The Twelve Curses of Deuteronomy

Text: Deut. 27:14-26

These were special curses spoken by the Levites after that spoken by six tribes on mount Ebal, following Israel's entrance into Canaan (27:2; Josh. 8:30-35). Whereas the details of the six tribes' curse is not given, nor the details of the other tribes' blessing, the details of the Levitical curses are provided. These details may hint at what the six tribes said, or they may be the actual curse mentioned in 27:13. I don't support the latter position, since "all the people" participate in these curses (v. 15ff.), including the tribes commanded to bless (v. 12). So perhaps these are "capstone" curses from the tribe that mediated between the Lord and Israel, which gives them supreme authority (note: Moses and Aaron were Levites; cf. Ex. 6:16-27).

I don't think it a coincidence that twelve curses are given, since "all the people" of the TWELVE tribes affirm them. As unpleasant as the context and topical material is, it's worth analyzing the curses to understand and appreciate the holiness of God in contrast to the proclivities of Israel under the Mosaic law.

So what types of things does God particularly hate and warn his people they'll be grievously judged (i.e. cursed) for practicing? This analysis sheds some wonderful and touching light on God's character, which the entire Bible (including the drier parts) reveals.

1. Idolatry, open or secret (v. 15)--Sinaitic commandment #2

2. Dishonouring parents (v. 16)--Sinaitic commanment #5

3. Property violations (v. 17; cf. Prov. 22:28; 23:10-11)

4. Harming the handicapped (v.18; Lev. 19:14)

5. Unrighteous dealings with the disadvantaged (v. 19; Ex. 22:21-24)

6.-9. Illicit sexual unions (vv. 20-23; 4 of 12 curses!)--Sinaitic commandment #7; parental figures, siblings, animals (cf. Lev. 18, 20)

10. Murder (v. 24); premeditated, not accidental (cf. Num. 35)--Sinaitic commandment #6, per Mt. 19:18

11. Paid murder of the innocent (v. 25)

12. Apostasy; lack of perseverance (v. 26)--seems like the most comprehensive curse of all...if you don't persevere under the law, you are cursed/lost (Gal.3:10; Rom. 10:5)

In my view, all of these curses teach us something about the character of God, especially the last one, which calls for holistic devotion from Israel worthy of a holy God.

I hope that you've found this study edifying, despite the context. Remember, "to the hungry soul, every bitter thing is sweet" (Prov.).