Pentecost Season · Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time · Year A
Deuteronomy 11:18, 26-28, 32
Take These Words to Heart; Blessing and Curse
May 31, 2026
Overview & Insights
"You shall put these words of mine in your heart and soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and fix them as an emblem on your forehead." (Deuteronomy 11:18)
Moses urges Israel to internalize God's commands and teach them to their children across generations. He then sets before the people a blessing for obedience and a curse for turning away to other gods.
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Commentary
Commentary on Deuteronomy 11:18-21, 26-28 Working Preacher
Lectionary commentary on binding God's words to the heart and the set-out blessing and curse.
Deuteronomy 11 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse-by-verse notes on loving God and the choice of blessing or curse.
Deuteronomy 11:18 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentaries gathered for the command to lay up these words in the heart.
Deuteronomy 11 Commentary Precept Austin
Collected commentary and study resources on Deuteronomy 11.
The Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre
Brant Pitre's video treatment of the First Reading and its link to the Gospel.
Background & Word Study
Deuteronomy 11:18 Interlinear BibleHub
Hebrew text and word study for laying up words, blessing, and curse.
Deuteronomy 11 in Hebrew Sefaria
Hebrew and English with Jewish commentary for this call to obedience.
Shema / Listen BibleProject
Background on the Shema, whose language of heart and soul this passage echoes.
The Church Fathers
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