Eight signifies a hedge or fence. Hedges and fences are barriers to help prevent destruction and theft.
Word Number Eight, “For I shall banish nations before you and broaden your boundary, and no man shall covet your land when you go up to appear before (in the face of) YaHVaH, your Elohiym, three times (thrice) in a year” Exodus 34:24. This is a guarantee by YaHVaH that when we go to observe the Feasts/Festivals (see Number 3 and Number 6), nobody will desire your land. In other words, YaHVaH protects your land for you when you obey His Commandments and Words to observe the Feasts. He puts a hedge or fence of protection around your land to keep others out while you are away serving and obeying His Words. How great it is to know that He values even our possessions to protect them; thereby, allowing us to be at peace and concentrate on Him.
Word Number Eight correlates to Commandments 11 and 14, regarding not stealing and not coveting your friend’s house, his field, or any of his property. These are covered in the Remaining Commandments chapter.
Others coveting your land is not the only thing promised in this Word. YaHVaH also promises to banish nations (heathen) before you and enlarge your territorial boundary. Basically, this is a promise to believers that YaHVaH wants them to increase and possess more land, be successful. It is sad that Yisrael’s land is actually shrinking instead of being enlarged. They should trust more on YaHVaH’s Words than in the U.S. and other nations.
The Eighth Commandment (traditionally Number Five) reads, “Honor your father and your mother, so that will be lengthened your days upon the land which YaHVaH, your Elohiym, gave to you” Exodus 20:12. Deuteronomy 5:16 adds, “as YaHVaH, your Elohiym, commanded you . . . and so that it will be good for you, . . . ” According to the Tanach, “When people honor their parents, God [Elohiym] regards it as if they honor Him” (commentary on Exodus 20:12, p. 184).
Even though Commandment Eight does not correlate directly with Word Eight, isn’t it cool that the land is mentioned again? The second writing of the Shema in Deuteronomy 11:13 to 21 says the same thing about lengthening your days upon the land when you obey YaHVaH’s Commandments and keep them in your heart.
Our Elohiym is so AWESOME.
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