Deuteronomy 28:15 is a stark warning. Let's break it down:
"But it shall come to pass...": This phrase sets the stage for something inevitable.
"...if you will not listen to Yahweh your God's voice...": This is the condition. It means failing to obey or heed the word, instructions, and commands of God.
"...to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command you today...": This clarifies what "listening" entails. It's not just hearing the commandments, but actively observing them and putting them into practice, doing what God commands.
"...that all these curses will come on you, and overtake you.": This is the consequence of disobedience. "These curses" refers to the extensive list of calamities described later in Deuteronomy 28. "Overtake you" means these curses will not just be a fleeting experience, but will relentlessly pursue and affect the people.
In essence, the verse means that if the people of Israel (and by extension, anyone who enters into a covenant with God) choose to disobey God's commands and statutes, then they will inevitably experience the full force of the curses described in the chapter. The curses are a direct result and consequence of choosing not to listen to and obey God.
Deuteronomy 28:15 is a stark warning. Let's break it down:
"But it shall come to pass...": This phrase sets the stage for something inevitable.
"...if you will not listen to Yahweh your God's voice...": This is the condition. It means failing to obey or heed the word, instructions, and commands of God.
"...to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command you today...": This clarifies what "listening" entails. It's not just hearing the commandments, but actively observing them and putting them into practice, doing what God commands.
"...that all these curses will come on you, and overtake you.": This is the consequence of disobedience. "These curses" refers to the extensive list of calamities described later in Deuteronomy 28. "Overtake you" means these curses will not just be a fleeting experience, but will relentlessly pursue and affect the people.
In essence, the verse means that if the people of Israel (and by extension, anyone who enters into a covenant with God) choose to disobey God's commands and statutes, then they will inevitably experience the full force of the curses described in the chapter. The curses are a direct result and consequence of choosing not to listen to and obey God.