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Deuteronomy 30:1,15-20
And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come upon thee, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before thee, and thou shalt callthem to mind among all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath driven thee, …

Galatians 3:10,13,14
For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursedis every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them…

I am setting before you
This indicates a deliberate act by God through Moses, presenting the Israelites with a clear choice. The phrase suggests a legal or covenantal setting, where options are laid out for the people to choose. It reflects the Deuteronomic theme of choice and consequence, emphasizing human responsibility in the covenant relationship with God. This mirrors the choices given inGenesis 2:16-17, where Adam and Eve were presented with the option to obey or disobey God.

a blessing and a curse—
The blessing and curse represent the two paths available to the Israelites based on their obedience or disobedience to God's commandments. The blessing is associated with obedience, leading to prosperity and life, while the curse results from disobedience, leading to adversity and death. This duality is a central theme in Deuteronomy, particularly in chapters 27 and 28, where blessings and curses are detailed. The concept of blessing and curse is also seen in the covenant with Abraham inGenesis 12:1-3, where obedience leads to blessing for all nations. The ultimate fulfillment of blessing is found in Jesus Christ, who redeems from the curse of the law as stated inGalatians 3:13-14.

- The verse opens with an invitation to look, not just glance. God wants His people to fix their eyes on what He is about to reveal. “See, I have set before you today life and goodness, as well as death and disaster” (Deuteronomy 30:15) echoes this call to notice.

- Similar summons appear when God lays out choices: “Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death” (Jeremiah 21:8).

- The Lord never hides His will; He places it right where we can see it, so no one can claim ignorance (Deuteronomy 29:29).

- The decision is immediate. “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15). Obedience is not a future project but a current response.

- Hebrews presses the urgency: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:7–8).

- Jesus likewise places discipleship in the daily realm: “Take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). God’s offers are never theoretical; they demand present-tense action.

- The personal “I” underscores that the options come straight from the Lord, not human invention. “For this commandment I give you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach” (Deuteronomy 30:11).

- Paul quotes this accessibility: “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart” (Romans 10:8).

- Like a loving parent placing choices on the table, God positions His word squarely in front of us (Proverbs 4:20). We can’t say the path was hidden or ambiguous.

- Obedience unlocks tangible favor. “If you will faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God… the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations” (Deuteronomy 28:1).

- Blessing is pictured as flourishing: “He is like a tree planted by streams of water” (Psalm 1:2-3).

- Jesus affirms the same principle: “If you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them” (John 13:17).

- James ties it to active obedience: “He will be blessed in what he does” (James 1:25). God’s blessing is both spiritual and practical, touching every sphere of life.

- The flip side is just as real. “If you do not obey… all these curses will come upon you and overtake you” (Deuteronomy 28:15).

- Leviticus warns that persistent rebellion brings escalating consequences (Leviticus 26:14-39).

- The New Testament keeps the principle intact: “Whatever a man sows, he will reap… the one who sows to please his flesh will reap destruction” (Galatians 6:7-8).

- God’s curse is not petty retaliation; it is the inevitable outcome of rejecting His good design. He spells it out so clearly that no one stumbles into it unwittingly.

Deuteronomy 11:26 presents a clear-cut choice, offered by a gracious God who speaks plainly. He calls us to pay attention (“See”), respond now (“today”), recognize His direct initiative (“I am setting before you”), and understand the stakes—overflowing favor for obedience (“a blessing”) or painful consequences for rebellion (“and a curse”). The verse is both a warning and an invitation, urging every hearer to choose the path of life without delay.

A blessing and a curse.--Literally,blessing and cursing--the blessing if ye obey, and the curse if ye do not.