Deuteronomy 27:15
Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen. Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.
This curse belongs to the directions in Deuteronomy 26 through 28 that state plainly the blessings of obedience and the curse that follows disobedience. The voice speaking those directions was Christ's own voice from the enfolding pillar of cloud, not a human voice. Those directions express the principles of the law of God's kingdom, made specific so that minds are not left in ignorance and uncertainty. They were given as careful, exact instruction to impress a forgetful people and to make the law familiar because of its great importance, as a precaution and practical demonstration that obedience to God's commandments is for present and future good.
The verse pronounces a curse on making a graven or molten image, the work of a craftsman's hands, as an abomination to the Lord, and secretly setting it up, which is hidden idolatry. It was spoken as part of the solemn repetition of God's commandments and the consequences of obedience and disobedience after Israel crossed the Jordan. It was pronounced aloud from a prominent position on the mount of curses, Mount Ebal, set opposite the mount of blessings, Mount Gerizim, so that Israel heard from the two mountains the disadvantages of the curse and the advantages of the blessing. Joshua rehearsed this law with its blessings and curses before Israel, where the people renewed their solemn vows.
Blessings were pronounced from Gerizim upon the obedient and curses from Ebal upon the disobedient. After each declaration the whole congregation assented with Amen, thereby accepting the conditions and placing themselves under solemn responsibility to fulfill them. The curse was given to deter transgression and encourage obedience, teaching that obedience brings prosperity while disobedience results in a curse. It shows God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but takes greatest pleasure in those who turn from sin.
The verse reveals God's government as one of personal responsibility in which each person must stand for himself, no one can obey for a neighbor, and no one is excused for neglecting duty because a neighbor neglects it. The Scriptures present a never-ceasing obligation on all whom God has blessed with life, health, and temporal and spiritual advantages. God's claims remain just as binding and fresh now as when given and have not grown weak with age, just as His gifts are fresh and continual. When He favors His people in a special manner He expects public acknowledgment glorifying His name as testimony that His Word is verity and truth.