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Deuteronomy 28:1
Verse
Context
The Blessings of Obedience
1“Now if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God and are careful to follow all His commandments I am giving you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.2And all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you, if you will obey the voice of the LORD your God:
Sermons
Leonard Ravenhill
Charles Stanley
Erlo Stegen
Robert F. Adcock
Zac PoonenSummary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
For the purpose of impressing upon the hearts of all the people in the most emphatic manner both the blessing which Israel was to proclaim upon Gerizim, and the curse which it was to proclaim upon Ebal, Moses now unfolds the blessing of fidelity to the law and the curse of transgression in a longer address, in which he once more resumes, sums up, and expands still further the promises and threats of the law in Exo 23:20-33, and Lev 26. Deu 28:1-6 The Blessing. - Deu 28:1. If Israel would hearken to the voice of the Lord its God, the Lord would make it the highest of all the nations of the earth. This thought, with which the discourse on the law in Deu 26:19 terminated, forms the theme, and in a certain sense the heading, of the following description of the blessing, through which the Lord, according to the more distinct declaration in Deu 28:2, would glorify His people above all the nations of the earth. The indispensable condition for obtaining this blessing, was obedience to the word of the Lord, or keeping His commandments. To impress this condition sine qua non thoroughly upon the people, Moses not only repeats it at the commencement (Deu 28:2), and in the middle (Deu 28:9), but also at the close (Deu 28:13, Deu 28:14), in both a positive and a negative form. In Deu 28:2, "the way in which Israel was to be exalted is pointed out" (Schultz); and thus the theme is more precisely indicated, and the elaboration of it is introduced. "All these blessings (those mentioned singly in what follows) will come upon thee and reach thee." The blessings are represented as actual powers, which follow the footsteps of the nation, and overtake it. In Deu 28:3-6, the fulness of the blessing of God in all the relations of life is depicted in a sixfold repetition of the word "blessed." Israel will be blessed in the town and in the field, the two spheres in which its life moves (Deu 28:3); blessed will be the fruit of the body, of the earth, and of the cattle, i.e., in all its productions (Deu 28:4; for each one, see Deu 7:13-14); blessed will be the basket (Deu 26:2) in which the fruits are kept, and the kneading - trough (Exo 12:34) in which the daily bread is prepared (Deu 28:5); blessed will the nation be in all its undertakings ("coming in and going out;" vid., Num 27:17). Deu 28:7-14 Deu 28:7-14 describe the influence and effect of the blessing upon all the circumstances and situations in which the nation might be placed: in Deu 28:7-10, with reference (a) to the attitude of Israel towards its enemies (Deu 28:7); (b) to its trade and handicraft (Deu 28:8); (c) to its attitude towards all the nations of the earth (Deu 28:9, Deu 28:10). The optative forms, יתּן and יצו (in Deu 28:7 and Deu 28:8), are worthy of notice. They show that Moses not only proclaimed the blessing to the people, but desired it for them, because he knew that Israel would not always or perfectly fulfil the condition upon which it was to be bestowed. "May the Lord be pleased to give thine enemies...smitten before thee," i.e., give them up to thee as smitten (לפני נתן, to give up before a person, to deliver up to him: cf. Deu 1:8), so that they shall come out against thee by one way, and flee from thee by seven ways, i.e., in wild dispersion (cf. Lev 26:7-8). Deu 28:8 "May the Lord command the blessing with thee (put it at thy disposal) in thy barns (granaries, store-rooms) and in all thy business" ("to set the hand;" see Deu 12:7). Deu 28:9-12 "The Lord will exalt thee for a holy nation to Himself,...so that all the nations of the earth shall see that the name of Jehovah is named upon thee, and shall fear before thee." The Lord had called Israel as a holy nation, when He concluded the covenant with it (Exo 19:5-6). This promise, to which the words "as He hath sworn unto thee" point back, and which is called an oath, because it was founded upon the promises given to the patriarchs on oath (Gen 22:16), and was given implicite in them, the Lord would fulfil to His people, and cause the holiness and glory of Israel to be so clearly manifested, that all nations should perceive or see "that the name of the Lord is named upon Israel." The name of the Lord is the revelation of His glorious nature. It is named upon Israel, when Israel is transformed into the glory of the divine nature (cf. Isa 63:19; Jer 14:9). It was only in feeble commencements that this blessing was fulfilled upon Israel under the Old Testament; and it is not till the restoration of Israel, which is to take place in the future according to Rom 11:25., that its complete fulfilment will be attained. In Deu 28:11 and Deu 28:12, Moses returns to the earthly blessing, for the purpose of unfolding this still further. "Superabundance will the Lord give thee for good (i.e., for happiness and prosperity; vid., Deu 30:9), in fruit of thy body," etc. (cf. Deu 28:4). He would open His good treasure-house, the heaven, to give rain to the land in its season (cf. Deu 11:14; Lev 26:4-5), and bless the work of the hands, i.e., the cultivation of the soil, so that Israel would be able to lend to many, according to the prospect already set before it in Deu 15:6. Deu 28:13-14 By such blessings He would "make Israel the head, and not the tail," - a figure taken from life (vid., Isa 9:13), the meaning of which is obvious, and is given literally in the next sentence, "thou wilt be above only, and not beneath," i.e., thou wilt rise more and more, and increase in wealth, power, and dignity. With this the discourse returns to its commencement; and the promise of blessing closes with another emphatic repetition of the condition on which the fulfilment depended (Deu 28:13 and Deu 28:14. On Deu 28:14, see Deu 5:29; Deu 11:28).