◄ Deuteronomy 27:25 ►
Cursed is he who accepts a bribe to kill an innocent person.' And let all the people say, 'Amen!'
Study Bible
Cursed is he who accepts a bribe to kill an innocent person.
This phrase underscores the gravity of taking a bribe to commit murder, particularly against someone who is innocent. In the ancient Near Eastern context, bribery was a common issue, often leading to corruption and injustice. The Mosaic Law, as given in Deuteronomy, sought to establish a society based on justice and righteousness, reflecting God's character. The commandment against murder is rooted in the sanctity of life, as humans are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). The prohibition against accepting a bribe to kill highlights the severe moral and spiritual corruption involved in valuing money over human life. This principle is echoed in other scriptures, such as Proverbs 17:23, which condemns the wickedness of accepting bribes. The New Testament also speaks against such corruption, with Jesus emphasizing the importance of justice and mercy (Matthew 23:23).

And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’
The communal response of "Amen" signifies agreement and acceptance of the curse by the entire assembly of Israel. This practice of collective affirmation was common in ancient Israelite culture, serving to reinforce communal responsibility and accountability. The use of "Amen" is a declaration of truth and a commitment to uphold the law. It is a solemn acknowledgment that the people are bound by the covenant with God and agree to the terms set forth. This practice is seen throughout the Bible, such as in Nehemiah 8:6, where the people respond with "Amen" to the reading of the Law. In the New Testament, "Amen" is used to affirm the truth of Jesus' teachings and the promises of God (Revelation 3:14).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who delivered God's laws and instructions, including the blessings and curses in Deuteronomy.

2. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, receiving the law as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

3. Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim
The locations where the blessings and curses were to be proclaimed to the people of Israel.

4. Levites
The tribe responsible for proclaiming the curses to the people.

5. The Innocent Person
Represents those who are unjustly harmed or killed, highlighting the value of justice and righteousness.
Teaching Points
The Sanctity of Life
This verse underscores the value God places on human life and the severe consequences of taking it unjustly.

Integrity in Justice
Accepting bribes undermines justice and righteousness, which are foundational to a godly society.

Community Responsibility
The communal response of "Amen" signifies collective agreement and responsibility in upholding God's laws.

The Danger of Greed
The temptation of financial gain can lead to grave sins, such as harming the innocent, highlighting the need for contentment and integrity.

The Role of Accountability
The public declaration of curses serves as a reminder of the community's role in holding each other accountable to God's standards.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the communal response of "Amen" in Deuteronomy 27:25 reflect the importance of community accountability in upholding justice?

2. In what ways can modern believers guard against the temptation of accepting bribes or compromising integrity for personal gain?

3. How does the principle of protecting the innocent in Deuteronomy 27:25 relate to Jesus' teachings in the New Testament?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure justice and righteousness are upheld in our communities today?

5. How can the warnings against bribery and injustice in Deuteronomy 27:25 be applied to current issues of social justice and ethical leadership?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 23:7-8
This passage warns against accepting bribes and perverting justice, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity and protecting the innocent.

Proverbs 17:15
This verse condemns justifying the wicked and condemning the righteous, aligning with the curse against accepting bribes to harm the innocent.

Isaiah 5:23
Speaks against those who acquit the guilty for a bribe, reinforcing the theme of justice and righteousness.

Micah 3:11
Criticizes leaders who judge for a bribe, showing the corruption that can arise from such actions.

Matthew 27:3-5
Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus for thirty pieces of silver is a New Testament example of accepting a bribe to harm the innocent.
Sermons
Ebal and GerizimJ. Orr Deuteronomy 27:11-26
ResponsesR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 27:11-26
The Decalogue Nationally ReciprocatedD. Davies Deuteronomy 27:11-26
Against Imposing on the IgnorantJ. Jortin, D. D.Deuteronomy 27:15-26
AmenJames Cochrane, M. A.Deuteronomy 27:15-26
The Landmarks of FaithOriginal Secession MagazineDeuteronomy 27:15-26
People
Asher, Benjamin, Dan, Gad, Issachar, Joseph, Levi, Levites, Moses, Naphtali, Reuben, Simeon, Zebulun
Places
Beth-baal-peor, Jordan River, Mount Ebal, Mount Gerizim
Topics
Accepts, Amen, Blood, Bribe, Cursed, Death, Innocent, Kill, Mortally, Puts, Reward, Shedding, Slay, Smite, Strike, Takes, Taketh, Taking, Wrong
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 27:25

     5238   bribery
     5361   justice, human

Deuteronomy 27:1-26

     7797   teaching

Deuteronomy 27:9-26

     5827   curse

Deuteronomy 27:15-26

     1461   truth, nature of
     5783   agreement

Library
Obedience
Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the Lord thy God. Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the Lord thy God, and do his commandments.' Deut 27: 9, 10. What is the duty which God requireth of man? Obedience to his revealed will. It is not enough to hear God's voice, but we must obey. Obedience is a part of the honour we owe to God. If then I be a Father, where is my honour?' Mal 1: 6. Obedience carries in it the life-blood of religion. Obey the voice of the Lord …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

In Judæa and through Samaria - a Sketch of Samaritan History and Theology - Jews and Samaritans.
We have no means of determining how long Jesus may have tarried in Jerusalem after the events recorded in the previous two chapters. The Evangelic narrative [1850] only marks an indefinite period of time, which, as we judge from internal probability, cannot have been protracted. From the city He retired with His disciples to the country,' which formed the province of Judæa. There He taught and His disciples baptized. [1851] [1852] From what had been so lately witnessed in Jerusalem, as well …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

How Christ is Made Use of for Justification as a Way.
What Christ hath done to purchase, procure, and bring about our justification before God, is mentioned already, viz. That he stood in the room of sinners, engaging for them as their cautioner, undertaking, and at length paying down the ransom; becoming sin, or a sacrifice for sin, and a curse for them, and so laying down his life a ransom to satisfy divine justice; and this he hath made known in the gospel, calling sinners to an accepting of him as their only Mediator, and to a resting upon him for …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Gilgal, in Deuteronomy 11:30 what the Place Was.
That which is said by Moses, that "Gerizim and Ebal were over-against Gilgal," Deuteronomy 11:30, is so obscure, that it is rendered into contrary significations by interpreters. Some take it in that sense, as if it were near to Gilgal: some far off from Gilgal: the Targumists read, "before Gilgal": while, as I think, they do not touch the difficulty; which lies not so much in the signification of the word Mul, as in the ambiguity of the word Gilgal. These do all seem to understand that Gilgal which …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
"If any one wishes to be rich, let him go north; if he wants to be wise, let him come south." Such was the saying, by which Rabbinical pride distinguished between the material wealth of Galilee and the supremacy in traditional lore claimed for the academies of Judaea proper. Alas, it was not long before Judaea lost even this doubtful distinction, and its colleges wandered northwards, ending at last by the Lake of Gennesaret, and in that very city of Tiberias which at one time had been reputed unclean! …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Meditations of the Misery of a Man not Reconciled to God in Christ.
O wretched Man! where shall I begin to describe thine endless misery, who art condemned as soon as conceived; and adjudged to eternal death, before thou wast born to a temporal life? A beginning indeed, I find, but no end of thy miseries. For when Adam and Eve, being created after God's own image, and placed in Paradise, that they and their posterity might live in a blessed state of life immortal, having dominion over all earthly creatures, and only restrained from the fruit of one tree, as a sign …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Jesus' Last Public Discourse. Denunciation of Scribes and Pharisees.
(in the Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXIII. 1-39; ^B Mark XII. 38-40; ^C Luke XX. 45-47. ^a 1 Then spake Jesus ^b 38 And in his teaching ^c in the hearing of all the people he said unto ^a the multitudes, and to his disciples [he spoke in the most public manner], 2 saying, ^c 46 Beware of the scribes, ^a The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat: 3 all things whatsoever they bid you, these do and observe: but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion: Or, to Communicate with Saints, as Saints, Proved Lawful.
IN ANSWER TO A BOOK WRITTEN BY THE BAPTISTS, AND PUBLISHED BY MR. T. PAUL AND MR. W. KIFFIN, ENTITLED, 'SOME SERIOUS REFLECTIONS ON THAT PART OF MR BUNYAN'S CONFESSION OF FAITH, TOUCHING CHURCH COMMUNION WITH UNBAPTIZED BELIEVERS.' WHEREIN THEIR OBJECTIONS AND ARGUMENTS ARE ANSWERED, AND THE DOCTRINE OF COMMUNION STILL ASSERTED AND VINDICATED. HERE IS ALSO MR. HENRY JESSE'S JUDGMENT IN THE CASE, FULLY DECLARING THE DOCTRINE I HAVE ASSERTED. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'Should not the multitude of words be answered? …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf. …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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