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Study Section 16: Pentateuch Part VI:
Treaty Blessings and Curses and Witnesses
Deuteronomy 27-28, 29-32

16.1 Connect

The form of a vassal treaty requires next a series of blessings and curses. Normally the curses
are much longer than the blessings. This is true in Deuteronomy as well. Curses are listed in
27:15-26 and in 28:15-68, a heavy imbalance with the blessings of 28:1-14. As with the other
forms in the Pentateuch borrowed from the culture, these chapters also contain some unique
features that use the form in YHWH’s way rather than the more typical message in pagan
treaties.

The last portion of the vassal treaty, the last portion of Deuteronomy, and the last portion of the
Pentateuch emphasis witnesses to the covenant in 29-32. The word “witness” is used twice, but the
language of testimony is frequent. The event is solemn. “You are standing here with us today in the
presence of the LORD (29:12, 15).” Their response cannot be superficial only. Their hearts must be
involved (29:18, 19: 30:1, 2, 6, 10, 14, 17; 32:46). The heavens and the earth are called as witnesses to
their choice (30:19). The law placed in the Ark of the Covenant would be a witness (31:26). The words in
the form of a song are witnesses as well, words to be sung over and over in the future (31:19).

16.2 Objectives

1. You will see God’s warnings about the impossibility of following the law.

2. You will review some of Israel’s history illustrating this impossibility.

3. You will review some of the New Testament passages illustrating the impossibility.

4. You will learn about God’s solution to the impossibility of following the law.

5. You will see the structure of a song that outlines the history of Israel to the end times.

6. You will consider the words written by a later author still waiting for the One to come like Moses.

16.3 Treaty Blessings and Curses and Witnesses

When Israel gets into the land, they are to set up some large stones coated with plaster. They
are to write on the stones “all the words of this law” (27:3). They are to use uncut field
stones also for an altar for burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, rejoicing in God’s gift of
the Promised Land and, even more, his continued presence (vv. 6-7). The altar is constructed
on Mount Ebal. The entire nation gathers, half standing on Mount Gerizim and half on Mount
Ebal. The Levites recite a list of curses. The people respond, “Amen.”

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