What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 27:23? “Cursed” The declaration comes from the LORD Himself through Moses, setting a solemn, unalterable verdict on the sin in view. Scripture treats curses as the opposite of covenant blessing (Deuteronomy 28:1–2, 15). They remind Israel—and us—that God’s moral standards are fixed, not arbitrary. Whenever the law pronounces a curse, it is: • a public warning (Deuteronomy 27:15 shows a pattern of listing sins and attaching curses) • a call to fear the LORD (Proverbs 1:7) • a statement that God’s justice will not overlook violations (Galatians 3:10 echoes these curses to show our need for redemption) “is he who sleeps” The phrase points to deliberate sexual behavior, not accident or misunderstanding. Scripture consistently links sexual sin with severe consequences because it: • defiles the body, which is meant to honor God (1 Corinthians 6:18–20) • undermines family structures that God designed for blessing (Genesis 2:24) • invites divine judgment when unrepented (Hebrews 13:4) By specifying the act, Moses leaves no room for rationalizing or minimizing the offense. “with his mother-in-law.” This relationship is expressly forbidden in the holiness laws (Leviticus 18:17; 20:14). The sin fractures multiple covenants at once—marriage and family—producing compounded damage: • it violates the wife, the mother-in-law, and God’s created order • it brings disgrace on God’s people (2 Samuel 12:14 shows how sexual sin gives occasion for God’s enemies to blaspheme) • it pictures spiritual infidelity; Israel’s idolatry is often labeled “adultery” (Jeremiah 3:6–9) Because the family is God’s building block for society, corrupting it invites a curse that safeguards the community from spreading impurity. “And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’” The congregation’s response seals collective agreement: • “Amen” means “so be it,” affirming God’s verdict (Nehemiah 8:6). • The public “Amen” forms a covenant witness; everyone acknowledges the standard and the consequences (Joshua 24:22). • It also unites the whole nation in mutual accountability, strengthening communal holiness (Hebrews 10:24–25 encourages believers to stir one another toward righteousness). summary Deuteronomy 27:23 shows that God’s covenant community must treat sexual purity as non-negotiable. The curse warns that intimacy outside God’s design—especially within forbidden family relationships—invites His judgment. By responding “Amen,” God’s people embrace both the standard and the accountability that keep the community holy. |
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