Page 117 - Pentateuch

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

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 emphasize 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).

The Lesson ...

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 fieldstones 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.”

The setting is vivid. Thousands of people are
gathered together, men and women and children.
Each person hears the curses. From each mouth
comes the Amen. Even though Moses is just giving
instructions from the other side of the Jordan, we
can envision with his listeners this event that
would occur weeks later. (See Joshua 8:30-35.) The
curses are pronounced on Mount Ebal, the
blessings on Gerizim. We wonder if the list of
curses in 27:15-26 is read a second time and
Fig. 83: Gerizim - Ebal expressed as blessings with a second “Amen” in
response to each. We also reflect on the presence
of an altar on Ebal, where the curses are pronounced. Is God teaching Israel even in the placement of the
altar? Knowing the sinful nature of the people, is God warning them of their continued need for sacrifice?
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