April 21, 2022 - Deuteronomy 28-29

O B E D I E N C E is a song we taught our children when they were young. It was a catchy tune and easy to remember as the kids grew up. The song also was useful to teach a principle that we all must learn. "Obedience is the very best thing to show that you believe...."

Israel was to demonstrate obedience and based on that obedience they would be blessed. Six tribes of Israel stood on Mount Gerizim (Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin). If the people of God were obedient, then the blessings of 28:7-14 were to be poured out upon the nation and they would be exalted above all the nations of the earth (28:1).

The occasions when the Israelites did not obey, they would be cursed. In 28:16-28, the six tribes of Israel (Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali) were to stand on Mount Ebal and shout out the curses that would fall upon the people of God if they were disobedient. There were twelve curses or warnings they shouted out indicating their acknowledgment of what would occur if Israel was disobedient.

By standing and repeating both the blessings and the curses to one another, the entire nation recognized their responsibilities before God and each other. The crucial fact for all to see was that obedience brings blessings, but disobedience brings discipline. Next time, when tempted to disobey God's word, consider the warnings in scripture and choose OBEDIENCE!