If you pay attention to these laws and are careful to follow them, then the LORD your God will keep his covenant of love with you, as he swore to your ancestors. — Deuteronomy 7:12

The Torah portion for this week is Eikev, which means “therefore” or “heel,” from Deuteronomy 7:12–11:25, and the Haftorah is from Isaiah 49:14–51:3.

This week’s reading opens with a promise from God: “If you pay attention to these laws and are careful to follow them, then the LORD your God will keep his covenant of love with you, as he swore to your ancestors.”

The Sages note the unusual choice of words in the original Hebrew. Scripture employs the word ekev to mean “if.” As a noun, however, ekev means “heel,” the part of the foot necessary for walking. Given this meaning, the Sages uncover a deeper layer of significance to this verse. They translate it: “If, with every step you take, you pay attention to these laws and are careful to follow them, then the LORD your God will keep his covenant of love with you . . .”

This verse teaches us that we have a responsibility to consider God’s will with every single step we take in life. Whether we are considering a new job or the right mate, or simply thinking about what to do this very day, we need to pay attention to the Word of God and His will for us today.

I love how King David demonstrated this for us so very poignantly. In 2 Samuel, the Philistines had come to wage war against David. David consulted with God about how to proceed against the threat of his enemies. God responded, “As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, move quickly, because that will mean the LORD has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army” (2 Samuel 5:24).

God gave David very specific directions. In essence, He said, “Don’t do a thing until you hear the tree tops swaying in the wind.” The Sages explain that when the Philistines were just a few feet away, David’s men wanted to attack, but the trees had not yet moved. David responded to them, “God commanded us not to attack until the tree tops sway. Better to die righteous than to live a sinner. Lift your eyes up and pray.” The men began to pray and immediately the trees swayed. The men attacked and were victorious.

We may not all have a direct and clear line to God like David did, but we can all know deep inside of us and also in God’s word what His will might be. We need to be like David and live according to God’s direction, and not our own, no matter what.

Remember, when we keep God as our guide and compass “then the LORD your God will keep his covenant of love with you.”