Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Deuteronomy 28:58
If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD;
58. observe to do ] See on Deu 28:1.
all the words of this law ] Heb. of this Trah, see on Deu 1:5, Deu 31:9. In Deu 17:19, Deu 29:29 (28), Deu 31:12, Deu 32:46, with the same, or a similar, formula preceding; also in Deu 27:3; Deu 27:8; Deu 27:26.
that are written in this book ] Cp. Deu 28:61, Deu 17:18, Deu 29:20 f., Deu 29:27 (Deu 29:19 f., Deu 29:26), Deu 30:10. The Law, therefore, was already written down. As pointed out in the note on Deu 17:18, such a statement may well have belonged to the original D, discovered in the Temple in 621; but it is not compatible with the other representation, hitherto prevalent, that the exhortations and laws were spoken by Moses, nor with the statement in Deu 31:9, that he wrote the law when this discourse was finished. As Driver says, this v. ‘betrays the fact that Deuteronomy was from the first a written book.’
fear this glorious and fearful name ] Cp. Neh 9:5, Psa 72:19, 1Ch 29:13, Isa 63:12. In J, Exo 33:18 God’s glory is parallel to His Name. For fear this name see Mic 6:9 (on one reading), Mal 4:2, Isa 59:19, Psa 61:5 (6). Cp. Lev 24:11. This list (containing as it does Mic 6:9) is not sufficient to prove, as Berth, suggests, a late date for our passage.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
58 68. Still Further Development of the Curses
After a fresh statement of the condition on which they will be inflicted, viz. Israel’s disobedience to the law (Deu 28:58), diseases are again threatened with the sore diminution of the people (Deu 28:59-62); and their banishment is predicted and utter despair (Deu 28:63-67). God shall bring them again to Egypt, where when they seek to sell themselves no man shall buy them (Deu 28:68). In the substance of this section there is nothing incompatible with a pre-exilic date or with the ideas and principles of D. But some of the phraseology may possibly be post-exilic.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Name, i. e. thing or person, to wit, this glorious God. Names are oft put for things, as 1Ki 5:3; Psa 20:1; 95:1; Act 4:12; Eph 1:21; and for persons, as Act 1:15; Rev 3:4.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
If thou wilt not observe to do all the words this law, that are written in this book,…. Of Deuteronomy, in which there is a repetition of the laws before delivered, and an addition of some new ones; all which were to be so observed as to be done, to this end,
that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name of the Lord thy God; or that it might appear that the fear of God was before their eyes, and in their hearts, by their obedience to his law; that they had a proper awe and reverence of him, who is glorious in his titles and attributes, and whose name Jehovah is holy and reverend; and who, as the covenant God of his people, is to, be feared for his goodness sake.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Verses 58:62:
The fifth group of curses: The terrible prospect of the invasion and destruction of the cities and the land would not be the end of their punishment for disobedience. In addition, the violation of God’s dietary and sanitary laws would bring various and devastating diseases upon them.
“This book,” the book of the Law, Deu 17:18; Num 5:23.
“This. . .name,” see Exo 3:13-14; Exo 6:3; Lev 24:11.
Israel’s population would be decimated by their enemies, and by the diseases which would come upon them, because of their disobedience.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
58. If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law. Inasmuch as even believers, although they are disposed to a willing obedience to the Law, and earnestly apply themselves to it, are still impeded and withheld by the infirmity of their flesh from fulfilling their duty, care and attention is here demanded of them; for “to observe ( custodire) to do” is equivalent to giving sedulous and diligent heed. Now, God declares that, unless the Israelites thoroughly devote themselves to the keeping of the Law, vengeance is prepared for their neglect. It is indeed a harsh and severe threat whereby transgression in any respect is without remission; for perfect obedience is required by the words, “to do all the words that are written in the Law.” But it is necessary that we should bear in mind what I have already shewn, that Moses was thus severe in his exactions, in order that the people, being convinced of their condemnation, should betake themselves to the mercy of God; for no one longs after Christ, unless he first abandons all confidence in his works, and rests all his hope of salvation in gratuitous pardon. The curse here recorded so awaits the transgressors of the Law, that, whilst God pardons His children, He at the same time sometimes chastises them, and executes upon the reprobate the vengeance they deserve. The fountain-head of obedience is indicated when it is said, “that thou mayest fear the Lord;” for all virtues are but smoke, which do not spring from the fear of God. Moreover, in order that their contempt may be without excuse, God’s name is called “glorious and fearful;” for it is a mark of gross stupidity, when God’s majesty and glory are openly set before us, not to be affected with becoming reverence so as to humble ourselves before Him. He, however, threatens something more terrible than before, when he says that the plagues shall be wonderful not only on the parents but on their children and descendants; instead of which some construe it, (250) He shall increase in a wonderful manner; and others, He shall separate; but this is too constrained and obscure. The word פלא, phela, signifies to be wonderful, or secret and hidden: thus, in my opinion, he means extraordinary and incredible modes of vengeance which shall surpass the comprehension of the human mind. He puts plagues and sicknesses in apposition with each other, as explaining by the latter of what nature the plagues shall be; unless, perhaps, it may be rather thought that the species is appended to the genus, which seems to be more probable. Further, he calls the plagues veritable, or faithful; either because they shall certainly occur, or because they shall continue to the end; for the Hebrew word נאמנית, (251) neumanoth, is explained in both ways; and undoubtedly it sometimes signifies veracious, or what does not deceive, sometimes firm and stable, or perpetual; and this sense appears to me to suit it best here, so that continued duration should be added to the greatness of the plagues.
He again mentions “the diseases of Egypt,” not those which they had themselves suffered in Egypt, but those under which they had seen the Egyptians laboring. He says, therefore, that the severity of God against unbelievers, of which they had been spectators, should fall upon their own heads, if they should be followers of their ungodliness; for it was natural that they should tremble at the judgments of God, whereof they had been eye-witnesses; and not only so, but at which they had trembled for fear.
(250) So V. The translation, “He shall separate, or shall make distinct from all others, because they shall be greater and worse,” is that of Oleaster, quoted in Poole’s Synopsis.
(251) Root אמן, amen; and here rendered by Taylor, fidoe, constantes
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 28:5868
506.
How is the word fearful in Deu. 28:58? How is the word wonderful used in Deu. 28:59?
507.
Please remember there are two sides of Gods character: wrath and love. Israel was promised in great detail both the benefits of His love and the punishment of His wrath. Who was responsible for what they received?
508.
When was the promise of Deu. 28:64 fulfilled?
509.
Israels second bondage in Egypt was to be worse than their first bondage. How so?
AMPLIFIED TRANSLATION 28:5868
58 If you will not be watchful to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that you may (reverently) fear this glorious and fearful name [and presence], THE LORD YOUR GOD;
59 Then the Lord will bring upon you and your descendants extraordinary strokes and blows, great plagues of long continuance, and grievous sickness of long duration.
60 Moreover He will bring upon you all the diseases of Egypt, of which you were afraid, and they shall cling to you.
61 Also every sickness and every affliction which is not written in the book of this law, the Lord will bring upon you, until you are destroyed.
62 And you shall be [51]left few in number, whereas you had been as the stars of the heavens for multitude; because you would not obey the voice of the Lord your God.
[51] The informed reader scarcely needs to be reminded of how literally fulfilled have been many of these predictions of evil made against the chosen people because of their idolatry and rebellion against God. Such as Deu. 28:25; Deu. 28:32-33; Deu. 28:36; Deu. 28:38; Deu. 28:41-42; Deu. 28:53, foretell historical facts now recorded in Jewish history both sacred and secular. Here Deu. 28:62 foretells how the Jewish race has been thinned, and kept down, again and again.
63 And as the Lord rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you, so the Lord will rejoice to bring ruin upon you and to destroy you; and you shall be [52]plucked from off the land which you go to possess.
[52] [The Roman Emperor] Hadrian issued a proclamation forbidding any Jews to reside in Judea. or even to approach its confines (Gray and Adams Commentary).
64 And the Lord shall scatter you among all peoples from one end of the earth to the other; and there you shall [be forced to] serve other gods, of wood and stone, which neither your nor your fathers have known. [Fulfilled, Dan. 3:6.]
65 And among these nations you shall find no ease and there shall be no rest for the sole of your foot; but the Lord will give you there a trembling heart, failing of eyes [from disappointment of hope], fainting of mind and languishing of spirit.
66 Your life shall hang in doubt before you; day and night you shall be worried, and have no assurance of your life.
67 In the morning you shall say, Would it were evening! and at evening you shall say, Would it were morning! because of the anxiety and dread of your [mind and] heart, and the sights which you shall see with your [own] eyes.
68 And the Lord shall [53]bring you into Egypt again with ships, by the way about which I said to you, You shall never see it again; and there you shall be sold to your enemies for bondmen and bondwomen, and no man shall buy you. [Hos. 8:13.]
[53] Observe the contrast, you came out from bondage by Gods high hand, monuments of His grace and power; you shall be carried back into bondage in mens slave-ships. This was literally fulfilled under [the Roman emperor] Titus, and also under Hadrian (Gray and Adams Commentary). The curses . . . were also fulfilled in a terrible manner during the middle ages, and are still in a course of fulfillment, though frequently less sensibly felt (Langes Commentary). Here, then, are prophecies delivered above 3,000 years ago, and yet being fulfilled in the world at this very time . . . I must acknowledge, they not only convince, but amaze and astonish me beyond expression: they are truly as Moses foretold (Deu. 28:45-46) they would be, a sign and a wonder for ever (Bishop Newton, quoted in Jamieson, Fausett and Brown Commentary).
COMMENT 28:5868
The prophecy now once again takes on a more general character, as in Deu. 28:20-35.
ALL THE DISEASES OF EGYPT WHICH THOU WAST AFRAID OF (Deu. 28:60)How many and what kind these were, we can only guessBut doubtless an oppressed and abused slave people had their share. Cf. Deu. 28:27, Deu. 7:14-15; Exo. 15:25-26.
ALSO EVERY SICKNESS, AND EVERY PLAGUE, WHICH IS NOT WRITTEN IN THIS BOOK (Deu. 28:61)In other words, diseases and afflictions of every description and of every kind will be the lot of a disobedient Israel.
Deu. 28:63A better rendering perhaps is, . . . as it was agreeable to the Lord to make you prosper and multiply, so it will be agreeable to the Lord to make you perish, and He will glory in your destruction . . . Gods glory, greatness, and dignity shall remain, regardless of the response men make to his divine will. But he takes no delight in the punishing of the wicked (Eze. 18:21-32, 1Ti. 2:3-4, 2Pe. 3:9).
YE SHALL BE PLUCKED FROM OFF THE LAND (Deu. 28:63)See Jer. 12:14, where the Babylonian attack is again anticipated. Note 2Ki. 24:10-14; 2Ki. 15:11-12. The phrase also describes conditions following the Roman devastation: Hadrain issued a proclamation forbidding any Jews to reside in Judea, or even to approach its confines (Gray and Adams).
SCATTER THEE AMONG ALL PEOPLES (Deu. 28:64)What peoples in all history have been more completely dispersed throughout the world? And they certainly have not always kept their national religion, even in the modernized form gaining ascendancy with Jews in this country. But the immediate reference here appears to be further back in Israels history.
JEHOVAH WILL BRING THEE INTO EGYPT AGAIN WITH SHIPS, BY THE WAY WHEREOF I SAID UNTO THEE, THOU SHALT SEE IT NO MORE AGAIN (Deu. 28:68See also Jer. 4:11-14; Jer. 4:26-28, Hos. 8:13; Hos. 9:3; Hos. 11:5. Josephus speaks of Titus, after the Roman victory, reserving the stronger and abler ones of the city for the triumphal march, and killing the aged and infirm. . . . and as for the rest of the multitude that were above seventeen years old, he put them into bonds, and sent them to the Egyptian mines.[54]
[54] Wars of the Jews, Book VI, Ch. IX, #2.
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(58, 59) See Note on Deu. 25:2-3.
This glorious and fearful name, the Lord thy God.The first Note of the Decalogue is here referred to, as the great curse of the Law draws to its close. It is no light matter when the Almighty says to any people or to any person, I am Jehovah thy God. They who are His must obey Him, love Him, and acknowledge Him. He will not be mocked. Never did He in all history assay to go and take Him a nation from the midst of other nations as he took Israel. Hence these tremendous consequences.
Of long continuance.Eighteen hundred years have they lasted, and seem to be breaking out afresh now (1882) as though they were in full force. To chastise thee permanently is their mission (Rashi).
