“Also every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law, them will the LORD bring upon thee until thou be destroyed.”
Context:Deuteronomy 28 is a chapter that contains blessings and curses pronounced by Moses upon the Israelites. It outlines the rewards for obedience to God’s commandments and the consequences of disobedience. The chapter emphasizes the importance of obeying God’s laws and warns of the severe consequences that would result from turning away from Him.
Curses for disobedience:In verses 15-68 of Deuteronomy 28, Moses lists a series of curses that would befall the Israelites if they failed to obey God’s commandments. These curses encompass various aspects of their lives, including their health, agriculture, relationships, and overall well-being. The verse in question, Deuteronomy 28:61, specifically mentions the infliction of sickness and plagues that were not even described in the law, indicating the severity of God’s judgment.
Divine judgment and consequences:This verse underscores the principle that disobedience to God’s laws would lead to divine judgment and dire consequences. God, as the righteous judge, would bring upon the Israelites sicknesses and plagues, extending even beyond those specifically mentioned in the Law. The purpose of these afflictions was to discipline and correct the people, ultimately leading to their destruction.
God’s sovereignty and faithfulness:Despite the harshness of the curses, it is essential to recognize that God’s judgment was a result of the Israelites’ persistent rebellion and refusal to follow His ways. However, God’s faithfulness is also evident in this passage. He had warned the Israelites in advance about the consequences of disobedience, illustrating His desire for them to choose the path of righteousness and experience the blessings He had prepared for them.
Application for believers today:While Deuteronomy 28:61 specifically addresses the Israelites under the Old Covenant, there are principles that believers today can learn from this passage. It serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the potential consequences of turning away from His ways. Although the New Testament emphasizes God’s grace and forgiveness through Jesus Christ, it does not negate the fact that God still expects His followers to live in accordance with His Word and submit to His authority.
In summary, Deuteronomy 28:61 is a verse that highlights the severe consequences of disobedience to God’s laws. It reveals the divine judgment that would befall the Israelites, including the infliction of sicknesses and plagues beyond those described in the Law. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and the potential consequences of turning away from God’s ways, applying not only to the Israelites but also providing lessons for believers today.
