Curses For Disobedience
May 12, 2019
Commentary
Moses gives instruction for a ceremony of covenant renewal that was to be followed when Israel entered the promised land. It seems that throughout Israel’s history it was necessary for God to periodically call His people to renewals of covenant commitment and obedience.
The law was to be written on large stones on Mount Ebal which was about 35 miles north of Jerusalem (v. 4). It is not for certain what is meant by the phrase “all the words of the law” (v. 8) were written but possibly referred to the entire book of Deuteronomy. The covenant was to be renewed not only by writing the law but also with sacrificial offerings.
Six tribes were to assemble on Mount Gerizin to bless the people and six were to assemble on Mount Ebal to curse the people. It is significant to note that the six tribes on Mount Gerizin (the mount of blessing) descended from Jacob’s wives, Rachel and Leah. On Mount Ebal (the mount of cursing) we find the descendants from Jacob’s concubines, Bilhah and Zilpah. The Levites were to stand in the valley between these two mountains and read the curses in unison. Only 12 statements about people who violated certain laws are given here. It is difficult to detect a common theme in these 12 curses but many of them seem to pertain to actions done by individuals in secret.
Application
Just as we warn our children to stay away from hot stoves and busy streets God warns us to stay away from dangerous actions throughout His Word.
Deuteronomy 27:1– 26 (NET)
1 Then Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people: “Pay attention to all the commandments I am giving you today. 2 When you cross the Jordan River to the land the Lord your God is giving you, you must erect great stones and cover them with plaster. 3 Then you must inscribe on them all the words of this law when you cross over, so that you may enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, said to you. 4 So when you cross the Jordan you must erect on Mount Ebal these stones about which I am commanding you today, and you must cover them with plaster. 5 Then you must build an altar there to the Lord your God, an altar of stones—do not use an iron tool on them. 6 You must build the altar of the Lord your God with whole stones and offer burnt offerings on it to the Lord your God. 7 Also you must offer fellowship offerings and eat them there, rejoicing before the Lord your God. 8 You must inscribe on the stones all the words of this law, making them clear.”
9 Then Moses and the Levitical priests spoke to all Israel: “Be quiet and pay attention, Israel. Today you have become the people of the Lord your God. 10 You must obey him and keep his commandments and statutes that I am giving you today.” 11 Moreover, Moses commanded the people that day: 12 “The following tribes must stand to bless the people on Mount Gerizim when you cross the Jordan: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin. 13 And these other tribes must stand for the curse on Mount Ebal: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
14 “The Levites will call out to every Israelite with a loud voice: 15 ‘Cursed is the one who makes a carved or metal image—something abhorrent to the Lord, the work of the craftsman —and sets it up in a secret place.’ Then all the people will say, ‘Amen!’ 16 ‘Cursed is the one who disrespects his father and mother.’ Then all the people will say, ‘Amen!’ 17 ‘Cursed is the one who moves his neighbor’s boundary marker.’ Then all the people will say, ‘Amen!’ 18 ‘Cursed is the one who misleads a blind person on the road.’ Then all the people will say, ‘Amen!’ 19 ‘Cursed is the one who perverts justice for the resident foreigner, the orphan, and the widow.’ Then all the people will say, ‘Amen!’ 20 ‘Cursed is the one who goes to bed with his father’s former wife, for he dishonors his father.’ Then all the people will say, ‘Amen!’ 21 ‘Cursed is the one who commits bestiality.’ Then all the people will say, ‘Amen!’ 22 ‘Cursed is the one who goes to bed with his sister, the daughter of either his father or mother.’ Then all the people will say, ‘Amen!’ 23 ‘Cursed is the one who goes to bed with his mother-in-law.’ Then all the people will say, ‘Amen!’ 24 ‘Cursed is the one who kills his neighbor in private.’ Then all the people will say, ‘Amen!’ 25 ‘Cursed is the one who takes a bribe to kill an innocent person.’ Then all the people will say, ‘Amen!’ 26 ‘Cursed is the one who refuses to keep the words of this law.’ Then all the people will say, ‘Amen!’