For Abravanel, the two main thrusts of this lengthy chapter 28 have to do with: 1) keeping this second
covenant and 2) the blessing for compliance or curse for non-compliance. From the outset, Abravanel
stresses that we are only speaking about material or physical consequence for man’s actions – not
otherworldly payment.
“And it shall come to pass, if you shall heed diligently unto the voice of
God your Almighty, to observe to do all His commandments which I
command you this day, that God your Almighty will set you on high
above all the nations of the earth.”
“And it shall come to pass, if you shall heed diligently unto the voice of God your Almighty…” Moses sets
out an introductory, Torah guideline. That is, heavenly reward is the lot of one of two types of people.
One, is the compliant Jew, adhering to the word of God, and His commandments. Put differently, these
are the faithful. But they are not only men of faith. They also, to be colloquial, walk the walk. With all
their heart. These observant Jews earn the highest accolades, since they are both well-versed and
practice diligently what they learn.
Two, comprise a group of Jews who also profess true faith in the divine Torah. Moreover, they heed
divine commands. However, this grouping faces gusty headwinds from the many vicissitudes of life,
vicissitudes that hinder their religious practice. We mean, some are victims to host countries’ whims,
discrimination, not to mention onerous taxation. Others reside in outright anti-Semitic lands. Obviously
enough, these men are physically prevented from practicing Judaism. They can – and do learn Torah –
but face restraints in the area of action. This category of Hebrews ranks lower than the first one.
Tying this preface to our verses, Abravanel puts forth that the blessings herein accrue to the first
grouping. “And it shall come to pass, if you shall heed diligently unto the voice of God your Almighty, to
observe to do all His commandments…” Both elements go hand in hand: faith and deed. “To observe to
do” conveys comprehensive compliance. “That God your Almighty will set you on high above all the
nations of the earth.” Commensurate with his overall lifestyle, compensation soars.
After alluding to the highest tier of piety, the Torah moves on to discuss those pious ones perched a
notch below. “And all these blessings shall come upon you, and overtake you, if you shall hearken unto
the voice of God your Almighty.” As stated, this fellow comes up short in practice.
As for his reward, he will not be placed above the nations of the world, as is the case for those reaching
level one. Notwithstanding, reward aplenty swathes those who have the very best of intentions. “And all
these blessings shall come upon you, and overtake you…” It means that reward will come on its own
accord; the recipient will not have to request it. Heaven showers him with bounty.
“Blessed you shall be in the city; and blessed you shall be in the field.” Blessing, not surprisingly, comes
in various contours – and contexts. If a fellow, for example, is an urban dweller, and makes a living in
business or works as an artisan, he is “blessed…in the city.” Successes of the metropolitan type are his.
On the other hand, if he is a farmer, he is “blessed…in the field.” Thus, ranchers will be awarded with
blue-ribbon livestock and rich loam for pasturing herds and flocks. Farmers, alternatively, shall reap in
bumper crops. Blessing/curse is a rich topic. We have only scratched the surface here.