Anyone with experience in contracts knows there are pros and cons. The upside is when everyone keeps their promises. The downside is when someone breaks their commitment.
Similarly, God promised the Israelites blessings if they kept their agreement with Him. But there was also a downside: the curses. These curses are discussed in the remaining verses of chapter 28 in Deuteronomy.
“But if you will not obey the Lord your God by diligently observing all his commandments and decrees that I am commanding you today, then all these curses shall come upon you and overtake you” (Deuteronomy 28:15).
Verses 16-19: In six short statements, modeled after the blessings of 28.3-6, Moses declares that those who don’t faithfully follow the Lord’s commandments will be severely cursed in every part of their lives.
Verses 20-24: The curses will lead to complete confusion. This confusion comes from war, social disorder, and disease.
The Israelites can’t escape these problems that have fallen on them.
“The Lord will send upon you disaster, panic, and frustration in everything you attempt to do, until you are destroyed and perish quickly, on account of the evil of your deeds with which you have forsaken me” (Deuteronomy 28:20).
Notice the phrase, “the evil of your deeds.” It appears 11 times in the Old Testament, and 9 of those times refer to Israel’s rebellion against their covenant with God.
Verses 22-24: Moses lists seven afflictions. In Jewish numerology, seven often signifies completion. These diseases will plague them personally and affect them until they perish.
Defeat and Exile
One of the hardest parts of Jewish history is when their people were exiled from their homeland to foreign countries.
“The Lord will cause you to be defeated before your enemies; you shall go out against them one way and flee before them seven ways. You shall become an object of horror to all the kingdoms of the earth” (Deuteronomy 28:25*).
As we read about Israel’s tragic defeat, one thing becomes clear: God is orchestrating these events.
Verses 25-27: God has often promised his chosen nation victory over their enemies. But now, he promises them defeat. Instead of the complete victory mentioned in verse 7, they will now flee in groups from their enemies.
With the roles reversed, he vows to inflict them with ten plagues, similar to those that struck Egypt.
The Lord will afflict you with the boils of Egypt, with tumors, scurvy, and itch, of which you cannot be healed” (Deuteronomy 28:27).
Verses 30-34: Scholars call the curses that affect families “futility curses.” These curses prevent people from fully enjoying what they have.
The Israelites will lose their benefits, which will then be enjoyed by non-Israelites. This represents the oppression that will come upon the people.
Why Did This Happen?
God freed the Israelites from 400 years of slavery in Egypt. He provided them with food and water daily during their time in the wilderness. He multiplied their numbers and led them to the Promised Land.
In return, He warned them that if they did not serve Him with joy, curses would come upon them.
As we read through the Old Testament, we see that they did turn away from God. They worshiped the gods of their neighbors and lived with ingratitude instead of thankfulness.
“Because you did not serve the Lord your God joyfully and with gladness of heart for the abundance of everything” (Deuteronomy 28:47).
Reflections
We study history to avoid repeating the mistakes of those who have gone before us.
God treats people today just as He did the Israelites in the past. He has blessings for us if we live according to His will. However, our own actions can bring suffering upon us.
We all know people who lead miserable lives. Their lives were shaped by one poor choice after another, eventually hardening their character like stone.
Their curse is they have become the person they chose to be – away from God, friends, and stuck in a self-centered approach toward life.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 