Note that after a general statement (Deuteronomy 28:15; cf. Deuteronomy 28:1-2) the six formal curses (Deuteronomy 28:16-19) correspond almost exactly to the six blessings (Deuteronomy 28:3-6). The exposition follows in Deuteronomy 28:20-68 (cf. Deuteronomy 28:7-14). We can divide it into five sections of increasingly severe disciplinary measures. read more
D. The curses that follow disobedience to general stipulations 28:15-68In this section Moses identified about four times as many curses as he had listed previous blessings (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). The lists of curses in other ancient Near Eastern treaty texts typically were longer than the lists of blessings. [Note: Gordon J. Wenham, "The Structure and Date of Deuteronomy" (Ph.D. dissertation, University of London, 1969), p. 161.] The reason was probably to stress the seriousness of violating the... read more
The Blessing and the CurseThis chapter properly follows Deuteronomy 26:19, and concludes the second discourse. It enforces the injunctions given, by exhibiting the blessings associated with the keeping of them, and the curses entailed upon disobedience.1-14. The Blessings for Obedience.5. Store] lit. ’kneading-trough’ as in Exodus 12:34. The basket is that used for holding bread: see Genesis 40:17; Leviticus 8:2; Matthew 14:20.7. Seven ways] (at once), a proverbial saying expressing a... read more
(16-19) Cursed. . . .—Here we have the counterpart of Deuteronomy 28:3-6, inclusive. The only difference is in the position of “the basket and the store” which come one place earlier in the curses than in the blessings. read more
A Blessing on the Storehouse Deuteronomy 28:8 The storing of the grain is the last of the processes of harvest. We may therefore take the blessing of God upon the housed and winnowed corn as including His blessing upon all previous stages of growth or ingathering. I. The Sowing Time This is where industry comes in, and the gift of God is seen also to be His reward and blessing upon human diligence. The preparation of the soil and the choice of the seed application to human life. II. The... read more
MOSES’ FAREWELL SPEECHESDeuteronomy 4:1-40, Deuteronomy 27:1-26; Deuteronomy 28:1-68; Deuteronomy 29:1-29; Deuteronomy 30:1-20.WITH the twenty-sixth chapter the entirely homogeneous central portion of the Book of Deuteronomy ends, and it concludes it most worthily. It prescribes two ceremonies which are meant to give solemn expression to the feeling of thankfulness which the love of God, manifested in so many laws and precepts, covering the commonest details of life, should have made the... read more
24. The Blessing and the Curse CHAPTER 28 1. The blessing promised (Deuteronomy 28:1-14 ) 2. The curse announced (Deuteronomy 28:15-68 ) This is one of the most solemn chapters in the Pentateuch. Orthodox Hebrews read in their synagogues each year through the entire five books of Moses. When they read this chapter, the Rabbi reads in a subdued voice. And well may they read it softly and ponder over it, for here is prewritten the sad and sorrowful history of that wonderful nation. Here... read more
FROM MOUNT GERIZIM -- BLESSINGS (vs.1-14) Though Chapter 28 does not say that these blessings were pronounced from Mount Gerizim, yet Chapter 27:12 indicates this. But the blessings were prefaced; by the conditions of verse 1. They would be effective only if Israel diligently obeyed the voice of the Lord, observing carefully all His commandments. If so, God would set them high above all nations, and all the blessings that follow would come upon them (v.2). They would be blessed in the city... read more
PROPHECY OF ISRAEL ’S FUTURE As we approach the conclusion of this book we come to its most important part from a prophetic point of view indeed the present lesson contains (chap. 28) a foreview of Israel’s history to the end of the present age, in some respects unparalleled in the Bible, although touched upon in Leviticus (Deut. 26:26), as we saw. STONES FOR THE LAW AND STONE FOR AN ALTAR (Deuteronomy 27:1-8 ) What should they do when they crossed the Jordan (Deuteronomy 27:2 )? How... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Deuteronomy 28:15-20
Ver. 15-20. But—if thou wilt not hearken— To these promises of prosperity if they obeyed the laws, the most dreadful menaces of adversity are opposed in case they disobeyed them; a general disappointment, misery, and calamity, reaching to all ranks of people, and affecting all affairs, public and private: scarcity, want, and untimely death, affecting private families; and a defeat of all public enterprises and counsels making the whole nation miserable. By the word cursing, in the 20th verse,... read more