Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents

26:1-46 Blessings and Curses. A principal element of a covenant document is a section of sanctions, i.e., blessings and curses that are dependent on how one keeps the covenant agreement. Often they appear at the close of a covenant document, and there they enumerate the sovereign's granting of rewards or punishments based on the vassal's obedience or disobedience. Verses 1-13 display the blessings if Israel obeys the covenant; vv. 14-39 pronounce curses.

26:1-2 Fundamental Conditions. These verses remind Israel what is at the heart of Israelite law: fidelity to God and the keeping of the Sabbath.