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God,.... In his law, and by his prophets: to observe and to do all his commandments, which I command thee this day; for without observing them to do them, hearing them would be to little purpose, and they were all of them to be observed and done, the lesser and weightier matters of the law as they were commanded by Moses in the name of the Lord, and as they would be taught, explained, and enforced by the prophets: that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: as they were in the times of David and Solomon; See Gill on Deu 26:19.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The blessings are here put before the curses, to intimate, 1. That God is slow to anger, but swift to show mercy: he has said it, and sworn, that he would much rather we would obey and live than sin and die. It is his delight to bless. 2. That though both the promises and the threatenings are designed to bring and hold us to our duty, yet it is better that we be allured to that which is good by a filial hope of God's favour than that we be frightened to it by a servile fear of his wrath. That obedience pleases best which comes from a principle of delight in God's goodness. Now, I. We have here the conditions upon which the blessing is promised. 1. It is upon condition that they diligently hearken to the voice of God (Deu 28:1, Deu 28:2), that they hear God speaking to them by his word, and use their utmost endeavours to acquaint themselves with his will, Deu 28:13. 2. Upon condition that they observe and do all his commandments (and in order to obedience there is need of observation) and that theykeep the commandments of God (Deu 28:9) and walk in his ways. Not only do them for once, but keep them for ever; not only set out in his ways, but walk in them to the end. 3. Upon condition that they should not go aside either to the right hand or to the left, either to superstition on the one hand, or profaneness on the other; and particularly that they should not go after other gods (Deu 28:14), which was the sin that of all others they were most prone to, and God would be most displeased with. Let them take care to keep up religion, both the form and power of it, in their families and nation, and God would not fail to bless them. II. The particulars of this blessing. 1. It is promised that the providence of God should prosper them in all their outward concerns. These blessings are said to overtake them, Deu 28:2. Good people sometimes, under the sense of their unworthiness, are ready to fly from the blessing and to conclude that it belongs not to them,; but the blessing shall find them out and follow them notwithstanding. Thus in the great day the blessing will overtake the righteous that say, Lord, when saw we thee hungry and fed thee? Mat 25:37. Observe, (1.) Several things are enumerated in which God by his providence would bless them: - [1.] They should be safe and easy; a blessing should rest upon their persons wherever they were, in the city, or in the field, Deu 28:3. Whether their habitation was in town or country, whether they were husbandmen or tradesmen, whether their business called them into the city or into the field, they should be preserved from the dangers and have the comforts of their condition. This blessing should attend them in their journeys, going out and coming in, Deu 28:6. Their persons should be protected, and the affair they went about should succeed well. Observe here, What a necessary and constant dependence we have upon God both for the continuance and comfort of this life. We need him at every turn, in all the various movements of life; we cannot be safe if he withdraw his protection, nor easy if he suspend his favour; but, if he bless us, go where we will it is well with us. [2.] Their families should be built up in a numerous issue: blessed shall be the fruit of thy body (Deu 28:4), and in that the Lord shall make thee plenteous (Deu 28:11), in pursuance of the promise made to Abraham, that his seed should be as the stars of heaven for multitude, and that God would be a God to them, than which a greater blessing, and more comprehensive, could not be entailed upon the fruit of their body. See Isa 61:9. [3.] They should be rich, and have an abundance of all the good things of this life, which are promised them, not merely that they might have the pleasure of enjoying them, but (as bishop Patrick observes out of one of the Jewish writers) that they might have wherewithal to honour God, and might be helped and encouraged to serve him cheerfully and to proceed and persevere in their obedience to him. A blessing is promised, First, On all they had without doors, corn and cattle in