“Deuteronomy 27–28: Blessings and Cursings,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide (2002), 75–76
“Deuteronomy 27–28,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide, 75–76
Blessings and Cursings
In Leviticus 26, the Lord set before Israel the blessings they could receive if they kept His commandments and the punishments they would receive if they disobeyed. Deuteronomy 27–28 tells how Moses spoke to the Israelites about these same blessings and commandments, since they were children at the time of the events in Leviticus 26. This time, however, Moses gave more detailed instructions and used an “object lesson.” The object lesson began with a command to go to two mountains in the land of Canaan, Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, which were very close together. Six tribes were assigned to one mount where they were told to declare the promised blessings while the other six tribes stood on the other mount and responded by proclaiming the cursings. This event was to help remind the children of Israel that they were privileged to choose their future by their obedience.
Think about the following statement of President Joseph F. Smith, then President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, as you read Deuteronomy 28:
“These are the promises that the Lord made to the people of Israel anciently, if they would hearken unto His words and obey His laws.
“Now, I want to say to you without any hesitancy … that the words [in Deuteronomy 28:1–13] are as applicable to you as they were to the children of Israel. You are modern Israel and they were ancient Israel. The same God spake through His servant Moses that speaks today through His servant [the prophet]. Obedience to the laws of God will produce the same results today that it did anciently” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1899, 45).
Studying the Scriptures
Do at least two of the following activities (A–D) as you study Deuteronomy 28.
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How Does It Apply Today?
Deuteronomy 28:1–13 tells of blessings Israel will receive if they are faithful. Tell what you think each blessing means for the people of today, and record them in your notebook in a chart like the one below.
Verse
The Blessing
How the Principle Applies Today
1
Set above all nations
3
Blessed in the city and field
4
Blessed in fruit of the body, ground, animals
5
Blessed in basket and store
6
Blessed in coming in and out
7
Protected from enemies
8
Blessed in all undertakings
9
Be established as a holy people
10
Called by the name of the Lord
12
The Lord will open His good treasure
13
Made the head, not the tail
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Which One Would You Like?
From the list of blessings above, write which one you would like to receive and explain why.
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Consider the Curses
Deuteronomy 28:15–68 contains a very long section of curses. As you read them, choose two that you have seen happen to people who do not obey God’s commandments, and write about them. Your examples may come from people you know or know about or from the scriptures. You need not identify the people you know.
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Optional Activity
If God loves us, why must we suffer if we don’t repent? (see D&C 19:17). The following scriptures may help you answer this question: Alma 39:7; 42:16–24; Helaman 12:2–3; Doctrine and Covenants 90:36; 95:1–2.