Deuteronomy 28:22
The Lord shall smite thee with a consumption, and with a feuer, and with an inflammation, & with an extreme burning, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildewe: and they shall pursue thee vntill thou perish. Deuteronomy 28:22 (KJV)
Deuteronomy 28:22 is found in the chapter commonly called the “Blessings and Curses.” In this section Moses reminds the Israelites of the covenant between God and His people and warns them of the dire consequences of turning away from that covenant. The verses that precede this warning promise abundant blessings for faithful obedience, but the curses that follow describe the severe penalties for disobedience.
“The LORD shall smite thee with a consumption” refers to a wasting disease that would leave the people physically weak and declining. “And with a fever” adds the image of an elevated body temperature, often accompanying infection and causing great discomfort. “And with an inflammation” points to the body’s painful response to injury or disease, signifying further suffering. “And with an extreme burning” suggests an intense, scorching sensation, evoking the experience of severe heat or pain. “And with the sword” symbolizes warfare and violent conflict, indicating that the nation would face military defeat and enemy attacks. “And with blasting, and with mildew” describe environmental and agricultural disasters: destructive winds or storms that ruin crops, and mold or fungi that spoil the harvest, leading to famine. Finally, “and they shall pursue thee until thou perish” warns of relentless enemy pursuit, exile, or scattering that could culminate in total destruction.
These curses must be understood within the historical context of the Old Testament covenant, which was specific to Israel’s relationship with God at that time. They served as a stark warning of the tangible results of covenant breach and as a call to remain faithful to God’s commandments.
For Christians, the passage is read in light of the New Testament revelation of God’s grace through Jesus Christ. While the principle that obedience yields blessing and disobedience brings trouble remains relevant, salvation is no longer earned by works but received by faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8‑9). Thus the passage encourages believers to honor God’s commands out of gratitude for grace, rather than as a means of securing salvation.
