Curses For Disobedience

Deuteronomy 27:1–26
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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.