Deuteronomy 28:20

The Lord shall send vpon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine hand vnto, for to doe, vntill thou be destroyed, and vntill thou perish quickely, because of the wickednesse of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me. Deuteronomy 28:20 (KJV)

Deuteronomy 28 records the blessings and curses that Moses pronounced as the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land. The chapter sets forth a covenant between God and His people, promising prosperity and protection when they obey His commandments and warning of severe penalties when they turn away.

In verse 20 God declares that if the people forsake Him and persist in wickedness, He will send upon them cursing, vexation, and rebuke in all their endeavors. “The LORD shall send upon thee cursing” signifies the punishment and adverse outcomes that will follow disobedience. The accompanying “vexation, and rebuke” indicates distress, trouble, and divine correction that will accompany every undertaking. The phrase “in all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do” means that every project, effort, and plan will be plagued by difficulty and failure. The warning “until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly” underscores the seriousness of persistent rebellion, promising swift destruction for those who continue in sin. Finally, “because of the wickedness of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me” explains that these curses arise directly from the Israelites’ sinful actions and abandonment of God.

This verse serves as a stark warning to the original audience: obedience brings blessing, while forsaking God brings ruin. It emphasizes the necessity of faithfulness to the covenant and the grave consequences of turning away.

For contemporary believers, the passage calls us to remain steadfast in God’s teachings and commandments. It reminds us that disobedience can produce negative consequences in our lives and that repentance and a return to God are essential when we stray. Living in righteousness and seeking God’s forgiveness align us with His justice and protect us from the curses described.

Overall, Deuteronomy 28:20 highlights the direct relationship between obedience and the outcomes of our choices. It underscores God’s justice, the importance of walking in righteousness, and the need for continual faithfulness to Him.