Torah Portion VEZOT HA’BRACHA – Devarim (Deuteronomy) 33:1-34:12 Haftarah: Joshua 1:1-18
“Their father had given them great gifts of silver, gold, and precious things, along with fortified cities in Judah, but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn.” 2 Chronicles 21:3 TLV
Shabbat shalom, dearly beloved,
Of all the important things to have in life, discernment stands at the top. You can have lots of money, possessions, influence, talents, and good looks, but without discernment, they avail nothing.
“Wisdom is supreme—acquire wisdom! With all your acquisitions, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7 TLV
King Yehoshaphat was a good king of Judah from the House of David. He feared YHVH and sought to do what was right in his eyes. However, he lacked discernment. He left the kingdom in the hands of his firstborn son, Jehoram; instead of seeking Yah about this, he followed his reason. Although the Torah states that the firstborn should be the heir, it also reveals that sometimes the firstborn is a matter of choice. Such was the case when Jacob blessed Ephraim before Menashe. Yaakov had discernment on this, but his favorite son, Yoseph, did not.
“But Israel stretched out his right hand and placed it upon Ephraim’s head (though he was the younger) and his left hand upon Manasseh’s head, crossing his hands (though Manasseh was the firstborn). When Joseph saw that his father placed his right hand upon Ephraim’s head, it was wrong in his eyes. So he took hold of his father’s hand to remove it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head.” Genesis 48:14, 17 TLV
Yaakov confronted the lack of discernment of his beloved son, who was the ruler in Egypt under Pharaoh.
“But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know. He also will become a people, and he also will become great. But his younger brother will become greater than he and his seed will be the fullness of the nations.” Then he blessed them that day, saying, “In you shall Israel bless by saying, ‘May God make you like Ephraim and like Manasseh.’” Thus, he put Ephraim before Manasseh.” Genesis 48:19-20 TLV
King Yehoshaphat should have had a godly advisor like his forefather, Yaakov, before placing his firstborn son to be king. This was a very costly mistake. King Jehoram rose up to murder all of his brothers.
“Now when Jehoram had risen over his father’s kingdom and made himself strong, he slew all his brothers with the sword, along with some of the officers of Israel.” 2 Chronicles 21:4 TLV
Yehoshaphat’s lack of discernment cost the lives of all of his sons! He must have been turning in his grave for such a stupid mistake! Beloveds, lack of discernment causes a lot of trouble, both in our personal lives, in our ministries, and certainly in our nations. We cannot be led by “reason” alone; we must be led by the Spirit of God and an anointed interpretation of His word and will. We must learn to discern the hearts of men, especially when we are in leadership positions. Had King Yehoshaphat discerned the heart of his firstborn son, he would never have chosen him to succeed him. Remember that looks and flowery words can always deceive. Evil masquerades as beauty.
“And no wonder, for even satan masquerades as an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:14 TLV
But what is the definition of discernment?
Discernment is the ability to recognize, distinguish, and judge between different options, situations, or influences—especially in matters of truth, morality, or spiritual guidance.
It’s more than just having knowledge; it’s applying wisdom and insight to perceive what is right, good, and beneficial, and to avoid what is harmful, deceptive, or false.
People talk about discernment in different ways:
- Every day life: choosing wisely between opportunities or people’s intentions.
- Moral/ethical: telling right from wrong in difficult situations.
- Spiritual (biblical context): the gift or practice of perceiving God’s will, recognizing truth versus deception, or distinguishing the influence of the Holy Spirit from other spirits.
In short, discernment is like an inner compass that helps you see beneath the surface and make choices aligned with truth and wisdom.
Test the Spirits. Believers are told: “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” This shows discernment is about recognizing whether something is truly from God or not.
Maturity is needed. We have to train ourselves to discern between good and evil.
Hebrews 5:14:
“Solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”
Discernment here is connected to spiritual maturity and practice
Practical Daily-Life Examples of Discernment:
- Relationships: Being able to tell whether someone is trustworthy or manipulative.
Discernment helps you avoid toxic friendships or unhealthy influences.
- Decisions: Choosing a job not just based on pay but on whether it aligns with your values and long-term goals.
- Media/Information: Recognizing when news or social media content is biased, misleading, or false.
- Inner Life: Noticing whether a thought or feeling is coming from fear, pride, or genuine peace and truth.
So, discernment is both a spiritual gift (given by God) and a skill (developed through wisdom, prayer, and practice).
How to grow in holy discernment according to the Scriptures:
- Pray for Wisdom
Like Solomon, ask God for a discerning heart (1 Kings 3:9). Yaakov (James) 1:5 promises: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously…”
- Study Scripture
God’s Word trains your mind to know truth from error (Hebrews 4:12). The more you know Scripture, the quicker you’ll recognize counterfeits.
- Obey
GodDiscernment grows as you live out what you already know is right. Obedience sharpens spiritual senses (Hebrews 5:14).
- Holy Spirit Guidance
The Spirit gives believers an inner witness — peace, conviction, or warning (John 16:13). Learning to listen to that still, small voice is key.
- Wise Counsel
Proverbs 11:14: “In the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Seek guidance from mature believers to help you test what you sense.
How to grow in discernment in practice:
- Pause Before Acting
Don’t rush decisions. Create space to think, pray, and reflect.
- Ask the Right Questions
- Is this true?
- Is it good?
- Is it aligned with my values (and God’s Word)?
- What fruit will this produce long-term?
- Pay Attention to Motives & Fruits
Yeshua said you’ll know people by their fruits (Matthew 7:16). Look at consistent patterns, not just words.
- Learn from Experience
Mistakes can sharpen discernment if you reflect on them and adjust.
- Practice Empathy & Perspective
Try to see situations from different angles before concluding.
Think of discernment like a muscle:
- The Word of God is your training manual.
- Prayer is your fuel.
- Practice is your exercise.
- The Holy Spirit is your coach.
We must pray for discernment, the most important gift in this era of subtle and gross deception. Things that seem good can be the enemy of the perfect if not discerned well.
Prayer for Discernment
Abba Shebashamayim, Heavenly Father,
I thank You for being the Elohim of truth and wisdom.
Please give me a heart that listens and eyes that see clearly.
Teach me to know Your voice and to recognize what is good, right, and pleasing to You.
Guard me from selfish ambition, deception, fear, and confusion.
Fill me with Your Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit), so that I may walk in wisdom and make decisions that honor You.
Help me discern not only what is good, but what is best.
In the name of Yeshua. Amen.
Trust in Adonai with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
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