Deuteronomy 28: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Deuteronomy 28 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

If the people listen to Yahweh and follow his commandments, they will receive blessings. They will be blessed in their towns and in the fields (vv. 1-6). Their children and crops will thrive, and they will gain victory over enemies (vv. 7-13). All nations will recognize their status as Yahweh’s people (vv. 9-10).

Key verse

“All these blessings will come upon you, and overtake you, if you listen to Yahweh your God’s voice.”
Deuteronomy 28:2 (WEB)

Outline

Deuteronomy 28:1–14 Blessings for Obedience
Deuteronomy 28:15–29 Curses for Disobedience
Deuteronomy 28:30–57 Desolation and Oppression
Deuteronomy 28:58–68 Final Warnings and Consequences

Discussion questions

In v4, what are the things that will be blessed, according to the text?
What does it mean in v15 that 'all these curses will come on you'?
In v21, what does it mean that 'Yahweh will make the pestilence cling to you'?
In v63, why does it speak of Yahweh rejoicing to cause you to perish?
When has a situation made you feel like you are 'cursed when you come in, and cursed when you go out'?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Deuteronomy 28: Leviticus 26, Deuteronomy 11, Proverbs 28.

Before next time: read Deuteronomy 29.