Deuteronomy 11:29-30 -

Gerizim and Ebal

(cf. Deuteronomy 27:1-26 .). This putting of the blessing and the curse on Gerizim and Ebal had significance—

I. AS A SOLEMN TRANSFERENCE OF THE BLESSING AND THE CURSE TO THE LAND OF POSSESSION . Blessing and curse, representing the award of eternal righteousness, must follow us so long as disobedience is possible. "If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die" ( Romans 8:13 ). "That which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned" ( Hebrews 6:8 ). In heaven there is "no more curse" ( Revelation 22:3 ), but only because, confirmed in holiness, God's servants can no more fall away.

II. AS A SOLEMN REMINDER OF TEE TENURE ON WHICH THE LAND WAS HELD . We cannot render perfect obedience, but our duty is to aim at it. The condition of inheritance is that we are doers of the Father's will ( Matthew 7:21 ).

III. As CONNECTED WITH A SOLEMN RENEWAL OF VOWS . Fitting on such occasions that both blessing and curse should be remembered.—J.O.

HOMILIES BY D. DAVIES