THEOSISTheodoret of Cyrus
And following this, those who ridicule the blind and try to divert them from the righteous way...
Deuteronomy 27:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers
Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of his way: and all the people shall say: Amen.
אָר֕וּר מַשְׁגֶּ֥ה עִוֵּ֖ר בַּדָּ֑רֶךְ וְאָמַ֥ר כָּל־הָעָ֖ם אָמֵֽן׃
The Church Fathers on this verse
2 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Irenaeus of Lyon
Such actions are not typical of those who bring healing or impart life; instead, they reflect the deeds of those who inflict suffering and perpetuate ignorance. Even more so, the principle that condemns anyone who leads a blind individual into perilous circumstances holds true. The apostles, sent to seek the lost, restore sight to the blind, and mend the afflicted, undoubtedly communicated not in line with conventional wisdom, but rooted in the revelation of the Truth. It would indeed be misguided for individuals to encourage the blind, poised to stumble into the depths, to remain on such a treacherous course as if it were a secure path leading to safety.
Cross references
Passages read together with this verse.
- Lev 19:14Thou shalt not speak evil of the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind: but thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, because I am the Lord.
- Matt 15:14Let them alone: they are blind, and leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both fall into the pit.
- Prov 28:10He that deceiveth the just in a wicked way, shall fall in his own destruction: and the upright shall possess his goods.
- Isa 56:10His watchmen are all blind, they are all ignorant: dumb dogs not able to bark, seeing vain things, sleeping and loving dreams.
- Job 29:15I was an eye to the blind, and a foot to the lame.
- Rev 2:14But I have against thee a few things: because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat and to commit fornication.