Daily reading

Today’s reading is: Deut. 26:1-29:1

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Deuteronomy Chapter Twenty-Six

  1. Moses reminds Israel about the importance of the first first-fruits offerings as the first order of business in testifying to His faithfulness in bringing them out of Egypt and into the promised land (Deut. 26:1-11).
  2. Moses reminds Israel about the importance of the third-year tithe providing for civil charity (Deut. 26:12-15 cf. 14:28,29).
  3. Moses closes this 3rd Farewell Discourse by reminding Israel about the importance of being a holy nation accountable to the Lord (Deut. 26:16-19).

Deuteronomy Chapter Twenty-Seven

  1. Moses opens his 4th Farewell Discourse by assembling the elders of Israel, and charging Israel to obey the Lord in every command (Deut. 27:1-8).
    1. Lime-coated stones are to be positioned on Mount Ebal with the Torah written distinctly (vv.2-4,8).
    2. An altar of uncut stones is also to be placed on Mount Ebal (vv.5-7).
  2. Moses provides instructions for the blessings and cursings to be pronounced on Mt. Gerazim and Mt. Ebal, with twelve specific curses declared and amen-ed (Deut. 27:9-26).
    1. This day you have become a people (Dt. 27:9). Crossing the Jordan River was more momentous for Israel’s history than crossing the Red Sea.
    2. Moses charges the nation to assemble on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal for the antiphonal blessings and cursings (Dt. 27:11-13 cf. 11:29). In response to this charge, a Levitical team will pronounce a Dodecalogue of Curses for the twelve tribes to Amen (Dt. 27:14-26).

Deuteronomy Chapter Twenty-Eight

  1. Moses continues the instructions for the blessings and cursings of Mt. Gerazim and Mt. Ebal, with specific promises for each category of Divine faithfulness (Deut. 28:1-48).
    1. Diligent national obedience will bring about national preeminence (Deut. 28:1).
    2. Blessings will come upon them, and overtake them (Deut. 28:2).
    3. National blessings are contingent upon national observance and divine service (Deut. 28:3-14).
    4. National curses are contingent upon national disobedience and idolatry (Deut. 28:15-48).
  2. Moses prophesies concerning Israel’s future destruction (Deut. 28:49-63) & dispersion (Deut. 28:64-69).