Deuteronomy 27:22

Deuteronomy 27:22 is part of a series of solemn curses pronounced upon the Israelites at Mount Ebal, following the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai. These curses were to be affirmed by the people with a resounding "Amen," signifying their agreement to uphold God's statutes and accept the consequences of disobedience.

Context

This verse belongs to a specific list of twelve curses outlined in Deuteronomy 27:15-26. Each curse addresses a different transgression, many of which were likely committed in secret, thus requiring divine judgment. The public affirmation of "Amen" by all the people (Levites, priests, and the entire assembly) underscored the communal responsibility to adhere to the covenant and the severe nature of violating these foundational moral laws. This particular curse highlights the sacredness of family bonds and the severe prohibition against sexual perversion within the family structure, a practice often associated with the depraved cultures of the Canaanites whom Israel was to dispossess.

Key Themes and Messages

• Prohibition of Incest: The verse explicitly condemns sexual relations between siblings, whether full-blood or half-siblings (daughter of his father or mother). This prohibition is a cornerstone of God's law, designed to maintain the purity and order of family units and society.
• Sanctity of Family: God's law places a high value on the integrity and sanctity of the family. Incestuous relationships fundamentally corrupt these foundational bonds and are an abomination in God's sight, undermining the very fabric of society.
• Divine Judgment: The phrase "Cursed be he" indicates that such an act brings a direct divine curse, signifying separation from God's blessing and severe consequences. It underscores the gravity with which God views sexual immorality, especially within the family.
• Communal Accountability: The people's collective "Amen" serves as a powerful affirmation of their commitment to God's moral standards and their acknowledgment of the justness of divine judgment against such transgressions. It signifies that the community itself takes responsibility for upholding these laws and ensuring a morally upright society.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "cursed" is 'arur (אָרוּר), which implies being cut off from blessing, bringing calamity or divine disfavor. It's a declaration of judgment. The phrase "lieth with" is a common biblical euphemism for sexual intercourse. The specific mention of "the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother" leaves no ambiguity, encompassing both paternal and maternal half-sisters, thereby covering all forms of sibling incest and emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the prohibition.

Related Scriptures

The prohibition against incest is a recurring theme in the Mosaic Law, emphasized elsewhere, particularly in the Book of Leviticus. Leviticus 18:9 and Leviticus 20:17 provide similar, explicit condemnations of such relationships, often prescribing severe penalties, including being cut off from their people. The New Testament also reiterates the sanctity of sexual purity and condemns incestuous relationships, as seen in 1 Corinthians 5:1, which addresses a case of incest within the Corinthian church, underscoring the timeless nature of this moral command.

Practical Application

Though given in an ancient context, Deuteronomy 27:22 carries timeless moral principles. It reaffirms God's unchanging standard for sexual purity and the sanctity of family relationships, which are foundational for a healthy society. For believers today, it highlights the importance of adhering to God's moral law regarding sexual conduct and respecting familial boundaries. The communal "Amen" reminds us that upholding righteousness is not just an individual responsibility but also a collective one, where the community stands together against sin and affirms God's just judgments. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that serious transgressions, especially those that corrupt fundamental societal structures like the family, incur divine displeasure and have lasting consequences.