From today, we are going to begin examining the curses of Adonai starting from verse 16 of Deuteronomy 28.
The first thing you’ll notice is that the curses mirror precisely the six blessings listed in verses 1-6.
For example, verse 3 says…
“A blessing on you in the city, and a blessing on you in the countryside.”
In the exact opposite manner, verse 16 says…
“A curse on you in the city, and a curse on you in the countryside.”
Verse 4 says…
“A blessing on the fruit of your body, the fruit of your land and the fruit of your livestock — the young of your cattle and flocks.”
Corresponding to that, verse 18 says…
“A curse on the fruit of your body, the fruit of your land and the young of your cattle and flocks.”
Verse 5 says…
“A blessing on your grain-basket and kneading-bowl.”
Corresponding to that, verse 17 says…
“A curse on your grain-basket and kneading-bowl.”…
….and so on.
The lesson being communicated here is that obedience brings about certain results and disobedience brings about the exact opposite results.
Onward.
Beginning from verse 20, we’ll find that the six general curses are expounded upon with more specific examples given.
The three Hebrew words used to describe what God will do to frustrate or defeat a rebellious Hebrew are…
…ME’ERAH, MEHUMAH and MIG’ERET.
Don’t you just love that alliteration?
That’s why I think the best way to render these Hebrew words in English in order to keep the alliteration is to use the following three words:
CURSE, CONFUSION, and CUMBRANCE.
Let’s go over the meaning of these three Hebrew words.
The first consequence a Hebrew will suffer is ME’ERAH (curse) and this carries the idea of suffering or enduring a distressful event or disaster.
It could be a financial disaster that causes a great deal of stress or a severe illness (but not limited to these two things).
The second consequence is MEHUMAH (confusion) and it refers to the chaos and panic that ensues due to a war situation or major social upheaval.
Finally, the third consequence is MIG’ERET (cumbrance), and this refers to always facing problems or carrying a heavy burden in one’s life.
The idea is that no matter what you do or how much effort you put in, nothing seems to go well for you.
For example, you always seem to be struggling financially or just can’t seem to make any progress in your life.
This is what the Scripture tells us will happen to Israel if they ever decide to forsake the Lord and run after other gods.
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