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
58. If thou wilt not observe to do, etc. Calamity upon calamity, judgment upon judgment. The full measure of the divine indignation will be poured out upon the people. They will be dispossessed of their inheritance and dispersed among the nations.
In this book This may be understood as referring to all the recorded commandments.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
DISCOURSE: 220
THE DUTY OF FEARING GOD
Deu 28:58-59. If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this Law that are written in this boot, that thou mayest fear that glorious and fearful name, The Lord thy God; then the Lord will make thy plagues wonderful.
WE admire the fidelity of Moses, who declared to Israel the whole counsel of God, not withholding from them any thing whereby they might be profited. To deliver such warnings as are contained in this chapter, must have been inexpressibly painful to him. But he had no alternative, unless indeed he would subject himself to all the curses here denounced; and involve himself, as well as them, in all the consequences of his unfaithfulness and concealment. Brethren, the same necessity lies on us also: we must, at the peril of our souls, deliver all that God has commissioned us to declare: and, if we fail to do so, not only will you perish in your iniquities, but your blood will be required at our hands [Note: Eze 33:8.]. Bear with me, then, I pray you, whilst with becoming fidelity I set before you,
I.
What God requires of us
God is indeed a great and glorious Being, a God of terrible majesty [Note: Job 37:22.], before whom the pillars of heaven tremble, and are astonished at his reproof [Note: Job 26:11.]. And he requires that we fear his glorious and fearful name. He requires that we regard him,
1.
With reverential awe
[Truly he is greatly to be feared, and to be had in reverence of all them that are round about him. When he came down upon Mount Sinai in the presence of all Israel, not a soul except Moses was suffered to approach him: and, if even a beast had touched the mountain, it must immediately be slain. So great was the terror which his presence inspired, that even Moses himself said, I exceedingly fear and quake [Note: Heb 12:20-21.]. And he is still the same God, though he do not manifest himself in the same way. Yes, under the New Testament, as well as the Old, we are taught to bear this in mind, that our God is a consuming fire, and never to be approached but with reverence and godly fear [Note: Heb 12:28-29.].]
2.
With obediential love
[This is the point more especially noticed in the passage before us: and wherever the fear of God is, it must of necessity manifest itself in this way. There will be a real desire to please God; and a full conviction, that every command of his is holy, and just, and good. Nothing will be deemed an hard saying; nothing be accounted grievous. We shall not wish for any limit to our obedience; but shall regard the entire surrender of our souls to him as a reasonable service. This is the conclusion to which Solomon came, after carefully weighing the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty (and end, and happiness) of man [Note: Ecc 12:13.].]
3.
With undivided attachment
[God will not endure a rival in our affections. He must have the whole heart: and the person who shall dare to offer him a divided heart, shall surely be found guilty before him [Note: Hos 10:2.]. It is true, we do not give way to gross idolatry, like those to whom our text was addressed: but if we look into the chambers of imagery within us, we shall find as many idols as ever were worshipped in the time of Israels most determined apostasy [Note: Eze 8:9-12.]. And God is still, as he ever was, a jealous God, that will not have his glory given to another: yea, his very name is, Jealous [Note: Exo 34:14.]. Know, then, that you must not set your affections on any thing here below, but have them all concentrated on him, fearing nothing, desiring nothing, confiding in nothing, in comparison of him. Father, mother, wife and children, houses and lands, yea, and our own life also, must all be subordinated to him, and sacrificed for him, whensoever our duty to him shall call for it. We must love and serve him, him supremely, him only, him exclusively.]
Hear, then, I entreat you,
II.
What we must expect at his hands, if we comply not with his requisition
The Lord made the plagues of his people truly wonderful. Never since the world began was any nation visited with such heavy judgments as they [Note: Lam 1:12.], nor will there ever be the like again, even to the end of time [Note: Mar 13:19.]. They are, and were designed to be, a sign unto us [Note: ver. 46.]. Truly, then, if we fear not God, our plagues also shall be wonderful. They shall be wonderful,
1.
