Deuteronomy 27:18

Cursed [be] he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Cursed {H779} be he that maketh the blind {H5787} to wander {H7686} out of the way {H1870}. And all the people {H5971} shall say {H559}, Amen {H543}.

"'A curse on anyone who causes a blind person to lose his way on the road.'All the people are to say, 'Amen!'

‘Cursed is he who lets a blind man wander in the road.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’

Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Commentary

Context

Deuteronomy 27:18 is part of a significant covenant renewal ceremony described in Deuteronomy, where the Israelites, upon entering the Promised Land, were to affirm their commitment to God's law. This specific verse belongs to a series of twelve curses pronounced from Mount Ebal, with the tribes responding "Amen" after each declaration. These curses highlight serious violations of God's moral and civil laws, often focusing on hidden sins or acts that exploit the vulnerable, which might otherwise escape human justice.

Key Themes

  • Protection of the Vulnerable: The verse powerfully underscores God's deep concern for the weak and defenseless in society. Leading the blind astray is a grave act because it preys on someone's inherent disability and trust, causing them harm or loss. This reflects a fundamental principle of biblical justice: the strong have a responsibility to care for, not exploit, the weak.
  • Divine Justice Against Deceit: This curse specifically targets those who would exploit another's disadvantage for personal gain or malice. It speaks to the integrity required in human interaction and the severe consequences for those who practice deceit, especially against those who cannot easily defend themselves.
  • Communal Accountability and Affirmation: The people's unified cry of "Amen" signifies their agreement with the justice of the curse and their corporate commitment to upholding these moral standards. It implies a shared responsibility within the community to identify and condemn such exploitative behavior. The repetition of "And all the people shall say, Amen" throughout this chapter emphasizes the solemn and binding nature of these declarations.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "blind" is 'iwwer (עִוֵּר), referring literally to physical blindness. However, in a broader sense, it can also symbolize those who are vulnerable, ignorant, or lacking understanding and therefore easily misled.
  • "Wander out of the way" comes from the Hebrew ta'ah (תָּעָה), which means to stray, err, or be led astray. It implies not just physical misdirection but also moral or spiritual deviation.
  • "Amen" (אָמֵן) is a powerful Hebrew affirmation, meaning "so be it," "truly," or "it is firm." When the people declared "Amen," they were not just agreeing but solemnly binding themselves to the terms of the curse and acknowledging its righteousness.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 27:18 remains profoundly relevant today. While literal blindness is certainly included, the principle extends to any form of vulnerability: exploiting the ignorant, defrauding the elderly, misleading children, or taking advantage of those with mental or physical disabilities. God's law calls believers to:

  • Ethical Conduct: Always act with integrity, especially when dealing with those who are less fortunate or less capable. Instead of leading astray, we are called to guide and protect.
  • Societal Responsibility: Recognize and speak out against systems or individuals that exploit the vulnerable. This verse reminds us that true justice involves advocating for the marginalized.
  • Compassion: Cultivate a heart of empathy and compassion, actively seeking to help and uplift those who are struggling, rather than adding to their burdens. This echoes God's consistent call to protect the vulnerable and ensure justice for the needy, as seen in other parts of the Law and Prophets.
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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 19:14 (5 votes)

    Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I [am] the LORD.

  • Matthew 15:14 (4 votes)

    Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

  • Proverbs 28:10 (4 votes)

    ¶ Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good [things] in possession.

  • Isaiah 56:10 (3 votes)

    His watchmen [are] blind: they are all ignorant, they [are] all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.

  • Job 29:15 (3 votes)

    I was eyes to the blind, and feet [was] I to the lame.

  • Revelation 2:14 (2 votes)

    But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.