The Blessings & Curses in Deuteronomy through history and into our day
This past week has seen the attention of all major news websites and networks focus on a man who has just died. While many around the globe have been reading his obituary, and as I write this heads of state from around the world are traveling to attend his funeral, few are making the connection between this man’s life, and the final words of another man who made some sweeping pronouncements about 3500 years ago – who was about to die. From the perspective of deep history, the impact of the man’s life that has just passed, though resonating so powerfully around the world right now, can be seen as just one wave in a much stronger and deeper current that was unleashed by this other man who lived so long ago.
The man in question who just passed away is Ariel Sharon, the former Prime Minister of Israel and, according to many of these news outlets, was one of the fiercest and most brilliant military leaders in our generation. Reading through some of his military exploits sounds like the toughness of Rambo, the cunning of James Bond, and the ruthlessness of Genghis Khan – all rolled into one. But his bold political moves – sometimes towards confrontation and sometimes to peace – were equally as influential as his military exploits.
Though I have found these obituaries interesting reading, it is in the context of the last words of the earlier man – Moses – that the reading of the career of Ariel Sharon shifts gears to make me feel wonder, fascination, and even a little somewhat ‘eerie’. So permit me to unpack a part of the Bible seldom read so that you too can consider the impact of Moses’s parting words through lives like that of Ariel Sharon.
Moses’ final Farewell Speech
Moses lived about 1500 BC and he wrote the first five books of the Bible – known as the Pentateuch or the Torah. In the fifth book, Deuteronomy, were his final messages given months before he died. He concludes this final book, just before his passing, by issuing a set of sweeping Blessings and Curses to the people of Israel – the Jews. They can be viewed as his Farewell Speech. These Blessings and Curses were to be in effect down through history and were explicitly to be reflected on, not just by the Jews, but also by the surrounding nations. Any way you slice it that was meant to include you and me. You can read the complete Blessings and Curses here. I highlight the main points below.
The Blessings of Moses
Moses had previously issued the Ten Commandments and the Law which are detailed in the earlier books of the Pentateuch. Moses starts his Farewell Speech by describing blessings that the Israelites would receive if they obeyed The Law. These blessings were explicitly to be from the hand of God and would be in the sight of the other nations so that they would recognize His blessing. The outcome of these blessings would be that:
Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they will fear you. (Deuteronomy 28:10)
… and the Curses
However, if the Israelites failed to obey the Commands then they would receive Curses that would match and mirror the Blessings. Again these Curses would be seen by the surrounding nations so that:
You will become a thing of horror, a byword and an object of ridicule among all the peoples where the LORD will drive you. (Deuteronomy 28:37)
And the Curses would be for the Israelites themselves and extend through history.
They will be a sign and a wonder to you and your descendants forever. (Deuteronomy 28:46)
But God warned that the worst part of the Curses would come from others.
The LORD will bring a nation against you from far away, from the ends of the earth, like an eagle swooping down, a nation whose language you will not understand, a fierce-looking nation without respect for the old or pity for the young. They will devour the young of your livestock and the crops of your land until you are destroyed … until you are ruined. They will lay siege to all the cities throughout your land until the high fortified walls in which you trust fall down. They will besiege all the cities throughout the land. (Deuteronomy 28:49-52)
It would go from bad to worse.
You will be uprooted from the land you are entering to possess. Then the LORD will scatter you among all nations, from one end of the earth to the other. … Among those nations you will find no repose, no resting place for the sole of your foot. There the LORD will give you an anxious mind, eyes weary with longing, and a despairing heart. (Deuteronomy 28:63-65)
These Blessings and Curses were then established by a covenant (an agreement) between God and the Israelites:
…to confirm you this day as his people, that he may be your God as he promised you and as he swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. I am making this covenant, with its oath … also with those who are not here today. (Deuteronomy 29:12-15)
In other words this covenant would be binding on the children, or future generations. In fact this covenant was directed at future generations – both Israelites and foreigners.
Your children who follow you in later generations and foreigners who come from distant lands will see the calamities that have fallen on the land and the diseases with which the LORD has afflicted it. … nothing planted, nothing sprouting, no vegetation growing on it. … All the nations will ask: “Why has the LORD done this to this land? Why this fierce, burning anger?”
