Cursed is he who sleeps with his mother-in-law.' And let all the people say, 'Amen!' Cursed is he who sleeps with his mother-in-law.This phrase is part of a series of curses pronounced by Moses and the Levites on Mount Ebal as the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land. The act described here is a violation of the moral and social order established by God. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such an act would have been seen as a grave offense, disrupting family structures and dishonoring both the mother-in-law and the family. This curse underscores the importance of maintaining sexual purity and respecting familial boundaries, as outlined in Leviticus 18:8 and 20:11. The severity of the curse reflects the seriousness with which God views the sanctity of family relationships. And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ 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 Covenant The agreement between God and the Israelites, which includes adherence to His laws. Teaching Points The Sanctity of Family BoundariesGod's laws protect the integrity and sanctity of family relationships. Violating these boundaries leads to societal and spiritual decay. The Seriousness of Sexual Sin Sexual immorality is not just a personal sin but affects the community and one's relationship with God. It is crucial to uphold purity and holiness. The Role of Community in Upholding God's Standards The communal response of "Amen" signifies collective agreement and responsibility in maintaining God's laws. The community plays a role in accountability. The Importance of Obedience to God's Commands Obedience to God's laws is a sign of faithfulness and commitment to the covenant relationship with Him. Disobedience brings curses, while obedience brings blessings. Repentance and Restoration While the curse highlights the severity of sin, God's grace offers a path to repentance and restoration through Christ. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the command in Deuteronomy 27:23 reflect God's design for family relationships, and why is it important to uphold these boundaries today?2. In what ways can the church today act as a community that upholds God's standards, similar to the Israelites' communal response of "Amen"? 3. How do the consequences of sexual immorality, as seen in Deuteronomy 27:23 and other scriptures, impact both individuals and communities? 4. What steps can we take to ensure that we are living in obedience to God's commands, particularly in the area of sexual purity? 5. How can we apply the principles of repentance and restoration in our lives when we or others fall short of God's standards? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 18:8This verse also addresses unlawful sexual relations, emphasizing the sanctity of family boundaries. 1 Corinthians 5:1 Paul addresses a similar issue in the Corinthian church, highlighting the continuity of moral standards in both the Old and New Testaments. Genesis 2:24 Establishes the sanctity of marriage, which is violated by the act described in Deuteronomy 27:23. Proverbs 6:32 Discusses the consequences of adultery, reinforcing the destructive nature of such sins. Hebrews 13:4 Affirms the honor of marriage and the judgment against sexual immorality.
People Asher, Benjamin, Dan, Gad, Issachar, Joseph, Levi, Levites, Moses, Naphtali, Reuben, Simeon, ZebulunPlaces Beth-baal-peor, Jordan River, Mount Ebal, Mount GerizimTopics Amen, Cursed, Law, Lies, Lieth, Lying, Mother-in-law, Relations, Sex, SleepsDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 27:235719 mothers, responsibilities 1461 truth, 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 27:23 NIVDeuteronomy 27:23 NLT Deuteronomy 27:23 ESV Deuteronomy 27:23 NASB Deuteronomy 27:23 KJV Deuteronomy 27:23 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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