“‘Cursed be anyone who strikes down his neighbor in secret.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
When the law was written, to be seen and read by all men, the sanctions of it were to be published, which, to complete the solemnity of their covenanting with God, they were deliberately to declare their approbation of. This they were before directed to do (Deu 11:29, Deu 11:30), and therefore the appointment here begins somewhat abruptly, Deu 27:12.
Commenting on Deuteronomy 27:11-26
Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour secretly,.... And kills him, and the murder is not known; the curse of God follows such, and overtakes them sooner or later. Some interpret this of smiting with the tongue, of secret backbiting and slander; so the Targum of Jonathan,"that smiteth with the third tongue;''or false accusation: and all the people shall say Amen; as disapproving of and...
Cursed [be] he that smiteth his neighbour secretly. And all the people shall say, Amen. (o) For God that sees in secret, will avenge it.