In yet a further continuation of Moses’ farewell speeches, the Israelites are informed that a future of either blessings or curses is in their hands. The specifics of these alternatives will be spelled out in a ceremony that is to take place upon entry into the land. All is contingent upon adherence to the Torah.

As part of the Torah’s program for eradicating idolatry, all local cultic shrines, sacrifices and other practices were to be eliminated; ritual would be centrally concentrated “in the place that God would choose.” The second tithe was to be brought to this central location – not for donation to the Sanctuary, but to be consumed and enjoyed by the religious pilgrim. Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot were to be celebrated by pilgrimage to this as yet unidentified, “place.”

Other idolatrous trappings were also prohibited: child sacrifice, and inflicting gashes or shaving as a sign of mourning. False prophets – those who encouraged idolatry – were to be executed, and any town that had been subverted (i.e., that had totally gone over to idolatry) was to be thoroughly destroyed.

A social and economic contract giving great consideration to the poor is promulgated. The Laws of kashrut are reiterated.