11:17
If they did bow down to idols then the Lord’s anger would burn against them. He would shut the heavens so that it would not rain, and they would no longer have plenty to eat. Eventually they would be ejected from the land. Now we don’t like this sort of verse, and many react to this by ignoring verses like these, or saying they are no longer applicable. This is a very foolish road to take. Now it is true that this is not the sum total of God’s thinking, for He so loved the world that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us so that we would have eternal life. But we must take these verse seriously, and the very reason that Christ had to die on the cross for us is that sin is so serious, and that it brings with it God’s judgement upon us.
11:18-21
The matter is very serious, it was absolutely essential for them to obey the Lord. Therefore practical steps had to be taken in order to assist them in staying close to the Lord, and not drifting away. They were to fix the words of the Lord in their hearts and minds (or hearts and soul, ESV). They were to have physical reminders as well. And they were to teach them to their children, so that they too would know what was most important. If they did this then they would live long in the land. But we know that they did not remain faithful to the Lord.
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