Deuteronomy 27:11–13 (ESV): “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.”
The law brings both blessings and curses upon people. The point was to demonstrate our absolute need for Jesus. We would all be cursed without Christ. Thankfully His works satisfy the requirements of the law!
When the children of Israel came into the Promised Land the tribes were to separate and stand on two mountains overlooking the land. The tribes of Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin were to stand on Mount Gerizim and pronounce blessings over the obedient. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali were to stand on Mount Ebal and the Levites would pronounce curses on the disobedient. These are conditional promises. The hope is that they choose obedience.
Contrary to popular belief, the Lord still desires for us to walk in obedience and still
blesses those who do. He also chastises those who are disobedient. If you were under the weight of the law today, would you be blessed or cursed? Christians can choose to walk in obedience because we have the Spirit of God in us. May we choose the blessed life by being obedient to God by walking in His Spirit. Amen?
Father, thank You for Your Word that illustrates the blessing of obedience and the curse of disobedience. Keep our hearts focused on You so that we can walk in ways that please You, in Jesus' name, amen.
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