Deuteronomy 28 Commentary

Moses continued to outline the script for the ceremony to be performed once they had success taking Canaan. This part urged the Israelites to obey their covenant partner, Yahweh, in order that they may be blessed beyond measure in the land of Canaan, which was God’s promise to them if they followed faithfully the terms of the agreement.

Moses continues with the series of blessings. He now tells Israel that the Suzerain God will defeat their enemies, establish Israel as a holy people to Himself, and give them a leadership position over all the peoples of the earth, provided that they obey the terms of the covenant.

Moses spells out the curses that will fall on the Israelites if they fail to obey their Suzerain (Ruler) God.

Moses elaborates on the curses the Suzerain (Ruler) God will bring on Israel if they fail to abide by His covenantal laws. These curses are in the form of natural disasters, diseases, and agricultural failures.

The Israelites would constantly suffer military defeat if they fail to follow the LORD.

The LORD will afflict the Israelites with various kind of diseases if they fail to obey the covenant.

Moses tells the Israelites that their main agricultural products—grain, wine, and oil—will be destroyed if they fail to obey their Suzerain (Ruler) God.

Moses reminds the Israelites that the described curses will come upon them if they fail to obey the LORD. These curses will cause absolute misery and poverty in Israel.

Moses continues with the series of curses. He now tells Israel that their Suzerain (Ruler) God will send a foreign nation to besiege the walled cities and devastate the countryside, ruining their lives.

Moses continues the warnings concerning the Israelites violating God’s covenantal laws. In this section, He describes widespread disease and multiple disasters if they fail to live in complete obedience to the LORD.

Moses then described what life would be like in exile, where they would serve other gods, live in constant fear for their lives, and be sold into slavery.