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{{DOD-March}}
In today's reading we continue with the prophetic picture of [[Israel]] in relationship to the land. Keep in mind that [[Israel]] owned the land because of [[God]]'s covenant with [[Abraham]]; but she possessed and enjoyed it only if she obeyed [[God]]'s covenant as a holy nation. [[Christians]] today have all the blessings in Christ they need because of His [[grace]]; but they enjoy those blessings only as they trust and obey Him. Of course, this principle of obedience is found in every dispensation, for [[God]] cannot bless those who rebel against Him.
The curses in chapter 28:13-19 parallel the blessings in verses 3-6. [[God]] warns the people that the same disease and pestilence they have seen among their enemies would visit them, including the plagues He sent to [[Egypt]] (verse 27). Their enemies would defeat them; they would be scattered like blind slaves across the face of the earth. Their rich land, flowing with milk and honey, would turn into a wilderness, and instead of [[Israel]] being the "first" nation of the earth, she would be "the tail" (verse 44).
The [[Word]] "destroyed" in verse 45 does not mean completely wiped out, for [[God]] could not violate His covenant and destroy the nation of [[Israel]]. Rather, it means to be crushed, referring to the terrible trials and disciplines that would fall on [[Israel]] because of her disobedience. Verse 63 indicates that continued disobedience would result in [[Israel]] being plucked off the land and scattered among the nations--a perfect picture of the [[Jews]] today. What nation has suffered more than [[Israel]]?
