the reading of them that alarmed King Josiah and resulted in his great reforms (2 Kings 22:8-13). denounced by God against the serpent ( Genesis 3:14), and against Cain ( 4:11).These divine maledictions carried their effect with them. It has been suggested that spells were written on pieces of parchment and cast to the winds in the belief that they would find their way to their proper destination--that some demoniac being would act as postman and deliver them at the proper address. "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia". of Prophetical curses were sometimes pronounced by holy men ( Genesis 9:25 ; 49:7 ; Deuteronomy 27:15 ; Joshua 6:26 ). It would find its way into the house of every thief and perjurer. When Judah was heading toward Babylonian exile, Jeremiah in his passionate appeal cited the twelfth curse listed above (Jer 11:3). Crop failure, mortality in herd and flock, defeat in battle, and general misfortune were believed possible by curses or spells. Jacob feared invoking a curse on himself by deceiving his father (27:12). It was believed that the blessing and the curse released a power which effectively determined the character and destiny of the recipient (27:12). Laws governing imprecations. It was prob. A curse is often a formal declaration of a pronouncement or prediction of evil, and when made by God or by an authorized person, it has a prophetic value and force.​—Ge 12:3; Nu 22:12; Ga 3:10. Before moral distinctions played any part in molding theological conceptions it was not necessary, before a spell could be effectual, that the individual against whom the spell was pronounced should be deserving, on moral grounds, of the fate which was invoked on him. Jesus said that those unfit for the kingdom would be cursed at the judgment (Matt 25:41); Paul rejoiced that “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law” (Gal 3:13). A3. Curses were sometimes written on pieces of parchment and left to chance or some deity to make proper delivery. It is often used in contrast with "bless" or "blessing" (Deuteronomy 11:29). Primitive people believed that one could pronounce a curse on his enemy and that deity or superhuman beings could be enlisted to execute it. Curse, King James Bible Dictionary. The sword had failed, so a curse was sought from the king of cursers, who had special access to superhuman powers. CURSE Online Bible verse finder. But in process of time such indiscriminate imprecations would not satisfy enlightened moral judgment. At Shechem six tribes were to “stand upon Mount Gerizim to bless the people,” and six were to “stand upon Mount Ebal for the curse” (Deut 27:12f. The most elaborate of these paternal blessings was that of Jacob on his twelve sons, “blessing each with the blessing suitable to him” (49:1-28). ; see 11:29). New International Version (NIV). kurs ('alah (Numbers 5:21, 23, 17, etc. PRIVACY POLICY, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/a/nwtstg/univ/wpub/nwtstg_univ_lg.jpg, Publication download options A curse was considered to possess an inherent power of carrying itself into effect. Denounced by God against the serpent (Genesis 3:14), and against Cain ().These divine maledictions carried their effect with them. Subsequently, Joshua led the Israelites into the heart of Canaan to the twin mountains of Gerizim and Ebal, and there in a great outdoor drama carried out Moses’ commands (Josh 8:30-35). Prophetical curses were sometimes pronounced by holy men ( Genesis 9:25; 49:7; Deuteronomy 27:15; Joshua 6:26).Such curses are not the consequence of passion or revenge, they are predictions. Bibliography Information Salem Media Group. He lived near the upper Euphrates where he doubtless received a heritage from Babylonia, long famed in the art of divination. “The curse,” often referred to, was considered a visitation of the judgment of God. The Christian view on curse was spoken by Jesus who said, “Bless those who curse you” (Luke 6:28); and by Paul, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them” (Rom 12:14). Proud member A curse was a characteristic entity, a power, force, or energy, expressing itself in hurt to man or damage to property. Locate examples of ‘curse’ in Bible verses. They represent a different approach than those given above, and were prob. But the curse was the penalty for disobedience, as the blessing was the reward for obedience. “And the Levites shall declare to all the men of Israel with a loud voice” the following curses,” “And all the people shall...say, ‘Amen’” after the reading of each curse: (1) “Cursed be the man who makes a graven or molten image,” (2) “Cursed be he who dishonors his father or his mother.” (3) “Cursed be he who removes his neighbor’s landmark.” (4) “Cursed be he who misleads a blind man on the road.” (5) “Cursed be he who perverts the justice due to the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.” (6) “Cursed be he who lies with his father’s wife.” (7) “Cursed be he who lies with any kind of beast.” (8) “Cursed be he who lies with his sister.” (9) “Cursed be he who lies with his mother-in-law.” (10) “Cursed be he who slays his neighbor in secret.” (11) “Cursed be he who takes a bribe to slay an innocent person.” (12) “Cursed be he who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them” (27:15-26). Bible Dictionaries - Easton's Bible Dictionary - Curse, Encyclopedias - International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Curse, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Peter, in confusion, invoked a curse upon himself (Matt 26:74). Curses also were inscribed on tombs, as in Egypt, to deter grave robbers. When a curse is pronounced against any person, we are not to understand this as a mere wish, however violent, that disaster should overtake the person in question, any more than we are to understand that a corresponding "blessing" conveys simply a wish that prosperity should be the lot of the person on whom the blessing is invoked. In the dramatic situation depicted in Deuteronomy 11:29; 27:12 f the curse was placed on Mt. CURSE. Whereas curses by ordinary persons were considered more or less efficacious--some god being always only too glad to speed them on their way to their destination--yet special persons--"holy" persons--in virtue of their special relation to Divine beings possessed special powers of pronouncing effectual curses on account of their powers of enlisting supernatural aid. Ebal and the blessing. Copyright © 2020, Bible Study Tools. Both imprecations proved futile against God’s elect. on Mr. Gerizim. Israel was to make the choice between the goals of “a blessing and a curse” (11:26). In the light of the law all men are guilty. Primitive and pagan beliefs. Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue.