Ver. 26. Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law— The original word, here rendered confirmeth, is very properly translated performeth, 1 Samuel 15:11. The performing of what God commands being a kind of establishment of the law, as disobedience is a subversion, and, as far as lies in the offender's power, an abolition of it; therefore the apostle exactly translates these words, Galatians 3:10. Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.
REFLECTIONS.—Observe, 1. The appointment of the tribes for their several posts is expressly appointed by God. The six more honourable tribes are appointed to bless: they are all the children of the free woman, and Levi is reckoned among them; for they who preach the blessing or curse to others need first apply them to their own hearts. 2. They are called to join in their Amen on the rehearsal of the curses as well as blessings. In the latter case, they expressed their desire after them; in the former, their confession of faith in the certainty of the threatened curse; their approbation of the sentence, as just; and an awful imprecation upon their souls, if they transgressed. Thus, out of their own mouths would they be condemned. Note; (1.) The curses of God against sin are awful realities. (2.) Ministers must urge the terrors of the Lord to persuade, as well as the love of Christ to constrain; and all little enough to influence the hard heart of man. (3.) In the day of God every sinner will be struck speechless, and left without excuse.