Daily reading
Today’s reading is: Deut. 26:1-29:1
Video
Deuteronomy Chapter Twenty-Six
- 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).
- Moses reminds Israel about the importance of the third-year tithe providing for civil charity (Deut. 26:12-15 cf. 14:28,29).
- 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
- 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).
- Lime-coated stones are to be positioned on Mount Ebal with the Torah written distinctly (vv.2-4,8).
- An altar of uncut stones is also to be placed on Mount Ebal (vv.5-7).
- 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).
- 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.
- 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
- 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).
- Diligent national obedience will bring about national preeminence (Deut. 28:1).
- Blessings will come upon them, and overtake them (Deut. 28:2).
- National blessings are contingent upon national observance and divine service (Deut. 28:3-14).
- National curses are contingent upon national disobedience and idolatry (Deut. 28:15-48).
- Moses prophesies concerning Israel’s future destruction (Deut. 28:49-63) & dispersion (Deut. 28:64-69).