5:3 curse. The curse contained in the Law (Deut. 28:15–68). As in Hag. 1:1–11, the prophet emphasizes that the obedience of God’s people brings blessings, while disobedience brings God’s curses.

everyone who steals . . . swears falsely. The curse was probably not directed at just two sins, but these are representative of the iniquity of the whole land. False swearing violates the third commandment and the first table of the law (one’s duty to God). Theft violates the eighth commandment, found in the second table of the law (one’s duty to neighbor). The Ten Commandments summarize the whole moral law and are a revelation of God’s own character.