Deuteronomy 28 is perhaps one of the often cited passages of Scriptures. In fact, most Christians speak the words contained therein without even knowing where they come from. It is the basis of the blessings that we pray for ourselves and for others – blessed when you come in, blessed when you go out; blessed in the city, blessed in the country, etc. These words, spoken by Moses to the Israelites, were to serve both as a promise and a warning.

The introductory parts of the blessings and the curses reveal to us what the LORD wanted from His people. The blessings were not automatic but conditional, pegged on their obedience. They were supposed to faithfully obey the commands of God, being careful to follow all His statutes. In doing so, then they were guaranteed to enjoy fruitfulness and abundance in the land of promise. However, if they failed to obey God’s commands, then the very opposite was guaranteed. Thus, blessings and curses in the Old Testament were closely associated with obedience or disobedience. No wonder then the Psalmist declares:

Moreover, by them (God’s commands) is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. (Psalm 19:11)

Although the nature of blessings and curses is different in the New Testament, as we will see tomorrow, this one truth remains as aptly captured in the classic hymn:

Trust and obey

For there’s no other way

To be happy in Jesus

But to trust and obey

Or even better, as Jesus would declare, “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” (John 13:17)

1. Do you think we can claim for ourselves the blessings of Deuteronomy 28?

2. Why do you think obedience is so critical to our obtaining God’s blessings?