Deuteronomy 27-28

We begin today with Moses’s final words to the Israelites before they cross over the Jordan River into Canaan. Once they were able to successfully make their way into the land God had promised them, Moses ordered that they were to write the Law on large stones “very plainly” (27:8; emphasis added). This was common practice for those in the ancient Near East,[i] but for those called to teach and preach God’s Word here and now, we must not lose sight of our responsibility to present our flocks with the Scriptures in a similar manner. Rather than trying to impress others with our oratory skills, let us plainly present God’s truths from the Bible and allow the Holy Spirit to bring about true, lasting transformation to those who hear His Word proclaimed.

The remainder of our reading outlines various curses and blessings for the Israelites as they willfully enter into a covenant with God (keep in mind it was their elder family members who did so initially in the book of Exodus when receiving the Ten Commandments at Sinai). As you read through the sins that made one cursed in the latter part of Deuteronomy 27, and then the list of curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28, it is important to remember two things. First, can you imagine how somber a moment hearing the articulation of all these curses had to be for the Israelites? I am overwhelmed just thinking about what would happen if (when) they disobeyed God. (We have the full picture of Israel’s story and know that these curses, notably exile into foreign captivity, came to fruition.)  

Second, for us here and now, we must also acknowledge that punishment awaits those who live a life of unrepentant sin and fail to submit themselves to Jesus Christ as Lord. However, the good news of the Gospel is that, on this side of the Cross, we also know to be true that “Christ redeemed [His followers] from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13). Matthew Henry summarizes this key truth and its implications for us in the present: 

Without the atoning blood of Christ, sinners can neither have communion with a holy God, nor do anything acceptable to him; his righteous law condemns everyone who, at any time, or in any thing, transgresses it. Under its awful curse we remain as transgressors, until the redemption of Christ is applied to our hearts. Wherever the grace of God brings salvation, it teaches the believer to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, consenting to, and delighting in the words of God’s law, after the inward man. In this holy walk, true peace and solid joy are to be found.[ii]

Friends, contrary to what some believe, teach, or profess, when we choose to receive God’s grace, it should compel us to live for Him and in obedience to His commands to be a set-apart, holy, and distinct people. It is not a pass to keep on sinning so that grace may abound (Romans 6:1). Assuredly, this holy walk on the narrow path is where true peace, contentment, joy, and life are found. What about that other path, the one that is traveled by many who look like they are living the “good life”? Its end is destruction at the hands of a God of justice and wrath. May I encourage you now in the strongest sense to “Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your fleshand refreshment to your bones” (Proverbs 3:7-8).

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Journal responses to the following prompts:

·       If you were in the audience, how would you have felt about God when Moses presented you with the various blessings and curses as outlined in today’s reading? Would you have been overwhelmed at the thought of what would happen if (when) you disobeyed? Let that feeling prompt you to praise God for His grace and forgiveness through the blood of Jesus Christ. 

·       Have you viewed God’s grace as a license to keep on sinning? If so, please read the entirety of Romans 6 before putting down your Bible. 

[i] Deuteronomy 27 – Stones of witness. (n.d.). Enduring Word. Retrieved June 22, 2026, from https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/deuteronomy-27/

[ii] Deuteronomy 27 Bible commentary. (n.d.). Christianity.com. Retrieved June 22, 2026, from 

https://www.christianity.com/bible/commentary/matthew-henry-concise/deuteronomy/27