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Deuteronomy 11:26
Verse
Context
A Blessing and a Curse
25No man will be able to stand against you; the LORD your God will put the fear and dread of you upon all the land, wherever you set foot, as He has promised you.26See, today I am setting before you a blessing and a curse—27a blessing if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you today,
Sermons
John Henry Jowett
Walter Beuttler
Chuck SmithChuck SmithSummary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse--(See on Deu 27:11). Next: Deuteronomy Chapter 12
John Gill Bible Commentary
Are they not on the other side Jordan,.... Opposite to that where Moses now was in the plains of Moab, even in Samaria; so in the Misnah (t) it is said,"as soon as Israel passed over Jordan, they came to Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, which are in Samaria;''but those mountains were not near Jordan nor Jericho, to which the people of Israel came first, but sixty miles from thence; though they were, as Moses says, on the other side from the place they now were: by the way wherewith the sun goeth down; or, as the Targum of Jonathan,"after the way of the sun setting;''following that, or taking their direction from thence, signifying that they lay to the west of Jordan: in the land of the Canaanites; of that particular tribe or nation which were eminently called Canaanites, for these dwelt by the sea by the coast of Jordan, Num 13:29 or as further described: that dwell in the champaign over against Gilgal; in the plain open champaign country opposite to Gilgal; not that Gilgal Joshua encamped at before he came to Jericho, which in Moses's time was not known by that name, but another, as Dr. Lightfoot (u) observes, and he thinks Galilee is meant: beside the plains of Moreh; near to Shechem, Gen 12:6 and that Gerizim, one of these mountains, was not far from Shechem, is evident from Jdg 9:6 and so in the Misnah (w) it is said, that these mountains were on the side of Shechem, which is in the plains of Moreh, as in Deu 11:30 as the plains of Moreh here denote Shechem, so there: Benjamin of Tudela says (x) there is a valley between them, in which lies Shechem; and in his time there were on Mount Gerizim fountains and orchards, but Mount Ebal was dry like stones and rocks. The Targum of Jonathan here, instead of Moreh, reads Mamre; see Gen 13:18. (t) Sotah, c. 7. sect. 5. (u) Chorograph. Cent. c. 48. (w) Sotah, c. 7. sect. 5. (x) Itinerarium, p. 38, 40.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here Moses concludes his general exhortations to obedience; and his management is very affecting, and such as, one would think, should have engaged them for ever to God, and should have left impressions upon them never to be worn out. I. He sums up all his arguments for obedience in two words, the blessing and the curse (Deu 11:26), that is, the rewards and the punishments, as they stand in the promises and the threatenings, which are the great sanctions of the law, taking hold of hope and fear, those two handles of the soul, by which it is caught, held, and managed. These two, the blessing and the curse, he set before them, that is, 1. He explained them, that they might know them; he enumerated the particulars contained both in the blessing and in the curse, that they might see the more fully how desirable the blessing was, and how dreadful the curse. 2. He confirmed them, that they might believe them, made it evident to them, by the proofs he produced of his own commission, that the blessing was not a fool's paradise, nor the curse a bugbear, but that both were real declarations of the purpose of God concerning them. 3. He charged them to choose which of these they would have, so fairly does he deal with them, and so far is he from putting out the eyes of these men, as he was charged, Num 16:14. They and we are plainly told on what terms we stand with Almighty God. (1.) If we be obedient to his laws, we may be sure of a blessing, Deu 11:27. But, (2.) If we be disobedient, we may be as sure of a curse, Deu 11:28. Say you to the righteous (for God has said it, and all the world cannot unsay it) that it shall be well with them: but woe to the wicked, it shall be ill with them. II. He appoints a public and solemn proclamation to be made of the blessing and curse which he had set before them, upon the two mountains of Gerizim and Ebal, Deu 11:29, Deu 11:30. We have more particular directions for this solemnity in Deu 27:11, etc., and an account of the performance of it, Jos 8:33, etc. It was to be done, and was done, immediately upon their coming into Canaan, that when they first took possession of that land they might know upon what terms they stood. The place where this was to be done is particularly described by Moses, though he never saw it, which is one circumstance among many that evidences his divine instructions. It is said be near the plain, or oaks, or meadows, of Moreh, which was one of the first places that Abraham came to in Canaan; so that in sending them thither, to hear the blessing and the curse, God reminded them of the promise he made to Abraham in that very place, Gen 12:6, Gen 12:7. The mention of this appointment here serves, 1. For the encouragement of their faith in the promise of God, that they should be masters of Canaan quickly. Do it (says Moses) on the other side Jordan (Deu 11:30), for you may be confident you shall pass over Jordan, Deu 11:31. The institution of this service to be done in Canaan was an assurance to them that they should be brought into possession of it, and a token like that which God gave to Moses (Exo 3:12): You shall serve God upon this mountain. And, 2. It serves for an engagement upon them to be obedient, that they might escape that curse, and obtain that blessing, which, besides what they had already heard, they must shortly be witnesses to the solemn publication of (Deu 11:32): "You shall observe to do the statutes and judgements, that you may not in that solemnity be witnesses against yourselves."
