Parshas Eikev reveals that the commandments [instructions] are not only duties

They are how intimacy with the Creator grows.

Rabbi Avira taught that the ministering angels asked the Creator:

“How can You show special favor to the Jewish people?”

The Creator answered:

“How can I not show them favor?

I instructed them to recite Grace after Meals when they have eaten and are satisfied. Yet they choose to bless Me even after eating only a piece of bread as small as an olive or an egg.” — Berachos 20b

[Their desire to go beyond the minimum revealed that the commandments were not merely rules to them.

They were part of a relationship, a bond that becomes personally meaningful when gratitude, awe, and love are felt toward the Creator.

The Creator built this pattern into the structure of the reality He gave us:

 
when love moves a person beyond the minimum, intimacy grows and the relationship receives greater favor.]

Moses also explained that the tribe of Levi earned the privilege of becoming the Creator’s legion because they remained devoted to the Creator and to Moses.

[Their love was expressed through devotion during a time of great confusion.

Because they protected the relationship, they were chosen for a greater role in serving Him.]

Sforno teaches:

The greater a person’s position and opportunities to do good, the more the Creator expects from them.

[Being chosen does not mean having less responsibility.

It means being trusted with more.]

Rashi cites the Sifri and teaches that the Jewish people should continue observing the commandments during exile, so that when the redemption comes, they will not have forgotten how to perform them.

[This suggests that exile is not the end of the relationship.

Even when the Jewish people cannot live Jewish life in its fullest setting, they should remain connected to the commandments.

The commandments help keep deep awe and love toward the Creator alive, preserving the relationship and preparing them to return.

Rashi does not present perfect observance as a condition that must be reached before redemption can occur.

He describes observing the commandments during exile as preparation for the return, there will be less shame afterwards.

It seems the return can begin when all the Jewish people turn toward the Creator with awe, love, and a desire for relationship.

Redemption then creates the conditions for that relationship to be lived more fully.]

The Lubavitcher Rebbe teaches:

“Intimacy with G-d that we achieve by fulfilling His commandments is the true reward.”

[The reward is not only something that comes after the mitzvah.

The relationship created through the mitzvah is itself the reward.]

Ramban explains that the commandments apply everywhere, but the holiness of the Land of Israel is so great that performing them has greater importance there.

“In respect to its holiness, the Land of Israel is to a Jewish soul as a mother is to her child.” - Ulla, in the Talmud

[Together, these teachings reveal one pattern:

The Creator built this into the structure of the reality He gave us:

 
when love moves a person beyond the minimum, it deepens intimacy and draws greater favor.

That love deepens intimacy, while greater intimacy also brings greater responsibility.

Redemption is not only a prize given after the relationship has already become perfect.

It is the return to the place where awe, love, and intimacy with the Creator can continue growing into their fullest expression.]

"The Messianic Era [world peace] is not only a reward. It is humanity's return to a more intimate relationship with the Creator."