“The stranger that is within thee shall get up above thee very high; and thou shalt come down very low.”
Historical Context:Deuteronomy is part of the Torah, specifically the fifth book of Moses, and it contains the final speeches of Moses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. Deuteronomy 28 contains blessings and curses, outlining the rewards for obedience and the consequences of disobedience to God’s commandments.
Immediate Context:In the preceding verses (Deuteronomy 28:15-42), Moses describes the severe curses that would come upon the Israelites if they turned away from God and His laws. These curses include diseases, droughts, military defeats, and oppression. Verse 43 is a continuation of the curses, specifically addressing the outcome of foreign domination over the Israelites.
The Stranger’s Rise:“The stranger that is within thee shall get up above thee very high.” This verse refers to foreigners or non-Israelites residing among the Israelites. It describes a situation in which these strangers would rise to positions of power and authority over the Israelites. Instead of Israel being elevated among nations, they would find themselves under the dominion and control of those who were not part of their covenant community.
Israel’s Descent:“And thou shalt come down very low.” This phrase emphasizes the contrast between the exalted position of the strangers and the lowered status of the Israelites. It speaks of their humiliation and subjugation, highlighting the consequence of disobedience to God’s laws and the breaking of their covenant relationship with Him.
Spiritual Lessons:
- Consequences of Disobedience:Deuteronomy 28:43 underscores the principle that disobedience to God’s commands leads to undesirable outcomes. The Israelites were warned that if they turned away from God, they would suffer the consequences of foreign domination. This principle applies to us today as well. When we stray from God’s ways and ignore His commandments, we can expect negative consequences in our lives.
- Importance of Covenant Faithfulness:The verse reminds us of the importance of honoring our covenant relationship with God. The Israelites were a chosen people, and God had established a covenant with them. Their obedience to God’s laws was directly linked to their well-being and prosperity. Similarly, as Christians, we are called to be faithful to the covenant established through Jesus Christ, living in obedience to His teachings and relying on His grace.
- God’s Sovereignty and Discipline:The rise of the strangers and the Israelites’ descent highlight God’s sovereignty and His discipline. God allowed the strangers to rise as a form of discipline for the Israelites’ disobedience. It serves as a reminder that God is ultimately in control, and He uses various means to discipline His people and bring them back to a place of obedience and dependence on Him.
Overall Message:
Deuteronomy 28:43 serves as a warning to the Israelites about the consequences of forsaking their covenant with God. It teaches us the importance of remaining faithful to God’s commandments and the perils of turning away from Him. It also emphasizes the sovereignty of God and His desire for His people to recognize His authority in their lives.
Remember, while studying individual verses is beneficial, it is essential to consider the broader context of the entire Bible to gain a comprehensive understanding of God’s message and His redemptive plan for humanity.