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:26 In covenant contexts, a blessing is the outcome of obedience, while a curse is the result of disobedience (see chs 27–28).
Deuteronomy 11:26
A Blessing and a Curse
25No man will be able to stand against you; the LORD your God will put the fear and dread of you upon all the land, wherever you set foot, as He has promised you.26See, today I am setting before you a blessing and a curse—27a blessing if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you today,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Blessings and Cursings
By John Henry Jowett0DEU 11:26PRO 1:71CO 16:132TI 4:2HEB 12:6John Henry Jowett emphasizes the importance of not only focusing on the blessings but also acknowledging the warnings and rebukes in the Word of God. He warns against spiritual softness and the lack of moral stamina that comes from ignoring the severity of God's truth. Jowett urges believers to embrace both the gentleness and severity of God, to confront the fearfulness of sin, and to seek a love that passionately opposes all forms of evil.
Commentary Notes - Deuteronomy
By Walter Beuttler0DEU 5:29DEU 7:9DEU 11:26DEU 28:15DEU 30:19DEU 31:6DEU 32:4DEU 33:1DEU 34:10Walter Beuttler preaches on the book of Deuteronomy, emphasizing its significance as 'The Second Law' given by Moses to the new generation of Israel before entering the promised land. The book serves as a historical and legislative record, highlighting the importance of obedience as a demonstration of love, gratitude, and recognition of God's sovereignty. The key theme of the book is obedience, with Moses urging Israel to keep the covenant of the Lord for their well-being and continued possession of the land.
Deuteronomy 11:26
By Chuck Smith0Blessings and CursesChoicesDEU 11:26Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of making a choice between the path of blessing and the path of cursing as outlined in Deuteronomy 11:26. He explains that God desires to bless our lives, but His blessings are contingent upon our obedience and love for Him. Smith highlights that both individuals and nations can choose righteousness or rebellion, and the consequences of these choices are significant. He encourages believers to walk in God's ways to experience His peace and joy, while warning against the dangers of disobedience and idolatry. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a personal decision to follow the path that leads to God's blessings.
