In Deuteronomy 27 to 31, Moses continues his final address to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. These chapters contain key moments in the covenant renewal process, including the public declaration of blessings and curses, a powerful reminder of Israel’s obligations to God, and the passing of leadership from Moses to Joshua. This section captures Moses’ deep concern for the future faithfulness of the people and God’s enduring promises.
Deuteronomy 27: The Ceremony of Blessings and Curses
Deuteronomy 27 begins with Moses instructing the Israelites on what to do once they enter the Promised Land. They are to set up large stones and cover them with plaster, then write the entire law on them. This act symbolizes their commitment to God’s law and serves as a public reminder of the covenant they have made with Him. These stones are to be set up on Mount Ebal, in the region of Shechem.
Moses also commands the construction of an altar on Mount Ebal for sacrifices to God. This altar, made of unhewn stones, would be used for offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, a testament to God’s holiness and the people’s dedication to Him.
After these instructions, Moses turns to the ritual of blessings and curses. He commands that six tribes stand on Mount Gerizim to pronounce blessings for obedience, while the other six tribes stand on Mount Ebal to declare curses for disobedience. This dual pronouncement is a public declaration of the consequences of either following or abandoning God’s law. The Levites would then recite specific curses for certain actions, such as idolatry, dishonoring parents, and leading the blind astray, to which the people must respond with “Amen,” indicating their agreement with God’s judgments.
Deuteronomy 28: Blessings for Obedience and Curses for Disobedience
In Deuteronomy 28, Moses elaborates on the blessings that Israel will receive if they faithfully obey God’s commandments. These blessings cover every aspect of life, from agricultural abundance and military success to prosperity in family life. The chapter is filled with promises of peace, protection, and divine favor for those who remain true to the covenant.
Among the key blessings, Moses declares that Israel will be set above all nations: “And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath” (Deuteronomy 28:13 KJV). The people will be blessed in their cities, fields, homes, and travels. Their enemies will be defeated before them, and they will have an overflowing abundance of goods and crops.
However, the chapter also provides a sobering list of curses that will come upon the Israelites if they fail to obey God. These curses are severe and comprehensive, impacting their health, crops, livestock, and national security. The people would face disease, drought, famine, and military defeat. Their enemies would take them captive, and they would become a byword and a warning among the nations. Moses emphasizes the stark contrast between obedience and disobedience, urging the people to choose life by adhering to God’s commandments.
Deuteronomy 29: Renewing the Covenant
Deuteronomy 29 sees Moses gathering all the Israelites together to renew the covenant. He reminds them of the great miracles God performed during their journey out of Egypt, from the plagues to the crossing of the Red Sea, to God’s provision in the wilderness. Moses stresses that the covenant is not only for the generation standing before him but also for future generations.
Moses warns against idolatry and the dangers of turning away from God to worship false gods. He describes how such rebellion would lead to the destruction of the land and the people being scattered among the nations. The chapter ends with a profound statement about the mystery of God’s will: “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law” (Deuteronomy 29:29 KJV). This verse emphasizes that while some aspects of God’s plan remain hidden, His law is clear and accessible to all who seek to follow it.
Deuteronomy 30: The Promise of Restoration
In Deuteronomy 30, Moses offers a message of hope and restoration. Even if Israel falls under the curse of disobedience and is scattered among the nations, there is still the possibility of redemption if they return to God. Moses assures the people that if they repent and turn back to God with all their hearts, He will restore them, gather them from the nations, and bring them back to the land.
Moses also emphasizes the accessibility of God’s commandments: “For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off” (Deuteronomy 30:11 KJV). The law is not too difficult to follow, nor is it distant or mysterious—it is near to the people, and they have the ability to obey.
The chapter culminates in a powerful choice: “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). Moses urges the Israelites to choose life by loving and obeying God, which will bring blessings and prosperity to them and their descendants.
Deuteronomy 31: Joshua’s Commission and Moses’ Final Words
Deuteronomy 31 marks a pivotal moment as Moses prepares to pass leadership to Joshua. Moses is now 120 years old and knows that he will not enter the Promised Land. He reassures the people that God will go before them and that Joshua will lead them into the land.
Moses delivers a public charge to Joshua, encouraging him to be strong and courageous: “Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the Lord hath sworn unto their fathers to give them” (Deuteronomy 31:7 KJV). God Himself repeats this charge, assuring Joshua that He will never leave nor forsake him.
Moses then writes down the law and commands that it be read to the people every seven years during the Feast of Tabernacles. This public reading is intended to remind the people of their covenant obligations and ensure that future generations continue to follow God’s ways.
Finally, God tells Moses that after his death, the people will turn away from Him and worship other gods. To serve as a witness against them, Moses is instructed to write a song (recorded in the next chapter) that will remind them of their covenant and the consequences of breaking it.
Conclusion
In Deuteronomy 27 to 31, Moses prepares the Israelites for their future by reminding them of the blessings of obedience and the curses of disobedience. He renews the covenant between God and the people, emphasizing the importance of following God’s commandments to receive His favor and protection. These chapters also mark the passing of leadership from Moses to Joshua, signaling the beginning of a new chapter for the nation of Israel. Moses’ words are filled with urgency, compassion, and a deep desire for the people to choose life by remaining faithful to God.
