Deuteronomy 29:20

The Lord will not spare him, but then the anger of the Lord and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the Lord shall blot out his name from under heaven.

Deuteronomy 29:20 (KJV)

Context

Deuteronomy contains Moses’ final speeches to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy 29, Moses renews the covenant between God and the people, reminding them of God’s past faithfulness and warning them of the consequences of turning away, especially through idolatry.

Meaning

The verse describes the fate of an individual who, after hearing the covenant’s curses, blesses himself in his heart, saying, “I shall have peace, though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart” (Deuteronomy 29:19). For such a person, the Lord will not spare him. This indicates that God will not overlook or show mercy to those who break the covenant and turn to idolatry. The anger of the Lord and his jealousy shall smoke against that man. The imagery of smoke conveys the burning, persistent nature of divine wrath. God’s jealousy signifies His passion and zeal for His people, desiring their exclusive devotion and worship.

All the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him. This refers to the curses and judgments mentioned earlier in Deuteronomy, including sickness, famine, and defeat in battle. The Lord shall blot out his name from under heaven, signifying complete removal from the covenant community and memory. The immediate context shows that such a person will be singled out for evil from all the tribes of Israel, and the land will suffer devastation like Sodom and Gomorrah, serving as a warning to future generations.

Application

This verse underscores the certainty of covenant curses for those who deliberately break faith with God. It emphasizes the seriousness of wholehearted commitment to God and obedience to His commandments. The warning is not only for ancient Israel but also for all who hear God’s Word and are tempted to trust in their own stubbornness rather than in Him.

Reflection

God’s jealousy is His exclusive claim on His people’s loyalty. He will not share His glory with idols or tolerate persistent, unrepentant rebellion. Yet the severity of judgment reveals the holiness of God and the value He places on a faithful relationship with His people.