The fourth component of the Covenantal structure is sanctions. These sanctions are the direct consequences of either obedience or disobedience. We call them negative sanctions and positive sanctions , depending on the situation. Negative sanctions are always brought about by rebellion. These are also called curses .
Positive sanctions are a result of obedience.
These are often called blessings. After the defeat of Ai, Joshua assembled all Israel to hear the Law of God read. God records this in Joshua 8. We must carefully observe the sequence of Joshua s actions after the victory. This was a symbolic act pertaining to the covenant.