◄ Deuteronomy 29:21 ►
and single him out from all the tribes of Israel for disaster, according to all the curses of the covenant written in this Book of the Law.
Study Bible
and single him out from all the tribes of Israel for disaster
This phrase highlights the seriousness of breaking the covenant with God. In the context of Deuteronomy, Moses is addressing the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land, emphasizing the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. The idea of being singled out suggests a divine judgment that is both personal and specific. Historically, Israel was a collective community, and individual actions could impact the entire nation, as seen in the story of Achan in Joshua 7. The concept of disaster here aligns with the covenantal curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28, which include defeat, disease, and exile. This reflects the holiness and justice of God, who cannot tolerate sin within His chosen people.

according to all the curses of the covenant
The covenant refers to the agreement between God and Israel, established at Mount Sinai and renewed on the plains of Moab. The curses are detailed in Deuteronomy 28:15-68, serving as a warning to the Israelites of the consequences of disobedience. These curses are not arbitrary but are a direct result of breaking the covenantal relationship. Theologically, this underscores the conditional nature of the Mosaic Covenant, which contrasts with the unconditional promises made to Abraham. The curses serve as a prophetic warning, fulfilled in various instances throughout Israel's history, such as the Babylonian exile.

written in this Book of the Law
The Book of the Law refers to the Torah, particularly the first five books of the Bible, which include the laws given to Moses. This phrase emphasizes the written nature of God's commands, highlighting their permanence and authority. The written law served as a constant reminder to the Israelites of their obligations and the consequences of failing to uphold them. In a broader biblical context, the written word is a precursor to the New Covenant, where the law is written on the hearts of believers (Jeremiah 31:33). The emphasis on the written law also points to the importance of Scripture as a guide for faith and practice, a principle upheld throughout both the Old and New Testaments.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is just and righteous, executing judgment according to His promises and laws.

2. The Tribes of Israel
The twelve tribes descended from the sons of Jacob, who are the recipients of God's covenant and laws.

3. The Covenant
The solemn agreement between God and Israel, which includes blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, as outlined in the Book of the Law.

4. The Book of the Law
Refers to the Torah, particularly the first five books of the Bible, which contain God's laws, instructions, and the terms of the covenant.

5. Curses of the Covenant
The consequences outlined in the covenant for those who turn away from God and His commandments, emphasizing the seriousness of disobedience.
Teaching Points
The Seriousness of Covenant Faithfulness
God's covenant with Israel was not just a set of rules but a relational agreement requiring faithfulness. Disobedience had severe consequences, highlighting the importance of living in accordance with God's will.

The Justice of God
God's justice is evident in His willingness to execute the curses of the covenant. This serves as a reminder that God is holy and righteous, and sin has real consequences.

The Call to Obedience
Believers today are called to live obediently to God's Word. While we are under grace, the principles of obedience and faithfulness remain vital in our relationship with God.

The Role of Scripture in Guiding Life
The Book of the Law was central to Israel's life and should be central to ours. Regular engagement with Scripture helps us understand God's expectations and live accordingly.

Redemption Through Christ
While the curses of the covenant highlight the severity of sin, they also point us to the need for a Savior. Jesus Christ redeems us from the curse, offering forgiveness and new life.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the covenant curses in Deuteronomy 29:21 impact your view of God's justice and holiness?

2. In what ways can the blessings and curses of the covenant serve as a guide for your personal walk with God today?

3. How does the concept of covenant faithfulness in the Old Testament relate to the New Testament teachings on grace and obedience?

4. What practical steps can you take to ensure that Scripture remains central in your daily life, guiding your decisions and actions?

5. How does the redemption offered through Christ change your perspective on the consequences of sin and the hope of salvation?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 28
This chapter details the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience, providing context for the covenant's stipulations.

Leviticus 26
Similar to Deuteronomy 28, this chapter outlines the blessings and curses associated with the covenant, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to God.

Hebrews 10
This New Testament passage warns against willful sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth, echoing the seriousness of covenant unfaithfulness.

