Third group . Moses reverts to the calamities already threatened ( Deuteronomy 28:27 ), for the purpose of leading on the thought that, as such diseases separated the sufferer from the society of his fellows, so Israel should be separated from God and brought under the dominion of strangers as a punishment for rebellion and apostasy. read more
God, Ruler in nature. I. NATURAL OBJECTS ARE OF HIS CREATION . The Psalmist bids us lift up our eyes to the hills, and seek help from God, "who made heaven and earth" ( Psalms 121:2 ). It is this which enables him to help us, and makes it reasonable in us to implore and trust in his assistance; as well as leads us to fear his displeasure. Seed, vineyards, olive trees, are his creatures, and subserve his purposes. He who made can destroy. II. NATURAL AGENCIES ARE ... read more
Consume ; literally, take possession of . The name given here to the ravaging insect is not the same as in Deuteronomy 28:38 ; but there can be no doubt it is the locust that is intended. read more
(Cf. Deuteronomy 28:12 , Deuteronomy 28:13 .) read more
The curses correspond in form and number Deuteronomy 28:15-19 to the blessings Deuteronomy 28:3-6, and the special modes in which these threats should be executed are described in five groups of denunciations Deuteronomy 28:20-68.Deuteronomy 28:20-26First series of judgments. The curse of God should rest on all they did, and should issue in manifold forms of disease, in famine, and in defeat in war.Deuteronomy 28:20Vexation - Rather, confusion: the word in the original is used Deuteronomy 7:23;... read more
Deuteronomy 28:43. The stranger that is within thee Within thy gates; who formerly honoured and served thee, and were, some of them, glad of the crumbs which fell from thy table. Shall get above thee very high Shall rise to great wealth and prosperity upon thy ruin. read more
Obedience and disobedience (28:1-68)Further blessings and curses are now listed. These were connected more with the life of the people as a whole and were directly dependent on the people’s obedience or disobedience. The blessings mainly concerned agricultural prosperity, family happiness, victory over enemies and honour in the eyes of other nations (28:1-10). God’s assurance that he would supply their needs was linked to a warning. They were not to look for family increase or agricultural... read more
locust = grasshopper. Hebrew. zelazal, from noise of its wings. consume. Hebrew possess. read more
very high. Hebrew "high, high". Figure of speech Epizeuxis. App-6 . very low. Hebrew "low, low". Figure of speech Epizeuxis. App-6 . Compare the Figure of speech Isaiah 26:3 . read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 28:15-68
A nation becoming a beacon. If Mount Gerizim had the weight cf. the people on the side of the blessing, Mount Ebal had certainly the weight of the deliverance. No wonder the Law was to be written on its rocky tablets, since the major part of the Law consists in such denunciation of possible disobedience as might serve to render it improbable. As Dr. Arnold has said, "As if, too, warning were far more required than encouragement, we find that the blessings promised for obedience bear a... read more