“And it shall come to pass, when the Lord thy God hath brought thee in unto the land whither thou goest to possess it, that thou shalt put the blessing upon mount Gerizim, and the curse upon mount Ebal.”
Context:The book of Deuteronomy is part of the Torah, which contains the laws and teachings given to the Israelites by Moses. It serves as a reminder and renewal of God’s covenant with Israel before they enter the Promised Land.
The Promised Land:In this verse, Moses addresses the Israelites before they enter the land of Canaan, the Promised Land. God had promised this land to their ancestors, and now the time has come for them to possess it.
Blessing and Curse:Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal are two mountains located in the region of Shechem, which is near the center of the land of Canaan. These mountains symbolise the two-fold response of God to the obedience or disobedience of His people.
- Mount Gerizim: This mountain represents the place of blessing. When the Israelites enter the land and possess it, they are instructed to put the blessing upon Mount Gerizim. This indicates the place where the blessings of obedience to God’s commandments will be pronounced and experienced. It symbolises the prosperity and abundance that will come upon the Israelites if they walk in obedience to God.
- Mount Ebal: On the other hand, Mount Ebal represents the place of curse. The Israelites are instructed to put the curse upon this mountain. It symbolises the consequences of disobedience to God’s commandments. If the Israelites turn away from God and follow other gods or engage in disobedience, they will experience the curse and the negative consequences that result from their actions.
Obedience and Consequences:This verse highlights the importance of obedience to God’s commandments. The Israelites are given a clear choice between blessings and curses based on their obedience or disobedience. It serves as a reminder that their actions have consequences, and their relationship with God is intimately connected to their obedience.
Application:While this verse specifically addressed the Israelites entering the Promised Land, the principle of obedience and its consequences applies to us today. It teaches us the importance of walking in obedience to God’s commandments and the blessings that result from doing so. Conversely, it reminds us of the potential negative consequences of disobedience to God’s will.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 11:29 emphasises the significance of obedience to God’s commandments and the consequences that follow. It serves as a reminder that God desires His people to choose the path of blessing by faithfully following Him. May we seek to obey God’s Word and experience His abundant blessings in our lives.
