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.

26:16–19 Verse 16, with its reminder to follow and carefully observe the decrees and laws, deliberately echoes 12:1 and thus functions editorially to indicate the completion of the whole section of law that began there. Verses 17 and 18 follow with reciprocal commitments by Israel and by God. The essence of the covenant is that Yahweh is Israel’s God (v. 17) and that Israel is Yahweh’s people (v. 18). This central covena…