Covenant Renewal and Covenant Curse: Structurally, we are moving into the second half of the “inner frame.” Chapter 27 balances chapter 11, thus functioning as a framework for the detailed legislation in chapters 12–25. This is clear not only from the reference in both chapters to the ceremony at Mt. Ebal but also from the emphasis in both on covenant choice and commitment.

27:9–10  These verses reaffirm the basic covenant relationship and its basic obligation and do so in the now familiar order: Israel’s identity by God’s redemptive grace (God’s people) and what Israel must do (be obedient). Obedience is well motivated. Between the opening command to keep “this entire law” (v. 1) and the renewed call to obedience in verse 10 comes the gift of the land, the promise to the patriarchs, the re…