Deuteronomy 11:27
By Chuck Smith0Blessings and CursesChoicesDEU 11:26Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of making a conscious choice between the blessings and curses set before us by God. He explains that God desires to bless our lives, but His blessings are contingent upon our obedience and love for Him. The sermon outlines the two paths: one leading to blessings filled with joy and abundance, and the other leading to curses and destruction due to disobedience and idolatry. Ultimately, Smith reminds us that the choice between these paths lies in our hands, urging us to choose wisely.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse--(See on Deu 27:11). Next: Deuteronomy Chapter 12
John Gill Bible Commentary
Are they not on the other side Jordan,.... Opposite to that where Moses now was in the plains of Moab, even in Samaria; so in the Misnah (t) it is said,"as soon as Israel passed over Jordan, they came to Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, which are in Samaria;''but those mountains were not near Jordan nor Jericho, to which the people of Israel came first, but sixty miles from thence; though they were, as Moses says, on the other side from the place they now were: by the way wherewith the sun goeth down; or, as the Targum of Jonathan,"after the way of the sun setting;''following that, or taking their direction from thence, signifying that they lay to the west of Jordan: in the land of the Canaanites; of that particular tribe or nation which were eminently called Canaanites, for these dwelt by the sea by the coast of Jordan, Num 13:29 or as further described: that dwell in the champaign over against Gilgal; in the plain open champaign country opposite to Gilgal; not that Gilgal Joshua encamped at before he came to Jericho, which in Moses's time was not known by that name, but another, as Dr. Lightfoot (u) observes, and he thinks Galilee is meant: beside the plains of Moreh; near to Shechem, Gen 12:6 and that Gerizim, one of these mountains, was not far from Shechem, is evident from Jdg 9:6 and so in the Misnah (w) it is said, that these mountains were on the side of Shechem, which is in the plains of Moreh, as in Deu 11:30 as the plains of Moreh here denote Shechem, so there: Benjamin of Tudela says (x) there is a valley between them, in which lies Shechem; and in his time there were on Mount Gerizim fountains and orchards, but Mount Ebal was dry like stones and rocks. The Targum of Jonathan here, instead of Moreh, reads Mamre; see Gen 13:18. (t) Sotah, c. 7. sect. 5. (u) Chorograph. Cent. c. 48. (w) Sotah, c. 7. sect. 5. (x) Itinerarium, p. 38, 40.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here Moses concludes his general exhortations to obedience; and his management is very affecting, and such as, one would think, should have engaged them for ever to God, and should have left impressions upon them never to be worn out. I. He sums up all his arguments for obedience in two words, the blessing and the curse (Deu 11:26), that is, the rewards and the punishments, as they stand in the promises and the threatenings, which are the great sanctions of the law, taking hold of hope and fear, those two handles of the soul, by which it is caught, held, and managed. These two, the blessing and the curse, he set before them, that is, 1. He explained them, that they might know them; he enumerated the particulars contained both in the blessing and in the curse, that they might see the more fully how desirable the blessing was, and how dreadful the curse. 2. He confirmed them, that they might believe them, made it evident to them, by the proofs he produced of his own commission, that the blessing was not a fool's paradise, nor the curse a bugbear, but that both were real declarations of the purpose of God concerning them. 3. He charged them to choose which of these they would have, so fairly does he deal with them, and so far is he from putting out the eyes of these men, as he was charged, Num 16:14. They and we are plainly told on what terms we stand with Almighty God. (1.) If we be obedient to his laws, we may be sure of a blessing, Deu 11:27. But, (2.) If we be disobedient, we may be as sure of a curse, Deu 11:28. Say you to the righteous (for God has said it, and all the world cannot unsay it) that it shall be well with them: but woe to the wicked, it shall be ill with them. II. He appoints a public and solemn proclamation to be made of the blessing and curse which he had set before them, upon the two mountains of Gerizim and Ebal, Deu 11:29, Deu 11:30. We have more particular directions for this solemnity in Deu 27:11, etc., and an account of the performance of it, Jos 8:33, etc. It was to be done, and was done, immediately upon their coming into Canaan, that when they first took possession of that land they might know upon what terms they stood. The place where this was to be done is particularly described by Moses, though he never saw it, which is one circumstance among many that evidences his divine instructions. It is said be near the plain, or oaks, or meadows, of Moreh, which was one of the first places that Abraham came to in Canaan; so that in sending them thither, to hear the blessing and the curse, God reminded them of the promise he made to Abraham in that very place, Gen 12:6, Gen 12:7. The mention of this appointment here serves, 1. For the encouragement of their faith in the promise of God, that they should be masters of Canaan quickly. Do it (says Moses) on the other side Jordan (Deu 11:30), for you may be confident you shall pass over Jordan, Deu 11:31. The institution of this service to be done in Canaan was an assurance to them that they should be brought into possession of it, and a token like that which God gave to Moses (Exo 3:12): You shall serve God upon this mountain. And, 2. It serves for an engagement upon them to be obedient, that they might escape that curse, and obtain that blessing, which, besides what they had already heard, they must shortly be witnesses to the solemn publication of (Deu 11:32): "You shall observe to do the statutes and judgements, that you may not in that solemnity be witnesses against yourselves."
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:26 In covenant contexts, a blessing is the outcome of obedience, while a curse is the result of disobedience (see chs 27–28).