Biblical pictures are fascinating to me. Why? Because, the pictures show real people struggling with real issues. At the same time, the pictures show victory in the lives of those who learn to overcome by putting YHWH first in their life. In doing so, they set themselves apart from a self-centered cursed life to a spiritual life full of peace and assurance.
To better understand what is cursed and what is not, consider the words found in Deuteronomy 27, from which all of Israel accepted. From my perspective, these words address the depraved side of the human condition void of a Redeemer.
Just before entering into the land, promised to Israel, Moses states, “Be silent and listen, Israel! This day you have become a people for the LORD your God.”
What is Moses referring to? Israel is about ready to enter a land full of moral corruption in need of new life. Hence, Israel will be the “people for the Lord”—a banner of righteousness in Canaan. When reading, consider the reasons why Yahweh desires a banner of morality over piety. Ask yourself how each curse addresses a person’s heart condition.
The Hebrew word for curse is ‘arur (ארור), which conveys the idea of being without protection, particularly from Yahweh God. It signifies a state of being excluded from divine favor and blessing.
15‘Cursed is the person who makes a carved image or cast metal image, an abomination to the LORD, the work of the hands of a craftsman, and sets it up in secret.’ And all the people shall reply and say, ‘Amen.’
Who or what is being put in front of Yaweh God?The word abomination or toeba (to-ay-baw) found in H8440 means abominable in the ritual sense, idolatry made for illicit use in decrees of religion.
16‘Cursed is one who treats his father or mother contemptuously.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
The word contemptuously means sneeringly, scornfully, and with disdain.In the 10 commands found in Exodus 10, we are told to honor our parents so our days will be long.
17‘Cursed is one who displaces his neighbor’s boundary marker.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
When we live without boundaries how are we putting ourselves above others?How does coveting affect us?
18‘Cursed is one who misleads a person who is blind on the road.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
Really?Does the word bully sound appropriate.What causes a person to become a bully?
19‘Cursed is one who distorts the justice due a stranger, an orphan, or a widow.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
The Bible calls these types of people worthless.You can read about false witnesses in the story of Ahab trying to steal a vineyard and at Yeshua’s trial.
20‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his father’s wife, because he has uncovered his father’s garment.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
Jacob’s first born lost his entire inheritance due to this sin of personal desire and disregard.
21‘Cursed is one who has sexual intercourse with any animal.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
What causes this type of corruption in a person’s heart?
22‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his sister, the daughter of his father or of his mother.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
Does this happen in modern day families.What is the root cause?
23‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his mother-in-law.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
Similar to the above question.
24‘Cursed is he who attacks his neighbor in secret.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
In secret refers to gossip and behind closed doors.What is the heart issue in this case?
25‘Cursed is he who accepts a bribe to attack an innocent person.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
What causes us to love money over people?
26‘Cursed is anyone who does not fulfill the words of this Law by doing them.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
What is root of “this particular law” being accepted by Israel?Why is it important to regard this law when going into a land void of morality?
According to Ephesians, chapter one, how can we overcome our corruption? How can the human curse be remedied?
How does the practice of giving first fruits, tithe, and gifts steer our heart away from self-indulgence?
Consider the following portions:
- 12 “When you have finished paying all the tithe of your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, then you shall give it to the Levite, to the stranger, to the orphan, and to the widow, so that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied. 13 And you shall say before the LORD your God, ‘I have removed the sacred portion from my house, and have also given it to the Levite, the stranger, the orphan, and the widow, in accordance with all Your commandments which You have commanded me; I have not violated or forgotten any of Your commandments.” –Deut. 26
- Now He (Yeshua) looked up and saw the wealthy putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 And He saw a poor widow putting in two lepta coins (the smallest of all currency). 3 And He said, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; 4 for they all contributed to the offering from their surplus; but she, from her poverty, put in all that she had to live on.”
Be blessed this Sabbath,
Rollyn