And the answer will be:
“It is because this people abandoned the covenant of the LORD, the God of their ancestors, the covenant he made with them when he brought them out of Egypt….Therefore the LORD’s anger burned against this land, so that he brought on it all the curses written in this book. … the LORD uprooted them from their land and thrust them into another land, as it is now.” (Deuteronomy 29:21-27)
Did The Blessings and Curses come to pass?
Wow! Nothing middle-of-the-road here. The Blessings were delightful, but the Curses were utterly severe. However, the most important question we can ask is: ‘Did these things happen?’ The answer is not hard to find. Much of the Old Testament is the record of the history of the Israelites and from that we can see what happens in their history. Also we have records outside the Old Testament, from Jewish historians like Josephus, Graeco-Roman historians like Tacitus and we have found many archeological monuments. All of these sources agree and paint a consistent picture of the Israelite or Jewish history. A summary of this history, given through the building of a timeline is given here. Read it and assess for yourself if the Curses of Moses came to pass.
The Conclusion to Moses’ Blessings and Curses
But this Farewell Speech of Moses did not end with the Curses. It continued. Here is how Moses made his final pronouncement.
When all these blessings and curses I have set before you come on you and you take them to heart wherever the LORD your God disperses you among the nations, and when you and your children return to the LORD your God and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, then the LORD your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you. Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the LORD your God will gather you and bring you back. He will bring you to the land that belonged to your ancestors, and you will take possession of it. He will make you more prosperous and numerous than your ancestors (Deuteronomy 30:1-5)
After Moses, successive writers in the Old Testament built on this theme that he inaugurated – that there would be a restoration after the Curses. I looked at how Ezekiel used the image of dead zombies coming to life to paint one vivid picture of this for us. These later writers made bold, troubling and detailed predictions. I look in my next post at how Ezekiel, Moses and Jeremiah combine to make an astounding set of predictions that are happening today. Predictions that the late Ariel Sharon played a forceful part in fulfilling. But for me at least, the fact that journalists and Heads of State around the world are right now reflecting on the passing of a man who played an important part in bringing this conclusion to Moses’ Farewell Speech about, coupled with the fact that this Speech was explicitly written as a sign to future generations of Jew and Gentile alike (i.e. you and me), is just a little eerie.
Overall excellent points. There are consequences to the behavior of both individuals and nations. You used the phrase “the people of Israel – the Jews.” Most folks don’t realize that there was no Jewish religion at the time of Moses. It was the religion of the only true God. We find phrases from the Lord such as “My Sabbaths”, “My feasts”, and “My commandments”. So that religion is the Lord’s, originating with the Lord, and not the religion of just some particular group. All ethnic Jews are Israelites, but most Israelites were not and are not Jews. The distinctly Jewish religion originated only about 300 years before the advent of Christ among those from the tribe of Judah returning from captivity in Babylon, and Jesus was very critical of all their extra rules, and their poor attitude. The other Israelite tribes mostly migrated northward between the Black and Caspian seas, and then into western Europe. There are a number of scholarly works tracing this. I recommend Bennett’s book, Symbols of Our Celto-Saxon Heritage. Most western Europeans and Caucasian English speaking peoples of this world are descended from Israelite tribes. They have been blessed because of the Lord’s promises to Abraham, but they will also suffer for their behavior.
There is continuity between the old and new testaments of the Bible. Again most folks don’t realize that Jesus Christ was the Lord of the old testament that dealt with the Israelites. This is made quite plain in the new testament. See my 5-page article “More About Jesus” on my website: http://www.radwritings.com. I would be glad to share the draft of chapter 11 from a book I have in progress – that chapter is entitled “What Is and Is Not Jewish” and is 12 full size pages in length. Email me at [email protected]. Since Constantine is key to the comments on this site, I should say the he fairly successfully hijacked most of Christianity. But that doesn’t mean that everyone fell for the changes. If you would like a free PDF version of my Amazon ebook “Christmas, Constantine, and the Bible”, again just email me at [email protected]. I will never spam you with any follow up. Regards, Roger Day
THIS IS NOT TRUE THERE WAS NO caucasian back in those days everyone was Black Hebrews Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were men of colored. I dare you turn this History around and say caucasian are Israelites..
lmbao satan has deceived the whole world.
Have you heard of the connection of Ariel’s death with Rabbi Yitzhak Kaduri?
