BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

Adam and Eve once stood before God in a garden, facing a life-or-death decision. Israel now stands before God at the edge of a garden land, facing the same. Moses clarifies Israel’s two options. They can enjoy life and ongoing blessing by listening to Yahweh and following his instruction, or experience cursed suffering and loss by rejecting Yahweh and trying to seize blessing on their own terms.

The harsh list of curses in today’s reading probably feels excessive, even vindictive. But it’s important to consider their function in Israel’s context. First, the covenant curses of Deuteronomy parallel common rhetorical techniques of other ancient Near Eastern law treaties. When two nations entered into a covenant with each other, the terms usually included a lengthy list of curses to emphasize the stakes of the agreement.

Second, as you’ll see in the video, “curse” refers to the consequences of humans trying to seize blessing on their own terms. When Yahweh says rejecting him means curse, he aims to warn rather than terrorize. God wants Israel to understand the real and painful consequences of seeking blessing from idols. If barley wilts in parched fields, a stone statue can’t bring rain. If enemy soldiers storm cities, a wood carving can’t stop them from dragging away Israel’s children in chains.

Yahweh has already promised to bless Israel. Now, the Israelites have to choose whether they want his blessing. They will fail if they try to get life, security, fertility, and abundance elsewhere, because only Yahweh can provide those things. Moses insists, God alone is the source of life—so choose life!

Reflection Questions

• As you read through today’s passage, pay close attention to the language used for blessing. What hyperlinks do you notice to God’s covenant with Abraham in Genesis and to Israel at Mount Sinai?
• Where do you see curses acting as the inversion of blessing in today’s passage?