Here
[Look at the different nations of the world, and see what tormentors they are to each other. Behold also the famines, pestilences, earthquakes, which God sends at different times, as avengers of his quarrel with those who rebel against him. See. too, the whole frame of society, whether in larger bodies or in private families; and behold what feuds obtain amongst them, insomuch that there is scarcely a body to be found, the members of which are not arrayed more or less in mutual hostility, and contributing to each others disquiet. Take all the different individuals of mankind; there is scarcely one who has attained the age of manhood, or, at all events, been long settled in the world, without having, in some respect or other, his very life embittered to him, so that at times, if there had been no future state of existence, he would have almost wished for death as a release from his troubles. Mark the tempers which agitate mens minds, and the curse which there is even upon their blessings, insomuch that those who most abound in this worlds goods are not unfrequently the most miserable of mankind. Thus, even in this world, does God fulfil his threatening in our text, and make our plagues wonderful.]
2.
Hereafter
[Who can conceive a soul, at its first entrance into the invisible world, beholding all at once the face of an angry and avenging God? How does it start back from him, and cry to rocks and mountains to hide it from his presence! Who can conceive that soul hearing from its Judge those terrific words, Depart, accursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels? Who can conceive hell opening for its reception, and the man cast, body and soul, into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the worm of an accusing conscience never dieth, and the fire is never quenched? Who can conceive the souls retrospect of the mercies it has despised, and the opportunities it has for ever lost? and, above all, who can conceive its prospects of eternity, as the duration of all the misery to which it is consigned? Say, Beloved, whether then the plagues will not be wonderful? Now they may be laughed at and despised: but when this cup of Gods indignation shall be put into the sinners hands, and he is left to drink it to the very dregs, there will be an end of all his laughter, and to all eternity will he be occupied in weeping and wailing and gnashing his teeth.]
Behold, then
[I now set life and death before you. Say, which of the two ye will choose. If ye doubt the fulfilment of Gods threatenings, read the sad catalogue of woes that were denounced against the Jews, and tell me if so much as one of them has failed of its accomplishment Indeed, my Brethren, every Jew you see is a witness for God, that His word shall be fulfilled in all its fearful extent But, on the other hand, let me say, that the converse of our text is also true. Yes, if you fear and obey the Lord, your blessings also shall be wonderful. Even in this world the peace of Gods obedient people passeth all understanding, and their joy is often unspeakable and glorified. And if you could follow a believing soul into the eternal world; if you could behold it when first it is introduced into the presence of its God and Saviour; if you could see it, whilst the Judge of quick and dead is pronouncing that laudatory sentence, Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord; if, further, you could behold it in the very bosom of its God, invested with a happiness which can never be interrupted, and a glory that shall never end; then you would say that its blessedness is truly wonderful. Why, then, brethren, should you not seek this bliss? Why will you cast it all away, and treasure up for yourselves the sad alternative, even the misery that shall endure for evermore? I pray you, be wise in time; and consider your latter end, ere it be too late! And I pray God, that what has been spoken may now be so impressed upon your minds, that that which took place in Jerusalem may never be realized in you: She remembered not her latter end; therefore she came down wonderfully [Note: Lam 1:9.].]
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
Deu 28:58 If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD;
Ver. 58. This glorious and fearful name. ] That Nomen maiestativum, as Bernard calleth it. The wiser sort of heathens acknowledged, Augustius esse de Deo sentiendum, quam ut nomen et imaginem eius passim ac temere usurpemus, that higher thoughts must be taken of God, than lightly and profanely to make use of his name, which no man may presume in a sudden unmannerliness to blurt out. a When they would swear by their Jupiter, they would break off their oath with a M , as those that only durst to owe the rest to their thoughts. The Greeks and Romans both worshipped the same Jupiter, but the Romans are therefore better thought of, because they ever thought and spake more reverently of him than the Greeks; as may be seen in Homer and Virgil. The Egyptians so honoured their Mercurius Trismegistus, that they held it not lawful to pronounce his name commonly and rashly. Tat, the son of this Trismegist, flourished in Egypt about the time that Moses wrote his Deuteronomy, as saith Eusebius.
