"Deuteronomy & Us: A Forgotten Covenant and the Black Identity" (Part One)

“When all these blessings and curses I have set before you come on you... and when you and your children return to the Lord your God and obey him... then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes.”

Deuteronomy 30:1–3

A Note from the Heart

This message is not written in anger or hatred, but in love, clarity, and truth.

I believe with all my heart that God loves all people, every nation, tribe, and tongue. But I also believe that He has a covenant and favor upon His chosen people, just as the Scriptures reveal.

Being chosen is not about superiority; it's about responsibility, discipline, and purpose.

The Black community has carried suffering that reflects the prophetic words of Deuteronomy.

This is not to say we are unloved or rejected;

On the contrary, we are loved deeply.

But we must also face the truth: we have a history, a covenant, and a calling that cannot be erased.

What Does the Word Deuteronomy Mean?

Greek: Δευτερονόμιον (Deuteronomion)

• Deutero = "Second"

• Nomos = "Law"= “Second Law” — a restating of God’s commandments to the next

  generation.

Hebrew: דְּבָרִים (Devarim)

• Means “Words” or “These are the words”

• Refers to Moses’ prophetic speeches before Israel entered the Promised Land

The Greek name focuses on law. The Hebrew name focuses on voice—words spoken to a people with a future and a purpose.

Deuteronomy 28: The Prophecy That Hits Home

Verses 1–14: The Blessings

• Protection, abundance, and leadership—if the people obey.Promises of health, prosperity, peace, and leadership—IF Israel obeys God.

  
  

Verses 15–68: The Curses

• If disobedient, the Israelites would experience:

  • Slavery

  • Exile

  • Poverty

  • Family separation

  • Constant fear

  • Loss of national identity

Prophecies That Mirror the Black Experience

Verse	Prophecy	Historical Parallel
28:32	"Your sons and daughters will be given to another nation…"	Families torn apart during slavery
28:41	"You will have children but not keep them..."	Generational loss through slavery, foster care, and displacement
28:48	"You will serve your enemies… in hunger, thirst, and nakedness…"	Chattel slavery, systemic poverty, and racial oppression
28:68	"The LORD will send you back to Egypt in ships…"	The transatlantic slave trade—Black people sent in ships and sold into slavery

Many scholars and truth-seekers believe these curses line up prophetically with the journey of the African diaspora.

Are Black People the Israelites?

For centuries, Black people were told they were cursed with dark skin or destined for servitude. But Deuteronomy flips the script:

• It doesn’t curse skin color.

• It curses covenant disobedience.

• And it also promises restoration.

The prophetic curses match the historical and spiritual journey of the Black diaspora. For many, this isn’t a coincidence; it’s confirmation.

A Covenant, Not a Curse

Even in the pain, God promises restoration:

“Return to the Lord your God... and He will have compassion on you… and gather you from all the nations where He scattered you.”— Deuteronomy 30:2–3

This isn’t just about history, it’s about destiny.

 Reflect & Share

• What would it mean to you if Deuteronomy 28 described your heritage?

• Do you believe God still honors His covenant?

• What does “returning” look like for you today?

Final Word

Deuteronomy is our mirror. It reflects not only our past, but also our place in prophecy, and our path to restoration.

This isn’t a message of hate. It’s a message of healing. It’s not about separation—it’s about reconnection. God loves all, but He disciplines and restores those whom He has called.

We are not forgotten. We are not cursed. We are chosen.