Deuteronomy 27:26

Cursed is he who does not put the words of this law into practice.' And let all the people say, 'Amen!'

Study Bible

Cursed is he who does not put the words of this law into practice.
This phrase underscores the seriousness of adhering to God's commandments as given through Moses. The concept of a "curse" in the biblical context often implies divine disfavor and the consequences of disobedience. In Deuteronomy, the law represents the covenant between God and Israel, and failure to uphold it results in a curse, reflecting the covenantal blessings and curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28. This highlights the importance of obedience and the tangible impact of living according to God's statutes. The phrase also echoes the broader biblical theme of the necessity of not just hearing the law but actively living it out, as seen in James 1:22, which calls believers to be doers of the word.

And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’
The communal response of "Amen" signifies agreement and acceptance of the terms of the covenant. In ancient Israel, this public affirmation was a way for the community to collectively acknowledge their commitment to God's law. The use of "Amen" is a declaration of truth and faithfulness, a practice that continues in Christian worship today. This response also serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility of the community to uphold the law, emphasizing unity and shared accountability. The practice of saying "Amen" is seen throughout Scripture, such as in Nehemiah 8:6, where the people respond to the reading of the law, and in the New Testament, where it is used to affirm truth and agreement in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who delivered God's laws to the people. He is the central figure in the book of Deuteronomy, which is a series of speeches given before the Israelites enter the Promised Land.

2. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are receiving the law and the blessings and curses associated with obedience or disobedience.

3. Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim
The locations where the blessings and curses were to be pronounced. Mount Ebal is specifically associated with the curses.

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

5. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which the Israelites are about to enter. The laws given are meant to guide their conduct in this new land.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of God's Law
God's law is not merely a set of guidelines but a covenant that requires full obedience. The curse pronounced in Deuteronomy 27:26 highlights the seriousness of failing to uphold God's commands.

The Role of Community Affirmation
The communal "Amen" signifies agreement and collective responsibility. It reminds us of the importance of community in upholding God's standards.

The Need for a Savior
Recognizing our inability to perfectly keep the law points us to the necessity of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law on our behalf.

The Call to Obedience
While we are saved by grace, the call to uphold God's law remains. Our obedience is a response to God's grace, not a means to earn it.

The Importance of Scripture
Upholding the words of the law requires knowing them. This underscores the importance of regular Bible study and meditation on God's Word.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the communal response of "Amen" in Deuteronomy 27:26 reflect the importance of community in our spiritual lives today?

2. In what ways does recognizing our inability to perfectly uphold the law deepen our appreciation for the grace offered through Jesus Christ?

3. How can we, as modern believers, ensure that we are upholding the words of God's law in our daily lives?

4. What role does the study and meditation of Scripture play in helping us to live in obedience to God's commands?

5. How do the themes of blessing and curse in Deuteronomy 27 relate to the New Testament teachings on grace and law, particularly in Galatians 3 and Romans 3?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Galatians 3:10
Paul references this verse to explain that those who rely on the law are under a curse because no one can perfectly uphold the law.

James 2:10
This verse highlights the principle that breaking one part of the law is akin to breaking all of it, emphasizing the impossibility of perfect adherence.

Romans 3:23
This verse underscores the universal nature of sin and the inability of humans to uphold the law perfectly.