the field (Deu 28:4, Deu 28:11), their cows and sheep particularly, which would be blessed for the owners' sakes, and made blessings to them. In order to this, it is promised that God would give them rain in due season, which is called his good treasure (Deu 28:12), because with this river of God the earth is enriched, Psa 65:9. Our constant supplies we must see coming from God's good treasure, and own our obligations to him for them; if he withhold his rain, the fruits both of the ground and of the cattle soon perish. Secondly, On all they had within doors, the basket and the store (Deu 28:5), the store-houses or barns, Deu 28:8. When it is brought home, God will bless it, and not blow upon it as sometimes he does, Hag 1:6, Hag 1:9. We depend upon God and his blessing, not only for our yearly corn out of the field, but for our daily bread out of our basket and store, and therefore are taught to pray for it every day. [4.] They should have success in all their employments, which would be a constant satisfaction to them: "The Lord shall command the blessing (and it is he only that can command it) upon thee, not only in all thou hast, but in all thou doest, all that thou settest thy hand to," Deu 28:8. This intimated that even when they were rich they must not be idle, but must find some good employment or other to set their hand to, and God would own their industry, and bless the work of their hand (Deu 28:12); for that which makes rich, and keeps so, is the blessing of the Lord upon the hand of the diligent, Pro 10:4, Pro 10:22. [5.] They should have honour among their neighbours (Deu 28:1): The Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations. He made them so, by taking them into covenant with himself, Deu 26:19. And he would make them more and more so by their outward prosperity, if they would not by sin disparage themselves. Two things should help to make them great among the nations: - First, Their wealth (Deu 28:12): "Thou shalt lend to many nations upon interest" (which they were allowed to take form the neighbouring nations), "but thou shalt not have occasion to borrow." This would give them great influence with all about them; for the borrower is servant to the lender. It may be meant of trade and commerce, that they should export abundantly more than they should import, which would keep the balance on their side. Secondly, Their power (Deu 28:13): "The Lord shall make thee the head, to give law to all about thee, to exact tribute, and to arbitrate all controversies." Every sheaf should bow to theirs, which would make them so considerable that all the people of the earth would be afraid of them (Deu 28:10), that is, would reverence their true grandeur, and dread making them their enemies. The flourishing of religion among them, and the blessing of God upon them, would make them formidable to all their neighbours, terrible as an army with banners. [6.] They should be victorious over their enemies, and prosper in all their wars. If any were so daring as to rise up against them to oppress them, or encroach upon them, it should be at their peril, they should certainly fall before them, Deu 28:7. The forces of the enemy, though entirely drawn up to come against them one way, should be entirely routed, and flee before them seven ways, each making the best of his way. (2.) From the whole we learn (though it were well if men would believe it) that religion and piety are the best friends to outward prosperity. Though temporal blessings do not take up so much room in the promises of the New Testament as they do in those of the Old, yet it is enough that our Lord Jesus has given us his word (and surely we may take his word) that if we seek first the kingdom of God, and the righteousness thereof, all other things shall be added to us, as far as Infinite Wisdom sees good; and who can desire them further? Mat 6:33. 2. It is likewise promised that the grace of God should establish them a holy people, Deu 28:9. Having taken them into covenant with himself, he would keep them in covenant; and, provided they used the means of stedfastness, he would give them the grace of steadfastness, that they should not depart from him. Note, Those that are sincere in holiness God will establish in holiness; and he is of power to do it, Rom 16:25. He that is holy shall be holy still; and those whom God establishes in holiness he thereby establishes a people to himself, for a long as we keep close to God he will never forsake us. This establishment of their religion would be the establishment of their reputation (Deu 28:10): All the people of the earth shall see, and own, that thou art called by the name of the Lord, that is, "that thou art a most excellent and glorious people, under the particular care and countenance of the great God. They shall be made to know that a people called by the name Jehovah are without doubt the happiest people under the sun, even their enemies themselves being judges." The favourites of Heaven are truly great, and, first or last, it will be made to appear that they are so, if not in this world, yet at that day when those who confess Christ now shall be confessed by him before men and angels, as those whom he delights to honour.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
28:1-68 This section presents the conditions for receiving the covenant blessing, the nature of the blessings (28:1-14), and the curses that will come if these mandates are ignored or disobeyed (28:15-68).
