The real challenge of maintaining a free society, as presented in Parshat Eikev, is not the struggle against external hardships like poverty or insecurity, but rather the internal spiritual and moral challenges that arise in times of prosperity and security. Moses warns the Israelites that after they settle in the land and their material needs are satisfied, they will face the true test: the temptation to become proud, self-satisfied, and forgetful of God and their humble origins.

This message, echoed by thinkers like Ibn Khaldun, Vico, and Niall Ferguson, underscores a recurring historical pattern where civilizations rise to greatness, become complacent, and ultimately decline due to the loss of social solidarity, moral values, and collective responsibility. Moses emphasizes that the Israelites must remember their history, maintain their foundational principles, and keep their faith in God to avoid this fate.

The preservation of freedom, according to Moses, requires active engagement in societal responsibility, adherence to justice, care for the vulnerable, and a continuous connection to the covenant with God. A society’s strength lies in its faith, which not only binds people together but also motivates them to act with humility and for the greater good, ensuring the longevity and moral integrity of the civilization.

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The above is a summary of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sack’s article.