Oh yes, the Bible is a Book of blessings, no doubt.

To the obedient man or woman, anyway.

But it is also a Book of warnings!

To the disobedient, rebellious soul.

Joshua 8:34 forms my conclusion, along with dozens if not hundreds of other verses in Scripture.

“Afterward he (Joshua) read (to Israel) all the words of the law, the BLESSINGS and CURSINGS, according to all that is written in the book of the law.”

Wow!

All told, for Israel in those ancient days … the Pentateuch (Genesis through Deuteronomy) contained 613 different laws, rules, regulations … according to the godly rabbis anyway, august Old Testament scholars indeed.

And each of those had rewards or consequences attached, depending on one’s response. If not stated specifically then and there, these are implied generally again and again throughout the whole Genesis through Malachi Corpus.

The Hebrew word used here for “blessings” in our Text is “berakah,” occasionally meaning a “gift,” a “present!” Clearly a reward!

And the word used for “cursings” is “qelalah,” meaning “to be slighted!” To be despised, “vilified!” The verbal opposite of being “blessed.”

“Afterward he (Joshua) read all the words of the law, the BLESSINGS and CURSINGS, according to all that is written in the book of the law.”

Now to the New Testament … the Church Age, the “dispensation” of the Grace of God …

We are no longer under “Law,” granted.

But under “Grace,” praise God.

YET STILL … God expects obedience to His Word!

For example, Jesus’ Words in John 15:7, a clear Promise with rewards: “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”

Wow!

And as well …

Revelation 3:16, written to a Church nonetheless! Jesus still the Speaker … “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”

Wow!

In conclusion …

We live for Jesus and obey Him … because we love Him. Because of Who He is!

But consequentially, He blesses those who do “walk in His Ways!”

And ultimately judges those who do not.

Amazing.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell