This unique chapter describes the immediate events to take place after crossing the Jordan into Canaan. The Israelites are to erect large stones which they will plaster and on which they will write all the words of the law. They are to also build an altar of uncut stones to celebrate their provision from God. Then there’s this ceremony, where half the tribe leaders stand on one mountain, and half on another, and Levites recite a list of curses.
“And the Levites shall declare to all the men of Israel in a loud voice: ‘Cursed be the man who makes a carved or cast metal image, an abomination to the Lord, a thing made by the hands of a craftsman, and sets it up in secret.’ And all the people shall answer and say, ‘Amen.’ ‘Cursed be anyone who dishonors his father or his mother.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ ‘Cursed be anyone who moves his neighbor’s landmark.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ ‘Cursed be anyone who misleads a blind man on the road.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ ‘Cursed be anyone who perverts the justice due to the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ ‘Cursed be anyone who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ ” (v14-19,26)
Those were only 6 of the 12 curses that the Levites would list (please read the chapter for the full list) and all of the people would respond “Amen” to each one. Very interesting – why do you think God would command the people to say “amen” to curses? What is the meaning of “amen”?
Essentially, “amen” means: “so be it.” So when the Levites say “Cursed be anyone…” and the people reply “Amen”, the people are confirming that they have heard and agree to the conditions of the statement. These curses, in a way, are the flip-side of God’s commandments – they represent the consequences that will happen if the commandments are broken.
But what is a curse, you may ask. Essentially, it is a written or verbal supernatural statement that places consequences upon someone. For example, when sin entered the world, God cursed many things – the serpent, childbearing, and the earth. The consequences were Satan would always be an underdog, women would experience pain in childbirth, and mankind would forever work significantly harder to maintain the earth (which we fail at miserably, hence the climate crisis).
You know the old saying “sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me”? Not only is that flawed from a psychological perspective, it’s completely wrong from a God perspective. Words have great power, to create and edify or destroy and tear down – blessings are an example of the former, and curses are an example of the latter. Raise your hand if you want to receive a curse from God… any takers? No? Then it’s clear we should strive to keep God’s commandments as best we can, and pray for forgiveness when we fail.
Blessings and curses primarily display the sovereignty and power of God – His absolute authority in all moral matters, and power over humankind. My challenge for today is to not only obey God so we receive blessings instead of curses, but that we should bless others as well (build them up and edify them) instead of cursing them (tearing them down). Let’s show our love for God and others through obedience to Him and blessing those around us.
Father God, Sovereign King of Israel, great and mighty are Your words and deeds. Father Your power and authority are unmatched in all of the known and unknown universe, and we humbly bow before Your throne. Please forgive us of all sin through the name of Jesus, and please continue teaching us how to love You and our neighbor. Please help us to obey out of our love for You, and please help us to bless those around us, building them up with our words and actions. This cursed world passes its trials and tribulations on to us, yet there is great hope for You have overcome this world and broken the power of all its curses. All honor, glory and praise be to You, our Lord God Almighty, King of heaven and earth. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training