a Hinc Pythagoricum illud, Y – Suidas.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Deu 28:58-68
58If you are not careful to observe all the words of this law which are written in this book, to fear this honored and awesome name, the LORD your God, 59then the LORD will bring extraordinary plagues on you and your descendants, even severe and lasting plagues, and miserable and chronic sicknesses. 60He will bring back on you all the diseases of Egypt of which you were afraid, and they will cling to you. 61Also every sickness and every plague which, not written in the book of this law, the LORD will bring on you until you are destroyed. 62Then you shall be left few in number, whereas you were as numerous as the stars of heaven, because you did not obey the LORD your God. 63It shall come about that as the LORD delighted over you to prosper you, and multiply you, so the LORD will delight over you to make you perish and destroy you; and you will be torn from the land where you are entering to possess it. 64Moreover, the LORD will scatter you among all peoples, from one end of the earth to the other end of the earth; and there you shall serve other gods, wood and stone, which you or your fathers have not known. 65Among those nations you shall find no rest, and there will be no resting place for the sole of your foot; but there the LORD will give you a trembling heart, failing of eyes, and despair of soul. 66So your life shall hang in doubt before you; and you will be in dread night and day, and shall have no assurance of your life. 67In the morning you shall say, ‘Would that it were evening!’ And at evening you shall say, ‘Would that it were morning!’ because of the dread of your heart which you dread, and for the sight of your eyes which you will see. 68The LORD will bring you back to Egypt in ships, by the way about which I spoke to you, ‘You will never see it again!’ And there you will offer yourselves for sale to your enemies as male and female slaves, but there will be no buyer.
Deu 28:58-68 if. . .then Notice the covenant obligations and the consequences for disobedience:
1. if you
a. are not careful to observe all the words of this law (BDB 1036, KB 1581, Qal IMPERFECT and BDB 793, KB 889, Qal INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT)
b. to fear this honored and awesome name, the LORD your God (BDB 431, KB 432, Qal INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT, cf. Deu 4:10; Deu 5:29; Deu 6:2; Deu 6:13; Deu 6:24; Deu 10:12; Deu 10:20; Deu 13:4; Deu 14:23; Deu 17:19; Deu 28:58; Deu 31:12-13)
c. note Deu 28:1; Deu 28:13; Deu 28:15; Deu 28:58; Deu 29:9; Deu 31:12; Deu 32:46. Obedience is crucial!
2. then
a. YHWH will bring plagues, Deu 28:59
(1) extraordinary (BDB 810, KB 927, Hiphil PERFECT)
(2) severe (BDB 152)
(3) lasting (BDB 52, KB 63, Niphal PERFECT)
(4) miserable, (BDB 948)
(5) chronic (BDB 52, KB 63, Niphal PERFECT)
b. YHWH will bring back the plagues (BDB 188, cf. Deu 7:15), of which the Israelites were afraid (BDB 388, KB 386, Qal PERFECT), of Egypt to cling (BDB 179, KB 209, Qal PERFECT) to them, Deu 28:60
c. YHWH will bring every sickness (BDB 315) and every plague (BDB 646, cf. Lev 26:21) not mentioned in the book of the law, Deu 28:61
d. YHWH will reverse His promise of prosperity and abundance, Deu 28:62-63
e. YHWH will reverse the exodus from Egypt to the Promised Land and scatter (BDB 806, KB 918, Hiphil PERFECT) His covenant people, Deu 28:64
(1) serve other gods, Deu 28:64
(2) find no rest, Deu 28:65
(3) have trembling heart, Deu 28:65
(4) failing eyes, Deu 28:65
(5) despair of soul, Deu 28:65
(6) be in dread night and day, Deu 28:66-67
(7) no assurance of life, Deu 28:66 ( See Special Topic at Deu 1:32)
(8) slavery, Deu 28:68
Deu 28:58
NASBthis honored and awesome name
NKJV, NRSVthe glorious and awesome name
TEVthis wonderful and awesome name
NJBthis glorious and awe-inspiring name
The name stands for the person and character of YHWH (e.g., Job 1:21; Isa 48:9-11; Eze 20:44; Amo 2:7). He is described by the two Niphal PARTICIPLES:
1. BDB 457, KB 455, from the VERB, to be heavy or weighty, used metaphorically for honorable or glorious (cf. Isa 26:15; Isa 66:5; Eze 28:22; Eze 39:13)
2. BDB 431, KB 432, from the VERB, to fear, used in the sense of reverential awe of YHWH and His redemptive acts (e.g., Deu 7:21; Deu 10:17; Deu 10:21; Neh 1:5; Neh 4:14; Neh 9:32; Psa 145:6)
Deu 28:61 the words of this law which are written in this book It is uncertain what this refers to specifically:
1. the entire Torah
2. the laws of Exodus – Numbers
3. all of Deuteronomy (cf. Deu 31:24)
4. parts of Deuteronomy
a. law codes
b. cursing and blessing
Of course book means scroll, but this does assert that Moses wrote or had someone record YHWH’s law dictated through him (cf. Deu 27:3; Deu 27:8; Deu 28:58; Deu 29:21; Deu 29:29; Deu 30:10).
