A look at Leviticus 19:14

[Jacob Ben Avraham]

Leviticus 19:14 "Thou shalt not curse the deaf nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but thou shalt fear thy God, for I AM YHVH"


Within this same chapter 19 in the book of Leviticus, there are so many interesting commandments one can adhere to, yet many people just read over them and don't give them a second thought. But there are here for us to read, study, and put into practice if we could only understand the inner meaning of them all. Some are common sense, and others, such as this one, requires deeper insight. I'd like to look into it and share the meaning with you.

There are different ways we can understand God's Word in a Hebraic format. We must go by; Peshat, Derash, Remez, and Sod. Peshat is the literal meaning, Derash is the moral and spiritual meaning, Remez and Sod go into the symbolism and, as some say, hidden meaning that is not in plain view.

If we look at this verse from a Peshatic viewpoint. We would ask ourselves why would anyone curse a deaf person? Why that person can not hear us, so why bother? Would anyone purposely trip a blind person? I mean, stick out your foot and make that person fall? I mean, only a perverted sicko would do something like that, just to be mean. So, if we took this verse in the literal sense, would it indeed make sense? Perhaps not. So, did God have a deeper meaning when He gave these words to Moses through the Holy Spirit? Is there a deeper meaning? I would say so. Let's take a look at a Derashic meaning.

"Cursing the deaf"

A deaf person is considered one who can not hear, yet when a person is beyond the limits of our own voices, in a way, that person is "deaf" to our words. One of the many downfalls, even among believers is gossip and talebearing. One might spread a false rumor about "so and so" and if the person being mentioned is not there to defend himself or herself, or to clarify the situation, then, more trouble could brew. That person in a way is "deaf" the person can not hear us, so, he or she is oblivious to what is being said, until perhaps, too late. The damage is done, it is as if the person has been "cursed" being "deaf" (out of the range of hearing). Yet, Adonai is aware of all that is happening, and therefore, we should "fear" and know that Our Heavenly Father will bring judgment to the wicked who spread such rumors, lies, or whatever falsehood that is being said.

And what if what is being said is indeed true? Well, it should be said in front of said person, but in private. In this way, the person could admit his or her wrong and the error brought to light. We all have the right to "judge" meaning to "bring to light a situation, in light of the scriptures so the person can correct the error in accordance to God's Word, yet we don't have the right to "condemn"

"Putting a stumbling block before the blind"

In today's world of a multitude of religions, many claim to have "the truth" and, like many of the Pharisees, (not all), will lead many astray. I believe that all people inside their inner beings, want to have the truth of God revealed. So, until they hear the Truth of the Gospel, they are spiritually "blind"

Yet there are many wolves in sheep's clothing that will prey on those that seek the Truth of God, who will bend the Torah of Adonai (instruction). Many will say; "There are many ways to heaven" or "you are your own god" or "God is in everyone and in every living creature." So, to mislead those seeking the Truth, is "putting a stumbling block before the blind" yet, Adonai sees all and will judge those wicked who put stumbling blocks, as Yeshua called the Pharisees; "blind guides, blind fools" the "blind leading the blind."

So, what can we do as believers and follow these commandments which are "negative commandments" (Thou shalt NOT...) ?

Be truthful and not repeat things said about other people, especially if they are negative things or things in question. We might be party to those who might bring the downfall of said person. We might have to face that person and admit fault, but by then, the damage might have been done. So, where would that leave us in relationship with that person and with our relationship with God?

Be sure we know what we teach. Be sure that what we share with others is the gospel truth, and not add to it nor subtract from it. In that way, we can lead a "spiritually blind" person to the "light of Yeshuah" and offer that person a chance to be saved, born again, a new member of "Mishpocha Elohim" (The Family of God)

Shalom,

Ben Avraham