Read All the Words — the Blessings and the Curses

Afterward, Joshua read all the words of the law–the blessings and the curses–just as it is written in the Book of the Law. There was not a word of all that Moses commanded that Joshua did not read to the whole assembly of Israel, including the women and children, the aliens who lived among them (Joshua 8:34,35 NIV).

At the first chance that Joshua got, he built an altar to the Lord. Then as commanded by Moses he read out all the words of the law.

The first thing to note is that he read ALL the words of the law. This is very important for us to note. There might be difficult portions in the Scriptures for us to understand. So we usually skip reading them. But this example from the Bible should teach us that all Scripture should be read.

Secondly, he read both the blessings and the curses. In today’s popular Christian world, all talk is about blessings. This is wrong. God wants us to have a full knowledge of His nature and character. He is a God who loves to bless; but at the same time He is God who hates wickedness.

He has taught through the Scriptures that we will be blessed if we obey Him. But if we disobey Him, He has said that He will put the curses on us. A teaching that teaches only blessings without emphasizing obedience is not based on the Bible. It only deceives people.

Finally, no distinction was made between men, women, children and aliens who were gathered there. All Scriptures is for all people. Obedience to God’s Word is a must for all classes of people. No one is exempt.

Therefore take care to teach God’s Word to all believers. And let that teaching contain the whole counsel of God-both blessings and curses.

More Manna:

Go At Once to Zarephath

First Seek the Counsel of the Lord

Return to Me

Sponsored Links for Christmas