Deu 28:62 few in number This was a reversal of the Abrahamic promises. God promised that they would be (1) like the stars of heaven (cf. Gen 15:5; Gen 22:17; Gen 26:4); (2) like the sand (cf. Gen 22:17; Gen 32:12); and (3) like the dust (cf. Gen 13:16; Gen 28:14; Num 23:10).
Deu 28:63 the Lord delighted over you This VERB (BDB 965, KB 1314) is used in two ways:
1. to bless (Qal PERFECT, cf. Deu 30:9)
a. prosper you (BDB 405, KB 408, Hiphil INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT)
b. multiply you (BDB 915 I, KB 1176, Hiphil INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT)
2. to curse (Qal IMPERFECT)
a. perish (BDB 1, KB 2, Hiphil INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT)
b. destroy (BDB 1029, KB 1552, Hiphil INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT)
c. torn from the land (BDB 650, KB 702, Niphal PERFECT)
YHWH both rewards and disciplines His children. The discipline is for the purpose of restoration and inclusion.
you will be torn from the land The VERB (BDB 650, KB 702, Niphal PERFECT) is often used of YHWH’s judgment (cf. Psa 52:5; Pro 15:25). This was a total reversal of the Abrahamic promises (cf. Gen 12:1-3).
Deu 28:64 the LORD will scatter you among all peoples This refers to exile, a reverse exodus (cf. Deu 28:68.)
no resting place This (BDB 629 I) was also used twice for the Genesis 8 account of the flood of Noah’s day:
1. the Ark rested on the mountains of Ararat, Deu 28:4
2. the dove sent out to find dry land could not find a place to rest, Deu 28:9
YHWH wants His people to have a place of rest (i.e., the Promised Land, cf. Deu 3:20; Deu 12:9-10; Deu 25:19; Jos 1:13; Jos 1:15; Jos 21:44), but their willful covenant disobedience brought a reverse exodus (i.e., exile, cf. Psa 95:11).
Deu 28:65 failing of eyes This chapter mentions loss of sight several times:
1. blindness as YHWH’s judgment on covenant disobedience, Deu 28:28-29
2. judgment seen before your eyes, Deu 28:30-33
3. what you see will drive you mad, Deu 28:34
4. metaphor for premeditated violence against another family member (i.e., eye shall be evil toward), Deu 28:54-56
5. Egyptian plagues, one of which was utter darkness, Deu 28:60-61
6. failing eyes, a metaphor for fear and despair, utter hopelessness, Deu 28:65-66
7. sight caused further dread, Deu 28:67
Deu 28:66-67
NASB, NRSVdread
NKJVfear
TEVterror. . .fear
NJBafraid. . .terror
JPSOAterror. . .dread
This term (BDB 808 I) means trembling, or shaking, caused by fear or joy! Here it is fear (e.g., Isa 33:14). YHWH wanted to cause dread in Israel’s enemies (cf. Deu 2:25; Deu 11:25), but because of their disobedience they were the fearful ones!
Deu 28:68 the LORD will bring you back to Egypt The reversal of the Exodus. The re-captivity of Israel!
by the way about which I spoke to you This reference to this statement by YHWH is uncertain.
there will be no buyer The VERB to buy (BDB 888, KB 1111, Qal ACTIVE PARTICIPLE) was often used of YHWH purchasing Israel out of Egyptian bondage (cf. Exo 15:16; Psa 74:2), but here it is used of the fate of Israel whereby even Egypt would not buy them back as slaves. They were totally rejected by God and man.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.