Deuteronomy 28:1
The Blessings of Obedience
1“Now if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God and are careful to follow all His commandments I am giving you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.2And all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you, if you will obey the voice of the LORD your God:
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
"Old Fashioned Hell Fire Preaching"
By Leonard Ravenhill8.6K00:52DEU 28:11CH 13:9PRO 3:5MAL 3:6HEB 13:8
This sermon emphasizes the danger of trying to modernize or improve upon the ways of God, likening it to the mistake of trying to steady the Ark of God with human efforts. It highlights the importance of embracing traditional, foundational truths like baptism and old-fashioned hellfire preaching, as they carry the power and presence of God. Obedience to God's ways leads to success and blessings.
A Passion to Obey Him
By Charles Stanley7.5K1:01:48Obeying GodDEU 28:1In this sermon on having a passion to obey God, the speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching children from a young age about obedience to God. He highlights that while God has already forgiven our failures through the sacrifice of Jesus, it is our heart's desire that matters. The focus should be on obeying God, not on the consequences. The speaker also mentions that our obedience can serve as a testimony and encouragement to others who may be facing difficult decisions. As our knowledge and understanding of Christ increases, so does our hunger and passion to obey Him. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a desire for God's best in our lives.
Religiosity or Spirituality - Choosing the Profitable
By Zac Poonen2.2K1:00:47ReligiosityDEU 28:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the blessings and consequences of obedience to God's commandments. The first 14 verses of the chapter emphasize that if the Israelites keep God's commandments, they will be blessed with prosperity, health, and success in their work and family life. However, the remaining 54 verses highlight the punishment that awaits those who do not obey God, including sickness, poverty, and suffering for themselves and their children. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for God's work and growing spiritually, rather than remaining like spiritual babies.
God Dwelling With His People
By Erlo Stegen1.3K1:15:39God's DwellingNUM 9:15DEU 28:1JOS 1:8In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of feeling heartbroken and weeping over a situation. However, one day while reading the Bible, God spoke directly to the speaker and revealed His name. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being led by God and following His word. They also discuss the significance of the cloud in the wilderness as a symbol of how one should be led by God. The sermon concludes with a reminder to come out from the world and be separate, not touching anything unclean.
1 Samuel 15
By Robert F. Adcock1.0K38:53EXO 22:18DEU 28:11SA 15:22PRO 28:14MAT 6:33ROM 8:1JAS 1:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands and not taking them lightly. He uses the example of Saul, who was given the task of executing justice on a group of people with a bad reputation. However, Saul failed to fully obey God's command and suffered the consequences. The preacher warns that disobedience to God's will can lead to condemnation and judgment, and urges listeners to share this message with others who may be on a destructive path.
The Seven Levels of Judgment - Part 6
By Dan Biser77414:54DEU 28:1
This sermon emphasizes the importance of heeding God's warnings and responding appropriately to avoid afflictions and judgments. It draws parallels between the blessings and curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28, highlighting the need for obedience and reverence towards God's commandments. The speaker urges listeners to recognize the signs of God's discipline and to seek repentance and restoration in order to avert further calamity.
(Through the Bible) Deuteronomy
By Zac Poonen65159:30DEU 6:13DEU 8:3DEU 9:1DEU 13:3DEU 17:18DEU 20:3DEU 28:1DEU 33:2
This sermon delves into the book of Deuteronomy, highlighting the repetition of God's laws and the importance of remembering His faithfulness. It emphasizes the need to look back at God's provision, look upward to God's laws, and look forward to God's promises. The sermon also warns against forgetting God in times of plenty, the dangers of false prophets, and the significance of obeying God's word. It encourages living by heavenly principles and seeking God with all our heart.
One Nation Above God
By Shane Idleman55224:07DEU 28:1JDG 2:10PSA 33:12MIC 6:8MAT 11:28
This sermon emphasizes the importance of returning to God and the foundational principles of biblical values that shaped the nation. It discusses the significance of prayer, the dangers of drifting away from God, and the need for individuals to stand up for righteousness in the face of moral decline and societal challenges.
Why Didn't Someone Do Something?
By Shane Idleman55059:36DEU 28:1JDG 2:10PSA 33:12MIC 6:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of remembering in various aspects: remembering God's commands, the nation's history, and the need for revival. It calls for prayer, fasting, and seeking God's intervention to address the moral decline and challenges faced by the nation. The speaker highlights the critical role of prayer and fasting in seeking God's guidance and restoration.
