Deuteronomy 27:18

Cursed is he who lets a blind man wander in the road.' And let all the people say, 'Amen!'

Study Bible

Cursed is he who lets a blind man wander in the road.
This phrase is part of a series of curses pronounced by the Levites upon Mount Ebal, as instructed by Moses. The context is a covenant renewal ceremony where the Israelites affirm their commitment to God's laws before entering the Promised Land. The curse highlights the moral and ethical responsibility to protect and care for the vulnerable, such as the blind. In ancient Near Eastern culture, blindness was often associated with helplessness, and the law here underscores the importance of justice and compassion. This command reflects the broader biblical principle of loving one's neighbor (Leviticus 19:14) and is echoed in the New Testament teachings of Jesus, who emphasized care for the least of these (Matthew 25:40). The curse serves as a warning against exploiting or neglecting those who are defenseless, aligning with the character of God who is described as a protector of the weak (Psalm 146:8).

And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’
The response of "Amen" by the people signifies their agreement and acceptance of the covenant stipulations. In Hebrew, "Amen" means "so be it" or "truly," indicating a solemn affirmation of the truth and seriousness of the pronouncement. This communal response emphasizes the collective responsibility of the Israelites to uphold God's laws and the social order He established. It also reflects the participatory nature of worship and covenant in ancient Israel, where the community actively engaged in affirming their commitment to God's commands. The use of "Amen" in this context is a precursor to its use in Christian liturgy and prayer, where it continues to signify agreement and faith in God's promises (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who delivered God's laws and instructions, including the blessings and curses in Deuteronomy.

2. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, receiving the law as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

3. Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim
The locations where the blessings and curses were to be proclaimed to the Israelites.

4. The Levites
The tribe responsible for proclaiming the curses to the people.

5. The Blind Man
Represents those who are vulnerable and in need of guidance, both physically and spiritually.

Teaching Points

Respect for the Vulnerable
This verse underscores the importance of treating those who are vulnerable, such as the blind, with respect and care. It calls for a community that protects and supports its weakest members.

Integrity in Guidance
Leading someone astray, especially the vulnerable, is a serious offense. This principle applies to spiritual, moral, and practical guidance, urging believers to act with integrity.

Community Responsibility
The communal response of "Amen" signifies collective responsibility. The community is accountable for ensuring justice and righteousness in its treatment of all members.

Fear of the Lord
The curse serves as a reminder of the fear of the Lord, which should guide our actions and interactions with others, especially those who cannot defend themselves.

Spiritual Blindness
Beyond physical blindness, this verse can be applied to spiritual blindness, urging believers to guide others towards truth and light rather than deception.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command in Deuteronomy 27:18 reflect God's character and His concern for justice and righteousness?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of not leading others astray in our daily interactions, both within and outside the church community?

3. How does the communal "Amen" in response to the curse highlight the role of community in upholding God's standards?

4. What are some modern examples of leading the "blind" astray, and how can we actively work against these in our society?

5. How do the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament reinforce the principles found in Deuteronomy 27:18, and how can we live these out in our lives today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 19:14
This verse also addresses the treatment of the disabled, emphasizing the importance of fearing God and treating others with respect and dignity.

Proverbs 28:10
Discusses the consequences of leading the righteous astray, highlighting the broader principle of integrity and guidance.

Matthew 18:6
Jesus warns against causing others to stumble, especially those who are vulnerable, reinforcing the principle found in Deuteronomy 27:18.

Isaiah 42:16
God promises to lead the blind in ways they have not known, contrasting divine guidance with human deception.

Romans 14:13
Paul advises believers not to put stumbling blocks in each other's way, echoing the sentiment of not leading others astray.