1. Why is the cursing section so much longer than the blessing?
2. What is the purpose of this chapter?
3. How is works-righteousness related to the blessing enjoined here?
4. Why is God’s judgment so severe?
5. Have these things occurred in Israel’s history?
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
written. See note on Exo 17:14.
this book. See App-47, and Compare Deu 28:61 below.
name. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct) for Him who bears it. App-6.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
fear
(See Scofield “Psa 19:9”).
Fuente: Scofield Reference Bible Notes
If thou wilt: Deu 28:15, Lev 26:14, Lev 26:15, Jer 7:9, Jer 7:10, Jer 7:26-28
fear this glorious: Deu 6:13, Exo 3:14, Exo 3:15, Exo 6:2, Exo 6:3, Exo 20:2, Exo 34:5-7, Neh 9:5, Psa 50:7, Psa 72:19, Psa 83:18, Isa 41:10, Isa 42:8, Jer 5:12, Mat 10:28, Heb 10:30, Heb 10:31, Heb 12:28, Heb 12:29
Reciprocal: Deu 8:19 – I testify against Jdg 2:14 – the anger 2Sa 22:27 – froward 2Ch 2:1 – for the name Psa 8:1 – how Psa 47:2 – is terrible Psa 48:10 – According Psa 99:3 – thy great Psa 111:9 – holy Pro 30:4 – what is his name Jer 5:22 – Fear ye not Mal 1:14 – for
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
28:58 If thou wilt not observe to do {u} all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD;
(u) For he that offends in one, is guilty of all, Jas 2:10
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
The fifth view shows Israel deprived of all the benefits she had formerly enjoyed (cf. Deu 6:21-23; Deu 26:5-9). This section deals with disease and disasters in the land (Deu 28:58-63) and deportation from the land (Deu 28:64-68). Both parts picture a reversal of Exodus blessings.
In the later history of Israel the punishments God predicted here took place very literally when the people disobeyed His law. What Moses described in Deu 28:32-36 happened in the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities. Deu 28:52-57 found fulfillment then as well as in the Roman destruction of Jerusalem and Israel in A.D. 70. Deu 28:64-68 have taken place during the Roman invasion of A.D. 70, in the Middle Ages, the Russian pogroms, Nazi Germany, and the present day.
God designed these blessings and curses to persuade His people to obey His covenant with them. Stronger proof of the blessing of obedience and the blasting of disobedience is hardly imaginable. God’s will was, and is, very clear and simple: obey His Word.
This section of Deuteronomy (chs. 27-28) is one of the most important ones in Scripture because it records the two options open to Israel as she entered the Promised Land. Obedience to the revealed Word of God would result in blessing, but disobedience would result in blasting. Scholars who do not believe in supernatural prophecy have said that it would have been impossible for Moses to have written these words. They say the subsequent history of Israel so accurately fulfilled these warnings that someone must have written them much later, perhaps after the Babylonian captivity. The books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings take pains to point out how God fulfilled what Moses said here in Israel’s later history. [Note: See George Harton, "Fulfillment of Deuteronomy 28-30 in History and in Eschatology" (Th.D. dissertation, Dallas Theological Seminary, 1981).] Martin Noth advanced the theory that one man or a group of men later in Israel’s history edited Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings to validate what the writer of Deuteronomy predicted. [Note: Martin Noth, The Deuteronomistic History.] Internal evidence as well as Jewish tradition, however, suggest that these books had separate writers, and their writers composed them earlier than Noth proposed.
"For understanding and explaining Israel’s history as recorded throughout the Old Testament, there are perhaps no more important chapters than Deuteronomy 28-30." [Note: J. Dwight Pentecost, Thy Kingdom Come, p. 105.]
The purpose of the whole ceremony Moses described here was to impress the Israelites with the importance and solemnity of entering into and perpetuating covenant relationship with Yahweh. This ceremony was to be a formal occasion that the Canaanites as well as the Israelites would perceive as a covenant renewal ritual.
"When the Greeks invaded Palestine in 332 B.C., the Samaritans sought and obtained permission from the Greeks to build a temple on Mt. Gerizim. This temple was later destroyed and replaced by a Roman temple, but the Samaritans have observed their sacred festivals, including the Passover, on Mt. Gerizim ever since." [Note: G. Herbert Livingston, The Pentateuch in Its Cultural Environment, p. 208. Cf. John 4:20.]