1. You did not serve God joyfully and gladly (36-48)

The curses would extend from individuals and households to the entire nation, starting from their king and wrecking the economy. Foreigners in their land would prosper over them. We live in the time of God's blessing; he wants us to serve him joyfully and gladly, not taking advantage of his blessings.

2. Just as it pleased the LORD…. (49-68)

Verses 49-57 eerily foretell the horror Israel and Judah will face, even the eating of their own children while under siege, when they were later taken away to captivity in Assyria and Babylon, respectively. These curses were given ahead of time as a warning and written in the book of the law, which all the people willingly agreed to keep. But when they took God for granted, no longer revering his glorious and awesome name, God's curses came. As God can bless, he can also curse. These things happened as a sign and a wonder to every generation, even to us, as a motivation to revere him, who jealously loves us.


Application: Father, you are glorious, awesome, and full of mercy. As I remember the grace of Jesus' cross, help me revere you as holy each day.
One Word: Fear of God leads to careful obedience