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Epiphany Season · Ninth Sunday after the Epiphany · Year A

Deuteronomy 11:18-21, 26-28

Take These Words to Heart; Blessing and Curse

March 1, 2026

The Little Schoolmistress, Jean Simeon Chardin
The Little Schoolmistress, Jean Simeon Chardin, after 1740National Gallery of Art, Washington
An older girl stands at a desk with a pin in her hand, pointing out the words to a much younger child who is following them with a finger.Put these words of mine in your heart and soul; teach them to your children, talking about them when you are at home and when you are away.Jean Simeon ChardinA French painter of quiet rooms and ordinary objects, who worked slowly and submitted almost nothing to the grand subjects of his day.National Gallery of Art, WashingtonThe American national collection on the Mall, given to the nation by Andrew Mellon and free to enter since 1941.National Gallery of Art, Washington
Revised Common Lectionary
GospelMatt. 7:21-29Mt 7:21-29
EpistleRom. 1:16-17, 3:22b-28, (29-31)Rom 1:16-17, 3:22b-28, (29-31)
Old TestamentDeut. 11:18-21, 26-28Dt 11:18-21, 26-28
PsalterPs. 31:1-5, 19-24Ps 31:1-5, 19-24

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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Take it further: Deuteronomy 11:18-21, 26-28

Commentary

Commentary on Deuteronomy 11:18-21, 26-28Commentary on Dt 11:18-21, 26-28 Working Preacher

The Lutheran lectionary voice on binding God's words and the choice of blessing or curse.

Deuteronomy 11 CommentaryDt 11 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik

Verse by verse study of remembering and obeying the commandments.

Deuteronomy 11:18 CommentariesDt 11:18 Commentaries BibleHub

Classic commentators gathered on laying these words on the heart.

Deuteronomy 11 CommentaryDt 11 Commentary Precept Austin

Detailed study notes and cross references on the chapter.

Barnes' Notes: Deuteronomy 11Barnes' Notes: Dt 11 StudyLight

A historic verse by verse commentary on the passage.

Background & Word Study

Book of Deuteronomy OverviewBook of Dt Overview BibleProject

Animated overview of Moses' covenant renewal speeches to Israel.

Deuteronomy 11 (Hebrew and English)Dt 11 (Hebrew and English) Sefaria

The Hebrew text with classic Jewish commentary, including its role in the Shema tradition.

Deuteronomy 11:18 InterlinearDt 11:18 Interlinear BibleHub

Hebrew word by word behind the language of phylacteries and mezuzot.

The Church Fathers

Deuteronomy 11 - CatenaDt 11 - Catena Catena

Patristic comment on treasuring and teaching God's words from the Church Fathers.

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