15 “Cursed is anyone who makes an idol—a thing detestable to the Lord, the work of skilled hands—and sets it up in secret.”
Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”
16 “Cursed is anyone who dishonors their father or mother.”
Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”
17 “Cursed is anyone who moves their neighbor’s boundary stone.”
Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”
18 “Cursed is anyone who leads the blind astray on the road.”
Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”
19 “Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow.”
Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”
20 “Cursed is anyone who sleeps with his father’s wife, for he dishonors his father’s bed.”
Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”
21 “Cursed is anyone who has sexual relations with any animal.”
Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”
22 “Cursed is anyone who sleeps with his sister, the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother.”
Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”
23 “Cursed is anyone who sleeps with his mother-in-law.”
Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”
24 “Cursed is anyone who kills their neighbor secretly.”
Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”
25 “Cursed is anyone who accepts a bribe to kill an innocent person.”
Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”
26 “Cursed is anyone who does not uphold the words of this law by carrying them out.”
Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”
These curses were oaths. The oaths were spoken by the priests, and then the people affirmed them and promised to keep away from these wrong actions. Amen meant ‘so be it’. The people were to take responsibility for their actions. These restrictions are not threats from God. They are warnings about the plain facts about life. Do you warn your own children to stay away from dangerous actions like touching a hot stove or running across a busy street without looking both ways to make sure it is safe to cross? The natural law of the universe is clear. Wrongdoing toward others or God has tragic consequences. God is merciful and tells us this truth plainly. God is motivated by love not anger. God’s strong words are plain and are to help you avoid the serious consequences that come about if you choose to wrong others or neglect God. Thank goodness God does not leave us with curses only, we can receive the great blessings or positive consequences that come from living for God. Obeying and living for God brings blessings to your life, and know that even many of these blessings do not come in your lifetime on earth, you will experience the fullness of God’s blessing when he establishes the New Heaven and the New Earth.
Spirit and Truth
