Hebrew History 101 | The Reclaimed Crown | Unlocking the Blessings of Obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-13)

Introduction:

Our history didn't start on a slave ship, and our identity isn't a mystery - it’s just been hidden like an old family secret waiting for the right generation to uncover it. We've bravely faced the 'Wilderness of the People,' identifying the idols and casting away the false identities that held us captive. Now, as we reclaim the name of Israel, it's time to remember not just the curses we endured for disobedience, but the magnificent, tangible blessings promised for our obedience. Deuteronomy 28 isn't just a chapter of doom; it begins with a glorious vision of divine favor, protection, and prosperity that awaits a repentant and obedient people. This is our true inheritance - the crown we were meant to wear.

Beyond the Byword: The Original Promise

Before the long list of curses, there are 14 verses describing unparalleled blessings. These aren't abstract spiritual concepts; they are practical, tangible promises that would set Israel apart from every other nation on Earth. They describe a life of divine intervention and supernatural success.

The fundamental condition for these blessings is clear:

"And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of YAH thy Elohim, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that YAH thy Elohim will set thee on high above all nations of the earth." (Deuteronomy 28:1)

This "hearkening diligently" and "doing" is the key that unlocks our original covenant with the Creator.

The Crowns of Obedience: What We Are Returning To

Let's explore some of these foundational blessings that are activated by our return to the Covenant:

• Divine Exaltation (v. 1): "YAH thy GOD will set thee on high above all nations of the earth."

• Impact: Imagine a world where Israel is not at the bottom, but at the top - not through worldly conquest, but through divine elevation. This is our promised position when we obey.

• Universal Blessing (v. 2): "And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of YAH thy GOD."

• Impact: Blessings won't just be sought; they will pursue and overtake us in every aspect of our lives.

• Prosperity in Every Sphere (v. 3-6, 11): "Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field... Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground... Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store... Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out."

• Impact: Every area of life, urban or rural, family or business, coming or going, will bear the mark of divine favor. This directly counters the curses of barrenness and poverty.

• Victory Over Enemies (v. 7): "YAH shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways."

• Impact: No more being at the bottom of the power struggle. Our oppressors will flee in disarray, and we will be protected from all sides.

• Supernatural Provision & Lending (v. 8, 12): "YAH shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto... thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow."

• Impact: Divine command of blessing over our finances and endeavors. We will be lenders, not borrowers - a direct reversal of the curse of debt and economic subjugation.

• A Holy People to YAH (v. 9-10): "YAH shall establish thee an holy people unto Himself... And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of YAH; and they shall be afraid of thee."

• Impact: Our unique, set-apart status will be evident to all nations, inspiring both respect and awe. Our identity as Israel will be unmistakable.

• The Head, Not the Tail (v. 13): "And YAH shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath."

• Impact: This is the ultimate reversal of the curse. No more being last, lowest, or overlooked. We will be leaders and innovators, influencing the nations from a position of righteousness and wisdom.

Conclusion: Our Future, Our Choice

The curses of Deuteronomy 28 have been a historical mirror, undeniably showing us who we are. But the blessings are a prophetic promise, showing us who we are destined to be once we truly return to the Covenant. This isn't just about reclaiming a name; it's about reclaiming a divine destiny. It's about trading in the byword for the blessing, the tail for the head, the borrowing for the lending. The choice is always ours: continue in the ways of the nations that brought the curses, or 'hearken diligently' and embrace the magnificent, undeniable blessings of our Creator. The crown awaits.

Reflection Questions:

• Which of these blessings resonates most deeply with your current life experience, and why?
• How does understanding these blessings motivate you to observe and do the commandments?
• What does "being the head, and not the tail" look like for our community today?

Elohim still loves you, Israel. The call remains the same: Choose Life, Choose Blessing, Choose Undivided Devotion. Repent, Return, and be free from the shadows of gross darkness.

I hope this blog post has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. Shalom qodesh qadasheem - the “set apart ones.”