Living lies. Some of you will witness the truth shortly. We can withstand the rising heat waves taking place now. Hebrews are black. Let us see how much imposters can bear. Comparing Ariel with Moses. Nonsense.
Good content
if you publish this in malayalam also we can understand easily
Hi. Good point. I am hoping to get some articles translated into Malayalam. If you know of people who can help in translating please let me know
What are the names of the other two Rivers from the garden of eden?
Tigris and Euphrates. But these would not be the Tigris and Euphrates of today. That world was totally destroyed and global geomorphology re-arranged from the flood. The survivors of the flood, as they saw the ‘new world’ and these rivers reminded them of the pre-flood world named them after these earlier (and now vanished) rivers. It is similar to when European settlers came to North America. They gave names to rivers, cities and land areas that reminded them of similar places back in their European homeland. Thus today, there is a London in Ontario, Canada. It is named after London UK. And the London Ontario has a river going through it, called ‘The Thames River’. It is a different Thames then the Thames in England, but with the same name
God is the Ultimate Master and Creator and so His planes are never the same as ours. He can do whatever He thinks that is good for us, so let us not let our guard down and keep trusting Him and obey Him with all our might.
Every where you’r mentioning ‘GOD’ who is this GOD, is any particular name has he having. Please let me know so that I can pray him by knowing and calling his name.
THE TRUE HEBREWS ARE THE ONES THAT CAME OVER ON THE SHIPS THROUGH THE SLAVES TRADE, THE WORD JEW WAS MADE UP, MOST OF THE PEOPLE IN ISRAEL ARE ISRAELITES, FROM GERMANY & RUSSIA, THEY WILL BE IN CHARGE FOR A LITTLE WHILE UNTIL YASHUA RETURNS, HE IS BRINGING HIS PEOPLE BACK HOME PEOPLE, DO YOUR RESEARCH, SEARCH YOUR HISTORY, READ YOUR PROPHECY BOOKS, LOOK AT THE SIGNS & WONDERS THAT ARE HAPPENDING IN YHE WORLD, THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF SORRY, THINGS ARE GOING TO GET MUCH, MUCH, MUCH, MUCH, WORSE VERY SOON JUST BE READY WHEN HE RETURN, KEEP HIS STATUES, LAWS AND COMMANDMENTS, GET INTO THE TORAH, THIS IS THE FIRST 5 BOOKS OF THE BIBLE , THAT IS YOUR FOUNDATION.
Sorry, jm, but you’ve bought into a lie. There is no historical evidence for your claim. Neither was “Jew” made up, but it’s right there in God’s Word and refers to descendants of the tribe of Judah. Yeshua will return for those who have accepted His atonement for their sins. Even Israel will have to come to believe in Him (Romans 11:26–29).
Sorry mike w., you have denounced the TRUTH. There is actually plenty of historical evidence to the FACT, the people that claim to be jews are not ‘BUT ARE OF THE SYNAGOGUE OF SATAN’.
The people that are in Israel , & the usa are khazars (chazars). If you research the HOLY SCRIPTURES w/ an open mind you will understand this FACT.. Also, THE TRIBE OF JUDAH is living in the usa today & other parts of the world, & they are a PEOPLE OF COLOUR.
wE ARE CALLED BY DIFFERENT NAMES TO DIFERENT CLASSES OF PEOPLE, SUCH AS; NIGGA, NEGRO, BLACK FACE, BLACKS, COONS, JIGABOOS, AFRICANS, AFRO-AMERICAN, ETC. ETC. ETC.. BUT OUR TRUE AND GOD GIVEN IDENTITY IS>> ISRAELITES. SIMPLE.. SELAH & SHALOM
mr L Y all the claims, a man’s uniqueness is by his faith and true worship to GOD Almighty. so all men are equal before him regardless of their colour.
Yes you are absolutely correct, the real Israelites are the so called African American, who is not African at all.
Hi, from the time of Jesus birth, to Jesus teaching his 12 disciples, where did the Israelites (Jews) originate from ?
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Yes! Finally something about sports.
This good information. Some facts are shocking, however I’m happy to have learned about them. I’m going to process it and come to my own conclusions.
Tell me about those who have suffered the slave trade, then read Deuteronomy again.
