it as a prophecy about the coming of Jesus and the accessibility of salvation through faith in him. Additionally, Orthodox rabbis argue that this passage contradicts the Christian notion that the law is impossible to obey, emphasizing that the Torah is accessible and possible to observe. These differing interpretations reflect fundamentally different understandings of the nature of God's word and the path to righteousness.