What does Deuteronomy 28:34 mean?

"So that thou shalt be mad for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see." - Deuteronomy 28:34

Deuteronomy 28:34 - "So that thou shalt be mad for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see."

Deuteronomy 28:34 (KJV) states: "So that thou shalt be mad for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see."

This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Deuteronomy, where Moses is delivering his final speech to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. Throughout this speech, Moses outlines the blessings that will come to the Israelites if they follow God's commandments, as well as the curses that will befall them if they disobey. Deuteronomy 28:34 falls within the section detailing the curses that will come upon the Israelites if they fail to obey God's laws.

When looking at this verse in its broader context, we see that it is part of a series of curses that will befall the Israelites if they turn away from God. These curses are meant to serve as a warning to the Israelites, illustrating the consequences of disobedience. In Deuteronomy 28:28-29, Moses describes the Israelites being "smitten with madness, and blindness, and astonishment of heart" as a result of their disobedience. Deuteronomy 28:34 specifically speaks to the madness that will overcome them as a result of the things they will see.

The imagery in this verse is powerful and evocative. The idea of being "mad for the sight of thine eyes" suggests a deep sense of distress and despair. It speaks to a sense of mental anguish and torment that will come upon the Israelites as a result of witnessing the destruction and devastation that will come upon them due to their disobedience.

The themes present in this verse include the consequences of disobedience, the importance of faithfulness to God, and the idea of divine judgment. It serves as a stark reminder of the severity of God's judgment and the need for obedience to His commandments. It also highlights the idea of God as a just and righteous ruler, who will hold His people accountable for their actions.

In terms of symbolism, the "madness" mentioned in this verse can be seen as representing the internal turmoil and suffering that comes from straying from God's path. It is a mental and emotional affliction that serves as a tangible manifestation of the spiritual consequences of disobedience. The "sight" that causes this madness could symbolize the consequences of their actions, the destruction and suffering that will befall them as a result of turning away from God.

Ultimately, Deuteronomy 28:34 is a powerful and sobering warning to the Israelites of the consequences of disobedience. It serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God and the severity of His judgment. This verse, along with the larger passage in which it is found, emphasizes the need for obedience, faithfulness, and the consequences that come from straying from God's commandments. It is a reminder of the importance of staying on the right path and the dangers that come from turning away from God.

Deuteronomy 28:34 Artwork

Deuteronomy 28:34 - "So that thou shalt be mad for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see."

Deuteronomy 28:28 - "The LORD shall smite thee with madness, and blindness, and astonishment of heart:"

Deuteronomy 34:1-4 – Moses views the Promised Land from Mount Nebo.

Numbers 34:28 - "And the prince of the tribe of the children of Naphtali, Pedahel the son of Ammihud."

Deuteronomy 34:1-4 – Moses views the Promised Land from Mount Nebo.

Deuteronomy 1:34 - "And the LORD heard the voice of your words, and was wroth, and sware, saying,"

Genesis 34:28 - "They took their sheep, and their oxen, and their asses, and that which was in the city, and that which was in the field,"

Deuteronomy 28:5 - "Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store."

Deuteronomy 28:17 - "Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store."

Deuteronomy 34:3 - "And the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, unto Zoar."

Deuteronomy 34:1-4 – Moses views the Promised Land from Mount Nebo.

Deuteronomy 32:28 - "For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them."

Deuteronomy 32:34 - "Is not this laid up in store with me, and sealed up among my treasures?"

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 34:5 - "¶ So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD."

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."

Exodus 28:34 - "A golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe round about."

Job 34:28 - "So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted."

Deuteronomy 34:10 - "¶ And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face,"

Deuteronomy 34:2 - "And all Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim, and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah, unto the utmost sea,"

Deuteronomy 34:12 - "And in all that mighty hand, and in all the great terror which Moses shewed in the sight of all Israel."

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 34:8 - "¶ And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended."

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."