Needed, a Second Reformation
By Zac Poonen46951:19DEU 28:11CO 14:3
This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking the Lord for the appropriate message for a specific time, drawing parallels between Old Testament prophets and the need for modern-day prophecy in churches. It highlights the call to repentance that was common to all prophets and addresses the prevalent issue of idolatry. The speaker discusses the need for a reformation in the church to combat false teachings related to money, healing, and prosperity, emphasizing the spiritual blessings in the New Testament. The sermon also stresses the importance of forgiveness, the dangers of being busy, and the need to listen to God's voice amidst distractions.
2 Missing Ingredients to Answered Prayer
By Shane Idleman3431:48Answered PrayerRepentance and DesperationDEU 28:1ISA 64:1Shane Idleman emphasizes the two missing ingredients to answered prayer: repentance and desperation. He explains that when prayers seem unanswered, it may be due to disobedience or a lack of earnestness in seeking God. Drawing from Isaiah's plea for God to rend the heavens, he highlights the importance of a heart that yearns for God's presence and the necessity of diligently obeying His voice. Idleman warns that unrepentant sin can create a barrier between us and God, making our prayers feel ineffective. Ultimately, he encourages believers to press in with faith, recognizing that God's timing and will are paramount in our prayer lives.
Drive It Out - Obedience Brings Life
By Shane Idleman1333:13ObedienceSpiritual WarfareNUM 33:52DEU 28:1Shane Idleman passionately delivers a message titled 'Drive It Out - Obedience Brings Life,' emphasizing that true obedience to God stems from love and loyalty, not legalism. He highlights how disobedience can lead to spiritual unrest, depression, and anxiety, urging listeners to drive out sin and false influences from their lives to experience the blessings of God. Drawing parallels from the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land, he stresses the importance of removing distractions and false worship to maintain a strong relationship with God. Shane encourages the congregation to seek the Holy Spirit's power to overcome sin and to fill their lives with godly influences. Ultimately, he calls for repentance and a return to a spirit-filled life, reminding everyone that obedience brings life and blessings.
Hezekiah's Prayer
By C.I. Scofield0DEU 28:1JOB 19:25ISA 38:2ISA 38:4DAN 12:2ROM 8:282CO 5:8C.I. Scofield delves into the story of Hezekiah's prayer for healing and God's response in Isaiah 38:1-8. The passage reflects the Old Testament view on life, death, and blessings, emphasizing the earthly focus of the Israelites and their limited understanding of the afterlife. Hezekiah's plea for healing highlights the tension between God's promises and the reality of suffering, showcasing the importance of faith and seeking God's will in times of distress.
A Great Victory
By J. Wilbur Chapman0EXO 14:13DEU 28:1JDG 6:12JDG 7:212CH 20:171CO 1:27EPH 4:8EPH 6:102TI 2:3REV 3:2J. Wilbur Chapman preaches on the story of Gideon and the victory achieved with a small, dedicated army, emphasizing the importance of standing firm in faith and obedience to God's call. The sermon reflects on the Old Testament Beatitudes and the consequences of straying from God's commandments, drawing parallels to the struggles and alternating feelings faced by the people of Israel. Through examples like Gideon and other individuals who responded to God's call, the sermon highlights the power of surrendering to God's plan, even in the face of challenges and doubts.
America's Spiritual Crisis
By Erwin Lutzer0DEU 28:12CH 7:14JOL 2:12ACT 3:19REV 2:5Erwin W. Lutzer delivers a powerful sermon on the moral and spiritual crisis in America, emphasizing the urgent need for a national revival to counter the increasing godlessness and rejection of Christian values. He highlights the detrimental effects of removing God from society, leading to moral decay, societal hostility towards Christianity, and a rise in destructive behaviors. Lutzer also addresses the church's ineffectiveness in influencing the culture positively, calling for repentance and a return to holiness to impact the nation. The sermon concludes with a call to hope, emphasizing that revival is possible through God's intervention, historical examples of revival in America, and the transformative power of widespread repentance and spiritual awakening.
The Word and Faith
By Glenn Meldrum0NUM 13:30DEU 28:1PSA 12:6MAT 24:35ROM 12:2HEB 4:121JN 2:4Glenn Meldrum emphasizes the importance of faith in the Living Word, Jesus, and belief in the truths of the Scriptures for salvation, holiness, and revival. He discusses how revival is sparked by a deep understanding and obedience to the Word of God, highlighting the need for doctrinal integrity and a restoration of the Scriptures in the Church. Drawing from the example of King Josiah's reform, he illustrates the transformative power of the Word when it is embraced and practiced wholeheartedly. Meldrum challenges believers to have a radical faith, rooted in Biblical truth, that leads to a revival marked by miracles, signs, and wonders.
