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Deuteronomy 27 (ESV)

Curses from Mount Ebal

9 Then Moses and the Levitical priests said to all Israel, “Keep silence and hear, O Israel: this day you have become the people of the Lord your God. 10 You shall therefore obey the voice of the Lord your God, keeping his commandments and his statutes, which I command you today.”

11 That day Moses charged the people, saying, 12 “When you have crossed over the Jordan, these shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin. 13 And these shall stand on Mount Ebal for the curse: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali. 14 And the Levites shall declare to all the men of Israel in a loud voice:

15 “‘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.’

16 “‘Cursed be anyone who dishonors his father or his mother.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’

17 “‘Cursed be anyone who moves his neighbor’s landmark.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’

18 “‘Cursed be anyone who misleads a blind man on the road.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’

19 “‘Cursed be anyone who perverts the justice due to the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’

20 “‘Cursed be anyone who lies with his father’s wife, because he has uncovered his father’s nakedness.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’

21 “‘Cursed be anyone who lies with any kind of animal.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’

22 “‘Cursed be anyone who lies with his sister, whether the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’

23 “‘Cursed be anyone who lies with his mother-in-law.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’

24 “‘Cursed be anyone who strikes down his neighbor in secret.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’

25 “‘Cursed be anyone who takes a bribe to shed innocent blood.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’

26 “‘Cursed be anyone who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’

 

REFLECTION:

• By virtue of their reaffirmation of their commitment to the Lord on the eve of entering a new situation, the Israelites constituted themselves as the People of God. It is not as if they were not God’s people before that moment, but new circumstances often require renewed commitment.  Christians too undertake sacred acts (particularly communion) through which we renew our relationship with Christ.
• Infractions of God’s law bring painful consequences. Twelve specific requirements are spelled out, all flowing from the Ten Commandments.  The people affirm their commitment to abide by them by declaring, “Amen”.

 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me today that You are a holy God and I am Your holy people. I am willing to devote myself to serve You and strive to follow Your laws and regulations. I want to seriously pursue the meaning of life and not waste my precious time in this world. Please teach me and walk with me every day, keeping me away from any impurity and unrighteousness, so that I can manifest Your holiness and righteousness in my daily words and deeds. After every prayer, worship, sermon, and sharing, I sincerely express my willingness to obey to You and to my brothers and sisters around me. Heavenly Father, please strengthen my will and shape my life so that I can strive to walk the path of heaven and experience Your presence more deeply. Do not let my daily “Amen” become a hollow echo, like a sounding gong or a clanging cymbal, but become a witness to a good life and a manifestation of the glory of the kingdom of heaven. May Your will be done and Your promises uphold my daily “Amen”. Amen!

 

HYMN:

Build My Life – www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZW4_8_zCBE