Deuteronomy 28:37-42 -

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 UNDER HIS CONTROL . The greater agencies of nature—rain ( Deuteronomy 28:23 , Deuteronomy 28:24 ), pestilence ( Deuteronomy 28:21 ), diseases ( Deuteronomy 28:27 , Deuteronomy 28:35 ). The lesser agencies—locusts ( Deuteronomy 28:38 , Deuteronomy 28:42 ), worms ( Deuteronomy 28:39 ), "powder and dust" ( Deuteronomy 28:24 ). He marshals these agencies at will, appoints them their work, superintends them in the doing of it. He brings strength out of weakness, making the feeblest creatures the instruments of his most terrible strokes of vengeance.

III. THE FRUITFULNESS OF THE EARTH IS DEPENDENT ON HIS BLESSING . He gives, and he can at will withhold. It is a false science which sees only "laws" in the productiveness of nature, and ignores the hand and blessing of a living God.—J.O.