Cursed is he who sleeps with his father's wife, for he has violated his father's marriage bed.' And let all the people say, 'Amen!' ‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his father’s wife,This phrase addresses a specific sexual sin that was considered a grave offense in ancient Israelite society. The act of sleeping with one's father's wife is a violation of familial boundaries and is explicitly condemned in Leviticus 18:8 and 20:11. This sin disrupts the sanctity of the family unit, which was central to Israelite culture and law. The curse reflects the seriousness with which such transgressions were viewed, emphasizing the need for purity and respect within the family. This prohibition also underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of the marriage covenant, which is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. 1Co 5:1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality… for he has violated his father’s marriage bed.’ The phrase "violated his father’s marriage bed" indicates a breach of the sacred marital relationship. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the marriage bed symbolized the exclusive union between a husband and wife. Violating this union was not only a personal offense but also a communal one, as it threatened the social order and stability of the community. This act is seen as a direct affront to the father's authority and honor, which were highly valued in patriarchal societies. The violation of the marriage bed is also metaphorically used in the Bible to describe unfaithfulness to God, as seen in the prophetic writings where Israel's idolatry is likened to adultery. Gen 49:4 Uncontrolled as the waters, you will no longer excel,… And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ The communal response of "Amen" signifies agreement and acceptance of the curse by the entire assembly of Israel. This collective affirmation highlights the communal responsibility in upholding God's laws and the shared commitment to maintaining holiness within the community. The use of "Amen" is a declaration of truth and an acknowledgment of the righteousness of God's commandments. It also serves as a public witness to the covenant between God and His people, reinforcing the idea that the community is bound together by their adherence to divine law. This practice of communal affirmation is seen throughout Scripture, emphasizing unity and collective accountability. Neh 8:6 Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who delivered God's laws and commands, 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 Father and His Wife The individuals directly referenced in the curse, highlighting the sanctity of marriage and family. Teaching Points The Sanctity of MarriageMarriage is a sacred covenant established by God. Violating this covenant through adultery or incest is a serious sin that disrupts the family unit and dishonors God. Community Responsibility The communal response of "Amen" signifies collective agreement and responsibility in upholding God's laws. As a community, believers are called to support and maintain moral integrity. Consequences of Sin Sin has both personal and communal consequences. Understanding the gravity of sin helps believers to avoid actions that lead to spiritual and relational harm. Repentance and Restoration While the curse highlights the severity of sin, it also points to the need for repentance and the possibility of restoration through God's grace. Moral Vigilance Believers are encouraged to remain vigilant in their moral conduct, recognizing the subtle ways in which sin can infiltrate and damage relationships. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the communal response of "Amen" in Deuteronomy 27:20 reflect the importance of community accountability in maintaining moral standards?2. In what ways can the church today uphold the sanctity of marriage as described in this passage? 3. How does the account of Reuben in Genesis 35:22 serve as a warning for us regarding the consequences of violating family relationships? 4. What steps can individuals take to guard against sexual immorality and maintain purity in their relationships? 5. How can the principles found in Deuteronomy 27:20 be applied to modern issues of sexual ethics within the Christian community? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 18:8This verse also prohibits sexual relations with a father's wife, emphasizing the sanctity of familial relationships. 1 Corinthians 5:1-2 Paul addresses a similar situation in the Corinthian church, urging the community to uphold moral standards. Genesis 35:22 Reuben's sin with Bilhah, his father's concubine, serves as a historical example of this transgression. Proverbs 6:32-33 These verses discuss the consequences of adultery, reinforcing the destructive nature of such sins. Hebrews 13:4 This verse underscores the importance of honoring marriage and keeping the marriage bed pure.
People Asher, Benjamin, Dan, Gad, Issachar, Joseph, Levi, Levites, Moses, Naphtali, Reuben, Simeon, ZebulunPlaces Beth-baal-peor, Jordan River, Mount Ebal, Mount GerizimTopics Amen, Bed, Cursed, Dishonors, Father's, Lies, Lieth, Lying, Relations, Sex, Shame, Skirt, Sleeps, Uncovered, Uncovereth, WifeDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 27:20 1461 truth, nature of 5681 family, nature of Library ObedienceTake heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the Lord thy God. Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the Lord thy God, and do his commandments.' Deut 27: 9, 10. What is the duty which God requireth of man? Obedience to his revealed will. It is not enough to hear God's voice, but we must obey. Obedience is a part of the honour we owe to God. If then I be a Father, where is my honour?' Mal 1: 6. Obedience carries in it the life-blood of religion. Obey the voice of the Lord … Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments In Judæa and through Samaria - a Sketch of Samaritan History and Theology - Jews and Samaritans. How Christ is Made Use of for Justification as a Way. Gilgal, in Deuteronomy 11:30 what the Place Was. In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord Meditations of the Misery of a Man not Reconciled to God in Christ. Jesus' Last Public Discourse. Denunciation of Scribes and Pharisees. Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion: Or, to Communicate with Saints, as Saints, Proved Lawful. Deuteronomy Links Deuteronomy 27:20 NIVDeuteronomy 27:20 NLT Deuteronomy 27:20 ESV Deuteronomy 27:20 NASB Deuteronomy 27:20 KJV Deuteronomy 27:20 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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