“Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.”
Context: The book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible and contains the final sermons of Moses before the Israelites entered the Promised Land. In this verse, Moses is instructing the people of Israel to follow and obey the entire law that God had given them.
The Curse: The verse begins with a curse, stating that anyone who fails to confirm or uphold all the words of the law is cursed. The curse implies severe consequences or divine punishment for disobedience. It underscores the importance of complete obedience to God’s commandments.
Observing the Law: The phrase “confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them” emphasizes the need for both verbal agreement (confirmation) and practical obedience (doing). It implies that simply acknowledging the law is insufficient; it must be followed and practiced wholeheartedly.
Comprehensive Obedience: The phrase “all the words of this law” emphasizes the importance of complete obedience to God’s commandments. It implies that selective obedience or cherry-picking certain laws is unacceptable. God expects His people to obey all His commandments without exception.
The People’s Response: The verse concludes by stating that “all the people shall say, Amen.” This response signifies the agreement and affirmation of the people to the curse and their commitment to uphold the law. By saying “Amen,” they are expressing their consent and willingness to accept the consequences if they fail to comply with God’s law.
Application: Deuteronomy 27:26 reminds believers of the significance of obedience to God’s commandments. It highlights the importance of not only knowing God’s Word but also applying it in our lives. The verse challenges us to be diligent in observing all of God’s instructions and to avoid selective obedience or compromise.
Jesus Christ’s Fulfillment: While Deuteronomy 27:26 emphasizes the curse for failing to keep the law, the New Testament reveals that Jesus Christ fulfilled the requirements of the law on behalf of humanity. Through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and resurrection, Jesus became the ultimate atoning sacrifice for our sins, providing redemption and grace. As believers in Christ, we are no longer under the curse of the law but are justified by faith in Him (Galatians 3:13-14).
In summary, Deuteronomy 27:26 highlights the importance of complete obedience to God’s law and the consequences of failing to uphold it. It underscores the need for believers to wholeheartedly embrace and apply God’s commandments in their lives. However, in the context of the New Testament, we find that Jesus Christ fulfilled the law and offers salvation and grace to those who believe in Him.