Galatians 3
Discusses the law and the curse, explaining how Christ redeems us from the curse of the law, providing a New Testament perspective on the covenant curses.
Sermons
The Land of Promise Becoming AccursedR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 29:10-28
The Government of God All-EmbracingD. Davies Deuteronomy 29:14-28
The Lying HopeJ. Orr Deuteronomy 29:16-21
People
Gadites, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Manasseh, Manassites, Moses, Og, Pharaoh, Reubenites, Sihon
Places
Admah, Bashan, Egypt, Gomorrah, Heshbon, Horeb, Moab, Sodom, Zeboiim
Topics
Accordance, Adversity, Agreement, Apart, Book, Calamity, Covenant, Curses, Disaster, Evil, Fate, Keeping, Law, Marked, Mischief, Oaths, Recorded, Separate, Separated, Single, Tribes, Written
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 29:14-21

     5943   self-deception

Deuteronomy 29:18-21

     1640   Book of the Law
     5827   curse
     8370   zeal

Library
Covenant Duties.
It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The law and covenant of God are co-extensive; and what is enjoined in the one is confirmed in the other. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. The duties of that Covenant are God's law; and the demands of the law are all made …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

God Willing that all Men Should be Saved.
"Who will have all Men to be saved,--." In verse first, the apostle directs "prayers and thanksgivings to be made for all men;"--which he declares to "be good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who will have all men to be saved." Had salvation been provided for only a part of the human race, prayer and thanksgivings could have been, consistently made only for a part. Those for whom no provision was made, would be in like state with persons who have committed the sin unto death, for …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

The Parable of the Householder. A Sermon, by Bishop Latimer.
MATTHEW XX.--The kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that was an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. This parable is written by the evangelist Matthew in the twentieth chapter, and is very dark and hard to be understood; yea, there is no harder piece of scripture written by any evangelist. Therefore it may well be called hard meat; not meat for mowers nor ignorant people, who are not exercised in the word of God. And yet there is no other diversity …
John Knox—The Pulpit Of The Reformation, Nos. 1, 2 and 3.

Promises and Threatenings
'And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the Lord, and the king's house, and all Solomon's desire which he was pleased to do. 2. That the Lord appeared to Solomon the second time, as He had appeared unto him at Gibeon. 3. And the Lord said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before Me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put My name there for ever; and Mine eyes and Mine heart shall be there perpetually, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Unity of the Divine Essence, and the Trinity of Persons.
Deut. vi. 4.--"Hear O Israel the Lord our God is one Lord."--1 John v. 7. "There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one." "Great is the mystery of godliness," 1 Tim. iii. 16. Religion and true godliness is a bundle of excellent mysteries--of things hid from the world, yea, from the wise men of the world, (1 Cor. ii. 6.) and not only so, but secrets in their own nature, the distinct knowledge whereof is not given to saints in this estate …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"He is the Rock, his Work is Perfect. For all his Ways are Judgment. A God of Truth, and Without Iniquity, Just and Right is He.
Deut. xxxii. 4, 5.--"He is the rock, his work is perfect. For all his ways are judgment. A God of truth, and without iniquity, just and right is he. They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children. They are a perverse and crooked generation." "All his ways are judgment," both the ways of his commandments and the ways of his providence, both his word which he hath given as a lantern to men's paths, and his works among men. And this were the blessedness of men, to be found …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Forasmuch as Each Man is a Part of the Human Race...
1. Forasmuch as each man is a part of the human race, and human nature is something social, and hath for a great and natural good, the power also of friendship; on this account God willed to create all men out of one, in order that they might be held in their society not only by likeness of kind, but also by bond of kindred. Therefore the first natural bond of human society is man and wife. Nor did God create these each by himself, and join them together as alien by birth: but He created the one …
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage

Conflict.
"Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against themselves, that ye …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

Manner of Covenanting.
Previous to an examination of the manner of engaging in the exercise of Covenanting, the consideration of God's procedure towards his people while performing the service seems to claim regard. Of the manner in which the great Supreme as God acts, as well as of Himself, our knowledge is limited. Yet though even of the effects on creatures of His doings we know little, we have reason to rejoice that, in His word He has informed us, and in His providence illustrated by that word, he has given us to …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

