The sermon style that we have already noted in the previous passage continues in this chapter which describes the goodness and greatness of God and returns yet again to the obligations of his people towards him. The reference in verse 6 is to the story told in Numbers 16 of the rebellion of some of the Israelites against the authority of Moses and Aaron. In verses 26-32, the choice which the Israelites have of obeying God and receiving his blessings, and disobeying God and falling under his curse, is to be enacted very dramatically when the Israelites cross the river Jordan to enter Canaan. The ceremony intended to instill in the hearts of the people the fullest understanding of their obligations to God, is described in Deuteronomy 27. Large stones were set up and in front of them all the laws given were written. An altar was set up in front of the stones which were 'God's witnesses'. Burnt-offerings and fellowship-offerings were offered in a covenant ceremony and then the people were divided into groups to witness the blessings and curses which were proclaimed by the priests of the tribe of Levi. The community assented to each curse for disobedience to the law of God. The power of the curse is clearly understood in African traditional life and in this passage from Deuteronomy we see a similar understanding amongst the Israelites. To be under God's curse was the most terrible thing that could happen; it meant separation from all that has been described as God's blessings and ultimately from life itself.