DBG - March 9 - Deuteronomy 27-28

In this chapter are directions for a gathering to take place when Israel enters the Promised Land.

vs. 1-8 – God commands Israel to build a stone altar on Mt. Ebal (“stony”) when they enter the Promised Land.  Stones are to be plastered, and all the Law written out so all could read it.  Sacrifices are to be made here and a great feast to be held.  Joshua does this in Joshua 8:30-35.  Here is an article about the possible excavation of this altar: https://www.bible.ca/archeology/bible-archeology-altar-of-joshua.htm

vs. 9-26 – Here are further instructions for the gathering in the previous verses.  Across the valley from Mt. Ebal is Mt. Gerizim (“cut up”).  The tribes of Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph ( combined Manasseh and Ephraim), and Benjamin were to stand on Gerizim.  The tribes of Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Napthali were to stand on Ebal.    The priests stand in the valley between (compare to Joshua 8:33) to pronounce curses and all the people respond with “Amen”.  There are twelve curses pronounced.  The first eleven are samples from the Law, and the final is a pledge to keep all the Law.  The word Amen means “so be it”, signifying affirmation to the truth stated.

In this chapter we have a sermon by Moses on the theme of blessing and cursing.  It is a marvelous and sobering chapter.

 vs. 1-14 – The blessings of God are contingent on the obedience of Israel.  If they serve Him, they will enjoy His blessings.  In vs. 3-16 are six “blesseds” and ten things blessed.  In vs. 7-9 and in vs. 11-13 are two triads of the “the LORD” acting out these blessings.   Sadly, Israel rarely enjoyed this because of their unfaithfulness.

vs. 15-44 – The curses of God are described.  If Israel would not obey God, He would chastise them to repentance with disease, drought, and defeat.  These are described in graphic detail.  This is not just hypothetical; it is prophecy.  As we continue our journey, we will see these things occur.

vs. 45-68 – Here opens a prophetic portion that history bears witness to.  The invading nation in vs. 49 is the Roman Empire.  The destruction that follows describes the Great Jewish Revolt of A.D. 66-73 and the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.  This leads to the Diaspora in vs. 64 and the scattering of Jews among the Gentile nations.  The harsh treatment of the Jews since then is described in vs. 65-68. 

Some people think that God is vindictive and enjoys pouring out judgment.  I call this idea the “Whack-A-Mole” view of God.  The see God as gleefully awaiting for us to mess up so He can strike down.  This is an unbalanced view of God, and just as wrong as believing that God is all love with no judgment.  God’s holy and justice demand that sin be punished.  His grace, mercy, and longsuffering are displayed toward us daily, or else we would be consumed in His wrath.  If judgment comes, that is not God’s fault.  It is our own for rebelling against His goodness.  God lays out the choice of two paths before us.  The first is the straight and narrow way that honors Him and enables His blessing.  The second is the broad way that dishonors Him and incites His judgment.  The path we chose to walk greatly affects how we interact with God. 

Our hymn today is "The Justice and Goodness of God”, written by Benjamin Beddome in 1787.  It evokes majestic image of God by highlighting His might and power.  In the second stanza, the line “thy threatenings and thy promises” well describes our reading today.

Great God! my Maker and my King,
Of thee I’ll speak, of thee I’ll sing;
All thou hast done, and all thou dost,
Declare thee good, proclaim thee just.

Thy ancient thoughts and firm decrees;
Thy threatenings and thy promises;
The joys of heaven, the pains of hell –
What angels taste, what devils feel;

Thy terrors and thy acts of grace;
Thy threatening rod, and smiling face;
Thy wounding and thy healing word;
A world undone, a world restored;

While these excite my fear and joy,
While these my tuneful lips employ,
Accept, O Lord, the humble song,
The tribute of a trembling tongue.