What does Deuteronomy 28:21 mean?
"The LORD shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest to possess it." - Deuteronomy 28:21
Deuteronomy 28:21 (KJV) states, "The LORD shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest to possess it."
This verse is a part of the blessings and curses that were presented to the Israelites in the book of Deuteronomy. In this particular section, Moses is expressing the consequences of disobedience to God’s commandments. The verse speaks of the LORD bringing a pestilence upon the people until they are consumed from the land that they were meant to possess.
One of the major themes in this verse is the concept of divine punishment and retribution. The Israelites are being warned of the consequences of disobedience to God’s laws. The pestilence, which is a severe, often fatal, disease, is portrayed as a punishment that God will unleash upon the people if they turn away from Him. This theme of divine punishment serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God’s commandments.
In addition, the verse also highlights the significance of the land that God has promised to His people. The land is considered to be a precious possession, and the Israelites are being warned that disobedience will result in them being consumed from this land. This emphasizes the idea that the land is a gift from God, and remaining in it is contingent upon the people's faithfulness to Him.
Furthermore, the verse also reflects a sense of the sovereignty of God. The mention of the LORD bringing pestilence and consuming the people from the land indicates His control over life and death. This serves as a reminder of God’s power and authority over the destinies of His people, and the consequences that come with defying His will.
From a contextual perspective, this verse is situated within the larger context of the covenant between God and the Israelites. In the previous verses, God outlines the blessings that will come upon the people if they obey His commandments, and the curses that will befall them if they disobey. Deuteronomy 28:21 falls within the section of curses, serving as a warning to the people about the grave consequences of turning away from God.
In terms of symbolism, the pestilence in this verse can be seen as a representation of the destructive forces that can be unleashed as a result of disobedience. It serves as a metaphor for the consequences of moral and spiritual decay. Furthermore, the idea of being consumed from the land symbolizes the idea of being cut off from God’s blessings and protection.
Overall, Deuteronomy 28:21 conveys a powerful message about the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God. It serves as a stern warning of the consequences that come with turning away from His commandments. The themes of divine punishment, the significance of the promised land, and the sovereignty of God are all reflected in this verse, making it a poignant reminder of the responsibilities that come with following God’s covenant.
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Deuteronomy 28:21 Artwork
Deuteronomy 28:21 - "The LORD shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest to possess it."
"The LORD shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest to possess it." - Deuteronomy 28:21
Deuteronomy 28:28 - "The LORD shall smite thee with madness, and blindness, and astonishment of heart:"
Deuteronomy 28:5 - "Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store."
Deuteronomy 1.1-21
Deuteronomy 28:17 - "Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store."
Genesis 28-21
Genesis 21:28
Deuteronomy 32:28 - "For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them."
"The LORD shall smite thee with madness, and blindness, and astonishment of heart:" - Deuteronomy 28:28
Deuteronomy 28:16 - "Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field."
Deuteronomy 28:3 - "Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field."
Deuteronomy 28:42 - "All thy trees and fruit of thy land shall the locust consume."
Deuteronomy 28:46 - "And they shall be upon thee for a sign and for a wonder, and upon thy seed for ever."
Deuteronomy 28:34 - "So that thou shalt be mad for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see."
Deuteronomy 22:28 - "¶ If a man find a damsel that is a virgin, which is not betrothed, and lay hold on her, and lie with her, and they be found;"
Deuteronomy 28:27 - "The LORD will smite thee with the botch of Egypt, and with the emerods, and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof thou canst not be healed."
Deuteronomy 28:23 - "And thy heaven that is over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that is under thee shall be iron."
Deuteronomy 28:41 - "Thou shalt beget sons and daughters, but thou shalt not enjoy them; for they shall go into captivity."
Deuteronomy 28:47 - "Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things;"
Deuteronomy 28:50 - "A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor shew favour to the young:"
Deuteronomy 28:19 - "Cursed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and cursed shalt thou be when thou goest out."
1 Kings 21:28 - "And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,"
Genesis 21:28 - "And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves."
Deuteronomy 28:10 - "And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee."
Deuteronomy 28:38 - "Thou shalt carry much seed out into the field, and shalt gather but little in; for the locust shall consume it."
Deuteronomy 28:6 - "Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out."
Deuteronomy 28:18 - "Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep."
Deuteronomy 29:28 - "And the LORD rooted them out of their land in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as it is this day."
Deuteronomy 28:37 - "And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither the LORD shall lead thee."