"Now the End of the Commandment," &C.
1 Tim. i. 5.--"Now the end of the commandment," &c. We come now, as was proposed, to observe, Thirdly,(474) That faith unfeigned is the only thing which gives the answer of a good conscience towards God. Conscience, in general, is nothing else but a practical knowledge of the rule a man should walk by, and of himself in reference to that rule. It is the laying down a man's state, and condition, and actions beside the rule of God's word, or the principles of nature's light. It is the chief piece …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Palestine Eighteen Centuries Ago
Eighteen and a half centuries ago, and the land which now lies desolate--its bare, grey hills looking into ill-tilled or neglected valleys, its timber cut down, its olive- and vine-clad terraces crumbled into dust, its villages stricken with poverty and squalor, its thoroughfares insecure and deserted, its native population well-nigh gone, and with them its industry, wealth, and strength--presented a scene of beauty, richness, and busy life almost unsurpassed in the then known world. The Rabbis never …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The Holy Spirit as a Teacher.
Our Lord Jesus in His last conversation with His disciples before His crucifixion said, "But the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you" (John xiv. 26). Here we have a twofold work of the Holy Spirit, teaching and bringing to remembrance the things which Christ had already taught. We will take them in the reverse order. I. The Holy Spirit brings to remembrance …
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

"But Whereunto Shall I Liken this Generation?"
Matth. xi. 16.--"But whereunto shall I liken this generation?" When our Lord Jesus, who had the tongue of the learned, and spoke as never man spake, did now and then find a difficulty to express the matter herein contained. "What shall we do?" The matter indeed is of great importance, a soul matter, and therefore of great moment, a mystery, and therefore not easily expressed. No doubt he knows how to paint out this to the life, that we might rather behold it with our eyes, than hear it with our …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
That the Lord gave special token of his approbation of the exercise of Covenanting, it belongs to this place to show. His approval of the duty was seen when he unfolded the promises of the Everlasting Covenant to his people, while they endeavoured to perform it; and his approval thereof is continually seen in his fulfilment to them of these promises. The special manifestations of his regard, made to them while attending to the service before him, belonged to one or other, or both, of those exhibitions …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Peace
Grace unto you and peace be multiplied. I Pet 1:1. Having spoken of the first fruit of sanctification, assurance, I proceed to the second, viz., Peace, Peace be multiplied:' What are the several species or kinds of Peace? Peace, in Scripture, is compared to a river which parts itself into two silver streams. Isa 66:12. I. There is an external peace, and that is, (1.) (Economical, or peace in a family. (2.) Political, or peace in the state. Peace is the nurse of plenty. He maketh peace in thy borders, …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Discourse on Spiritual Food and True Discipleship. Peter's Confession.
(at the Synagogue in Capernaum.) ^D John VI. 22-71. ^d 22 On the morrow [the morrow after Jesus fed the five thousand] the multitude that stood on the other side of the sea [on the east side, opposite Capernaum] saw that there was no other boat there, save one, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples went away alone 23 (howbeit there came boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they ate the bread after that the Lord had given thanks): 24 when the multitude …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Covenanting Confers Obligation.
As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

"The Carnal Mind is Enmity against God for it is not Subject to the Law of God, Neither Indeed Can Be. So Then they that Are
Rom. viii. s 7, 8.--"The carnal mind is enmity against God for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." It is not the least of man's evils, that he knows not how evil he is, therefore the Searcher of the heart of man gives the most perfect account of it, Jer. xvii. 12. "The heart is deceitful above all things," as well as "desperately wicked," two things superlative and excessive in it, bordering upon an infiniteness, such …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee, Because He Trusteth in Thee. "
Isaiah xxvi. 3.--"Thou shall keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." All men love to have privileges above others. Every one is upon the design and search after some well-being, since Adam lost that which was true happiness. We all agree upon the general notion of it, but presently men divide in the following of particulars. Here all men are united in seeking after some good; something to satisfy their souls, and satiate their desires. Nay, but they …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

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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