If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you harm and consume you, after having done you good — The covenant threat presents the consequences of apostasy: divine 'harm' (raʿâ) and 'consumption' (ʾakal). Paradoxically, this threat follows upon 'having done you good' (aḥarê ʾāšer-ʿāśâ lakem ṭôbâ); covenant violation becomes more severe precisely because it contradicts experience of covenant blessing.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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