Our Parsha this Shabbos is 'Parshas Eikev,' and starts by talking of the reward we will get when we listen to HaShem.
The word 'Eikev,' is taken to mean 'Reward,' as HaShem assures us that not only will we be a moral people,but we will also be rewarded by following the right and true Torah path.
Should a reward have to be given,to follow HaShem.We should follow HaShem out of love and truth that G-D is the Creator and knows all that is needed for this world.So why the need of a reward.
HaShem gives us what this reward will be in the next few verses,but there is something deeper here.This I believe is to be found in the word 'Eikev,' which also means 'Heel.'Our heel is our base on which all foundation rests.If we have a strong foundation and base,then we can reach up and touch Heaven Shamaim.This is what is the true reward,the path to be in Shamaim Heaven,where HaShem wraps Himself around us with such love and closeness that all else is filled with light and ailments and other problems just fall away.Being wrapped up in HaShem's love,brings us eternity with HaShem,with no worries and no pain.All is and would be beautiful.But this starts with a strong 'Eikev,' 'Heel,' a strong foundation,on which to reach up to Heaven.We once were in Gan Eiden where all this was given and we were cast out.HaShem's true reward is forgiveness and a way to return to Gan Eiden and Eternal love and peace with HaShem.There is truly no greater 'Eikev'- 'Reward,' than this.The greatest Reward of all is to be given HaShem's Oneness to be with us the way it was to be in the beginning.
Our foundation is based on HaShem's Laws of Torah.There is no other way.Our own ways will not get us there.Only G-D knows the way and this is through His Torah.The Foundation - Heel Reward of 'Eikev' is in the very word 'Eikev' iself.The word 'Eikev' in Genatriah comes to '172' which is 1+7+2='10' and 1+0='1'.So as HaShem Created all Creation with '10' pronouncements and gave us 10 Commandments,the 'Eikev,' Foundation-Reward is to keep HaShem's Commandments,which will bring this world back to HaShem's original Creation and when we do that,we will reunite with HaShem's Oneness (The '1' in the final Gematrical value of the word 'Eikev).This is tje true reward for it will bring HaShem which is All.May we all come to keep HaShem's precious Torah and Laws and so,reunite with HaShem.I wish with utmost deep love,HaShem,a beautiful Shabbos Kodesh and I wish you all,with love,a beautiful Shabbos Kodesh.