Today I read Deuteronomy 27, instructing Israelites concerning crossing the Jordan including the altar on Mount Ebal and declaring blessings and curses. Today I considered that God wants us informed to know about activities leading to being cursed.
Crossing the Jordan
Israelites receive instructions on building an altar, blessing and cursing family groups crossing the Jordan, and the list of curses (Deuteronomy 27:1-26). When the Israelites enter the promised land, they are to build an altar on Mount Ebal to offer burnt offerings and peace offerings to God, along with eating and rejoicing before God. The Israelites are to clearly write God’s laws on the altar and continue to obey God. Certain men were appointed to stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the Israelites and Mount Ebal to curse certain men as the Israelites crossed the Jordan river. Levites are to state the listed activities that result in curses and the people are to say “Amen” thus agreeing.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
God wants us to know we receive blessings from being obedient and what activities lead to being cursed. Deuteronomy 27 lists things Israelites were cursed for if they did them including making secret idols; making a parent lose their dignity; being unfair to widows, orphans, and foreigners; killing innocent people; sexually sleeping with your sister, mother-in-law, parent’s lover, or an animal; etc.
What curse in Deuteronomy 27 were you or someone you know surprised to find it listed in the Bible?