Its almost 400 years since the first african slave to land in north america..it happened coz black pple didnt heed Gods councel..bt the cries of his pple has reached into heaven and God has remembered his pple n he will once again deliver them from evil just like he did while in egypt
Send me PDF version of Amazon eBook on Christmas!
All true biblical israelites are blacks, they are the ones who have “tribes”. If there a white man with a tribe please do tell me. Blacks are the ones who were chained to be slaves. Some run away scattered all over the mother land of Africa but the curse still caught up with them and were turned to slaves. True names of the lands in the Bible tarnished and wrongly named at the wrong land of the earth due to the wars and changes. The old leaders who ruled knew who the children of God, they were afraid of the multitude they grew, they made themselves superior. True facts they treated so highly when they go to there lands but bring a black man to there land… Such a pity. I do not have favourites because Jesus came to save all, gentiles know themselves those who believe in Him are saved. All children of God are starting to realize the scriptures and are coming back. It is already happening, even the leaders are sending them back, it’s happening right in front of you through the news. They are not doing wrong telling the blacks to go back, no, the prophecy has already begun. Repent…..
Tina please send me message to this email {[email protected]} and let’s talk.
When you’re confused and need answers, go to the Scriptures. Tune into Israel Of God in Riverdale, IL. You can find them on YouTube. Their Bible Study Classes are to the point. I don’t understand why anyone who read Deuteronomy 28 blessings and curses don’t already have the so-called African American people in mind. They are the only group of people who never had a true identity. They were hated without a cause. Yes, I believe that the other nations knew exactly who they were, (Hebrew Israelites), and what they were going to help The Most High God do punish them severely. Well, if you keep reading the Scriptures, you will find that our God has plans for the children, (the remnant), of those who were descendants of our hard-headed, stiff-necked Hebrew Israelite ancestors. They were treated poorly because they were transported from one quality of life to another and their oppressors knew it and decided to help God with the punishments by beating, rapeing, hanging, and literally killing our ancestors because they hated our native language. The language barrier between the slave masters and the Hebrew Israelites caused the slave masters to whip and beat the new language into them and to give them new identities. It was once a crime to teach a slave the english language, but the true Hebrew Israelite is a determined individual. Through the troubles, trials, and tribulations, many were blessed to receive education, many mastered the English language and became successful in many areas. When the other nations observed the positive changes taking place with the Israelites, the oppressors brought in drugs, guns and other negative and destructive devices to continue the madness. They are here today, seeking to find the patience to continue to see this through by developing and establishing local Bible Study Classes to educate the younger Hebrew Israelites before the return of Yahawashi (Jesus).
Wow this is such an interesting topic. As an African person from South Africa, I truly look at this information and relate fully to it. Africans were taken to all corners of the world via slavery against their will. Thus therefore suggested that they could easily be taken anywhere and no one in the world felt compassion or empathy,so it was meant to be. Other People came from their land and boy!!! did they opress Africans!!!, this was really hard for Africans especialy in South Africa where I come from,we witnessed it. We are also aware of the diseases that shocked people in South Africa such as HIV/AIDS,almost every family in SA was affected by this disease,we have and are still witnessing diseases such as EBOLA in west Africa. And the fact that Africa has so much natural resources which the people within the continent are not benefing anything from. As Africans in SA, we feel that God intervened in our situation,He heared our cry and got us out of the hand of of steel from the opressor. Praises be to God of our ancestors. I am not saying we are the chosen,because I have no proof,but I can say that these curses can relate perfectly to motherland (Africa) and her children.
Would have been great to read these articles in Bengali language (Bangladesh). Thank you for the insights. Blessings. Pastor Edoward Baroi
Working on it.. https://bengali.godseed.site/ and https://bangla.al-injil.one/
Dear Ragnar,
Thank you for your reply. I am so glad to hear that you are working on Bengali version. I have gone through those websites today, but there are hundreds of spelling, punctuation, expression, subject arrangement mistakes (looks like it is done by google translation!!). I am a professional christian translator since many years. I would rather apply as a translator for your site. Would have been good to talk to you about it. My Phone: +8801815710812.
Blessings.
Pastor Edward
you are not correct. yes there were some dark skinned Hebrews, but most had lighter skins. Jesus, if he existed, would have been light skinned.
You are more likely to be a child of satana because that yahwawa you talk about does NOT exist. wake up