Deuteronomy 28:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Through our faith, prayers, repentance, purity, and good deeds, essentially by adhering to God’s commandments, we draw forth the strength and assistance of God to ourselves and to those valiantly defending our land. Conversely, by neglecting God’s commandments and succumbing to sin, we distance ourselves from His power and support; consider how many among us might diminish God’s grace instead of inviting it.

In recounting the historical struggles of God's people, we remember that after Joshua and his soldiers crossed the Jordan River, which opened miraculously for them, and brought down the walls of Jericho through shouts and trumpet blasts, they faced unexpected defeat when confronting a smaller city. Both the leader and his troops were distressed, unable to understand why divine aid had abandoned them. The answer was revealed: ‘The Lord said to Joshua: ...men have sinned; ...for this reason the children of Israel cannot stand before the face of their enemies’ (Joshua 7:10-12). This was due to Achan taking forbidden spoil from Jericho, defying the command given under oath. As a result, judgment fell upon the wrongdoer, and God's favor and victory were restored to Israel's army. If one individual’s sin bore such dire consequences, how much more perilous is the collective sin of many?

Let us recognize and come to terms with the reality that our own injustices pose a greater threat to us than those of others; that our transgressions can be more intimidating than our adversaries. We must remain steadfast against these internal foes. The sure armor against them is readily available: found in the Word of God, His commandments, and our conscience. So, as ‘the unrighteousness of the proud’ increases around us, let us diligently and humbly ‘with all our heart test the commandments’ of God, seeking our refuge and salvation in their faithful observance. Amen.