“Thou shalt plant vineyards, and dress them, but shalt neither drink of the wine, nor gather the grapes; for the worms shall eat them.”
This verse is part of a larger passage known as the blessings and curses of the Mosaic Covenant. In Deuteronomy 28, God speaks through Moses to the Israelites, outlining the consequences they would face if they obeyed or disobeyed His commandments.
In the preceding verses, God promises the Israelites numerous blessings if they are obedient to His laws. However, in verses 15 to 68, God warns them about the curses that would befall them if they turn away from Him and violate His commandments.
Deuteronomy 28:39 specifically describes a curse that would affect their agricultural endeavors. It mentions that the Israelites would labour to plant vineyards, taking care to tend to them, but they would not enjoy the fruit of their labour. Instead, worms would devour the grapes, preventing them from drinking the wine or gathering a harvest.
Symbolically, this curse highlights the futility and disappointment that disobedience to God’s commands brings. It demonstrates that even their most valued and hard-earned possessions would be subject to destruction, denying them the satisfaction and benefits they expected.
It’s important to note that Deuteronomy, as a book, carries specific significance for the Israelites who were about to enter the Promised Land. The blessings and curses outlined in this chapter served as a warning and reminder of the consequences of obedience or disobedience to God’s laws. They were intended to emphasise the importance of a covenantal relationship with God, urging the Israelites to choose obedience and faithfulness.
As Christians, while we can draw general principles from Deuteronomy, it is crucial to understand that these blessings and curses were given within the context of the Mosaic Covenant, which was fulfilled and superseded by the New Covenant in Jesus Christ. The New Covenant emphasises salvation through faith in Jesus rather than adherence to the Mosaic Law. Therefore, we interpret these passages through the lens of the gospel and the teachings of Jesus.
In summary, Deuteronomy 28:39 highlights the consequences of disobedience to God’s commands, specifically in relation to the Israelites’ agricultural pursuits. It serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and faithfulness in our relationship with God, even as we approach Scripture through the lens of the New Covenant in Jesus Christ.
