Ki Tetze (When You Go) כִּי־תֵצֵא

The forty-ninth reading from the Torah is called Ki Tetze, which means “when you go.” It is named after the first words of Deuteronomy 21:10, which are “When you go out to battle against your enemies.” Deuteronomy is organized as an ancient Near Eastern covenant-treaty document. Previous chapters of Deuteronomy formed a preamble, a historical prologue, and general covenant stipulations. Chapter 12 began a section of more specific stipulations, and this portion continues with a code of laws. The laws of the Torah are more than just legalese; they are covenant expectations that provide us with God's directions for living life.