“Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast. And all the people shall say, Amen.”
Deuteronomy 27:21 is part of a larger section known as the “Curses and Blessings” in the book of Deuteronomy. This chapter contains instructions given by Moses to the Israelites just before they were about to enter the Promised Land. Moses was reiterating the laws and commandments of God to the people, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness.
In this particular verse, God declares a curse upon anyone who engages in bestiality, which refers to sexual relations between a human and an animal. It is important to note that this prohibition against bestiality is not unique to the book of Deuteronomy but is consistent with the moral code and standards established by God throughout the Bible.
The inclusion of this specific prohibition against bestiality highlights God’s concern for the sanctity of human relationships and sexuality. God designed sexual relations to be within the context of a loving, committed marriage relationship between a man and a woman (see Genesis 2:24). Engaging in sexual acts with animals violates the inherent moral order established by God.
By pronouncing a curse upon those who commit bestiality, God is expressing His disapproval and the consequences of such actions. This curse serves as a deterrent and a reminder of the boundaries God has established for human conduct and sexual morality.
The response expected from the people, as mentioned in the verse, is “Amen,” which means “so be it” or “let it be.” This collective affirmation signifies the people’s agreement with God’s pronouncement of the curse. It demonstrates their commitment to upholding God’s moral standards and obedience to His commandments.
This verse, like other verses in the “Curses and Blessings” section, serves as a reminder that obedience to God’s laws brings blessings, while disobedience leads to curses and negative consequences. It emphasizes the importance of living in alignment with God’s will and acknowledging the divine authority over all aspects of life, including human sexuality.
As Christians, while we recognize the relevance and significance of this verse in its original context, it is important to note that we are no longer under the Old Testament law. Through Jesus Christ, a new covenant was established (see Hebrews 9:15), and believers are called to follow the teachings and example of Christ as revealed in the New Testament.
In summary, Deuteronomy 27:21 addresses the prohibition against bestiality, highlighting God’s concern for maintaining proper boundaries in human relationships and sexual morality. The verse underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commandments and serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience.
