Deuteronomy 27:1-28:68
The children of Israel were told that when they went over the Jordan into the land, they were to put up large stones and plaster them. Then they were to write on them all the commandments which the Lord had given them, so that everyone could see and read them. They were also to make an altar on which to offer sacrifices. It was through the sacrifices alone that the Lord could go on with them, for they quickly earned the curses which are mentioned here instead of the blessings which the Lord would have delighted to bestow. Nevertheless, since they had entered into a covenant to keep God’s holy law, they had to suffer under His government for their disobedience. In spite of all this God has not forgotten to be gracious, and in a coming day they will have all the promised blessings because of the redemptive work of Christ on Calvary. This alone is the ground of all blessing.
When in the land, six of the tribes were to stand upon mount Gerizim to bless the people for obedience, and the other six were to stand upon mount Ebal to curse the people for disobedience. The Levites then pronounced the curses for worshipping false gods, for despising parents, for infringing upon the rights of others, and for deeds of corruption and violence. As the people heard the curses they had to say “Amen.”
Earthly and Heavenly Blessing
God desired to bless them, and He told them of how abundantly He would do so if they would keep His commandments. Anyone who reads these verses can see that the blessings were earthly — in their homes, their land, their cattle, and their business. They were promised that their enemies would flee before them, and that they would be the head and not the tail among the nations. God said if they were obedient they would be able to lend, and not borrow from them, too, because they would have more than they needed.
All this stands out in marked contrast with our blessings now as believers, for our blessings are heavenly (Ephesians 1:3). We have no promise of earthly blessing, though the Lord has promised to supply all our needs as we pass through the world on the way to our home above. How often, too, He exceeds His promises, giving us more than we need, for He is ever a free-giving God.
Curses for Disobedience
The fearful curses that follow here for disobedience are a solemn reminder of what sin is in the presence of the One who is “a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29). Anyone who traces Israel’s history will know how these very things fell upon them for their disobedience to God, and what was worse still, for their rejection of Christ. God said He would make them a proverb and a by-word among all nations where they would be wanderers, and surely it is true even to this day. How refreshing to trace, also, the silver line of God’s grace through all their history, showing that all those who turned to Him in repentance received blessing from His hand. It was not, however, because they deserved it, but because of the work of the cross where God declared “His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God” (Romans 3:25), as well as providing a mercy seat for all who come to Him now, for He is “just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” (Romans 3:26).
Further Meditations
1. What curses did the Levites pronounce on the people?
2. What are some of the heavenly blessings that God promises to a believer in our day?
3. You would no doubt find refreshment for your soul in the poem Blessed With All Spiritual Blessings in the Heavenlies in Christ.