“The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”
Context:Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible and is part of the Pentateuch, which includes the first five books of the Old Testament. It contains the farewell speeches of Moses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. In this chapter, Moses outlines the blessings of obedience to God’s commandments and the consequences of disobedience.
Obedience and Blessings:Deuteronomy 28 begins with a list of blessings that God promises to bestow upon His people if they are obedient to His commandments. In verse 8, it emphasises that God Himself will command blessings upon His people. This highlights the sovereignty and authority of God as the source of all blessings.
Material Blessings:The verse mentions blessings in “storehouses” and in “all that thou settest thine hand unto.” This indicates that God’s blessings are not limited to one aspect of life but encompass all areas. It includes provisions for the Israelites’ physical needs, such as abundant crops, fruitful livestock, and material prosperity. God’s blessings are not only spiritual but also tangible and practical.
The Promised Land:Another significant aspect of this verse is the reference to the land which the Lord God gives to His people. The Promised Land, Canaan, was a place of abundance and blessing. This land was an inheritance for the Israelites, a gift from God. It symbolises the fulfilment of God’s promises and the establishment of His covenant with His people.
Application to Believers:While Deuteronomy was written specifically for the Israelites, there are principles that can be applied to believers today. As Christians, we can understand this verse in light of our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. When we walk in obedience to God’s Word, we position ourselves to receive His blessings. God desires to bless His people, and He remains the source of all blessings.
Trusting in God’s Providence:This verse also encourages believers to trust in God’s providence and His ability to provide for our needs. Just as God commanded blessings upon the Israelites, He can bless the work of our hands and provide for us in various ways. It is a reminder that our efforts alone are insufficient, but when coupled with God’s favour, we can experience success and prosperity.
Gratitude and Stewardship:When we receive God’s blessings, it is essential to cultivate a heart of gratitude and practice good stewardship. Recognising that all blessings come from God, we should use them wisely, sharing with others and using our resources to bring glory to God.
In summary, Deuteronomy 28:8 speaks of the blessings that God commands upon His obedient people. It highlights God’s authority and provision in all aspects of life, including material blessings and the fulfilment of His promises. As believers, we can trust in God’s providence, walk in obedience, and be grateful for the blessings He bestows upon us.
