Verse 28, the final verse of Chapter 29 in Devarim states that "that which is concealed is for God, and that which is revealed is for us and for our children – to follow the words of the Torah." What is meant by “concealed things”? What are revealed? To untangle this perplexing verse, we examine the wider context in which it appears: The people are gathered to be brought into a “covenant and a curse” before entering the Land of Israel. What are the parameters and details of this covenant with the curse attached for violators?
The cases of the curse mentioned in chapter 29 (Parashat Nitzavim) can be compared with those that appear in the litany of curses recited at Mount Eival (Ebal) in the Ceremony of the Stones upon entering the Land of Israel (described in Chapter 29 in Parashat Ki Tavo). In both chapters, there are multiple cases of concealed sins among those that are cursed.
In the Book of Yehoshua, one man- Akhan- brings trouble to the whole nation, and is ultimately cursed and put to death, for his hidden sin of stealing and concealing gold and silver that had been banned from use. The story of Akhan is a historical manifestation of the warning in our Parasha.
What is the connection to the larger parasha? At the end of the day, sin begins with the individual, and where there is a specific type of hidden quality of the sin committed, God will punish the individual- and, to a certain extent- the entire community. A fundamental notion of the covenant in Parashat Nitzavim is the concept of corporate responsibility. A second key concept, though, is that of partnership: communal partnership with God. God may address the hidden actions, but it is up to us to enforce adherence to the law and standards of the covenant and respond to that which is revealed to us.