What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 27:22? Cursed is he - The verse opens with a solemn declaration of divine judgment. A “curse” is the opposite of God’s blessing; it signals separation from His favor (Deuteronomy 28:15–20; Galatians 3:10). - By placing this statement on Mount Ebal with the other covenant curses (Deuteronomy 27:13), the Lord publicly binds Israel to uphold His moral law. - The curse is not merely social disapproval—God Himself enforces it. This underscores His holy character and His right to define right and wrong (Leviticus 19:2; Isaiah 5:20). who sleeps with his sister - The act described is sexual intercourse with one’s sister, a clear violation of God’s created order for family relationships (Leviticus 18:6–9; 20:17). - Incest strikes at the heart of family integrity, which is designed to mirror God’s covenant faithfulness (Ephesians 5:25, 32). - Scripture records tragic fallout when this line is crossed, such as Amnon’s sin against his sister Tamar and its devastating aftermath (2 Samuel 13:11–15, 28-29). the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother - This phrase removes any loophole: whether the sister is full, half, or step, the prohibition stands (Genesis 20:12 highlights why this needed to be clarified). - God intends marriage to exist outside the immediate family, preserving genetic health and social stability. Violating that boundary invites judgment (Leviticus 20:17, “They shall be cut off in the sight of their people”). - The family is the fundamental training ground for love, respect, and protection. Turning it into a context for sexual gratification corrupts that purpose (1 Timothy 5:1-2). And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ - “Amen” means “so be it,” signaling entire-community agreement with God’s standard (Nehemiah 8:6; 1 Chronicles 16:36). - Public assent makes each person accountable, reinforcing that righteousness is not optional but required (Romans 1:32, “they know God’s righteous decree”). - By responding together, Israel affirms God’s authority and pledges mutual responsibility to uphold His commands (Hebrews 3:13 urges believers to exhort one another daily). summary Deuteronomy 27:22 warns that incest brings divine curse, not obscure cultural taboo. God protects the sanctity of family, demands holiness, and calls His people to agree with Him openly. Obedience secures blessing; defiance invites judgment—truths as relevant today as when Moses first spoke them. |
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