Attainment by Discipline
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual AscendencyDiscipline in FaithDEU 28:1PSA 8:6PSA 24:3MAT 27:24EPH 1:22HEB 2:9HEB 12:22REV 7:14REV 14:1REV 21:12T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that God's ultimate purpose is to have a people in absolute ascendency, which is a central theme throughout Scripture. He illustrates this through the history of Israel, showing how their failures serve as warnings for the church today, as they lost their intended spiritual dominion due to clinging to the letter of the law rather than embracing the spirit of divine life. The sermon highlights that ascendency is achieved through discipline and challenging experiences, urging believers to view their trials as opportunities for spiritual growth rather than personal grievances. Sparks concludes by affirming that true ascendency is not merely a future promise but a present reality for those who rise above their circumstances through faith in Christ. The ultimate question remains, 'Who shall ascend?' and the answer lies in a disciplined and united people of God.
The Hidden Treasure
By Erlo Stegen0Obedience to GodSpiritual WealthGEN 18:19DEU 28:1DEU 28:12MAT 12:48Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of recognizing our spiritual wealth in Christ, using the story of Zanele, who transitions from caring for orphans to a new path in marriage. He illustrates that true family in Christ is defined by doing the will of God, as Jesus indicated when He referred to His disciples. The sermon highlights the blessings that come from obeying God's commandments, as stated in Deuteronomy, and warns against living a life devoid of God's guidance, which leads to emptiness. Stegen encourages listeners to dig deep into their faith, uncovering the hidden treasures that God has for those who follow His ways. He concludes by stressing that without God, all worldly achievements are ultimately meaningless.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
For the purpose of impressing upon the hearts of all the people in the most emphatic manner both the blessing which Israel was to proclaim upon Gerizim, and the curse which it was to proclaim upon Ebal, Moses now unfolds the blessing of fidelity to the law and the curse of transgression in a longer address, in which he once more resumes, sums up, and expands still further the promises and threats of the law in Exo 23:20-33, and Lev 26. Deu 28:1-6 The Blessing. - Deu 28:1. If Israel would hearken to the voice of the Lord its God, the Lord would make it the highest of all the nations of the earth. This thought, with which the discourse on the law in Deu 26:19 terminated, forms the theme, and in a certain sense the heading, of the following description of the blessing, through which the Lord, according to the more distinct declaration in Deu 28:2, would glorify His people above all the nations of the earth. The indispensable condition for obtaining this blessing, was obedience to the word of the Lord, or keeping His commandments. To impress this condition sine qua non thoroughly upon the people, Moses not only repeats it at the commencement (Deu 28:2), and in the middle (Deu 28:9), but also at the close (Deu 28:13, Deu 28:14), in both a positive and a negative form. In Deu 28:2, "the way in which Israel was to be exalted is pointed out" (Schultz); and thus the theme is more precisely indicated, and the elaboration of it is introduced. "All these blessings (those mentioned singly in what follows) will come upon thee and reach thee." The blessings are represented as actual powers, which follow the footsteps of the nation, and overtake it. In Deu 28:3-6, the fulness of the blessing of God in all the relations of life is depicted in a sixfold repetition of the word "blessed." Israel will be blessed in the town and in the field, the two spheres in which its life moves (Deu 28:3); blessed will be the fruit of the body, of the earth, and of the cattle, i.e., in all its productions (Deu 28:4; for each one, see Deu 7:13-14); blessed will be the basket (Deu 26:2) in which the fruits are kept, and the kneading - trough (Exo 12:34) in which the daily bread is prepared (Deu 28:5); blessed will the nation be in all its undertakings ("coming in and going out;" vid., Num 27:17). Deu 28:7-14 Deu 28:7-14 describe the influence and effect of the blessing upon all the circumstances and situations in which the nation might be placed: in Deu 28:7-10, with reference (a) to the attitude of Israel towards its enemies (Deu 28:7); (b) to its trade and handicraft (Deu 28:8); (c) to its attitude towards all the nations of the earth (Deu 28:9, Deu 28:10). The optative forms, יתּן and יצו (in Deu 28:7 and Deu 28:8), are worthy of notice. They show that Moses not only proclaimed the blessing to the people, but desired it for them, because he knew that Israel would not always or perfectly fulfil the condition upon which it was to be bestowed. "May the Lord be pleased to give thine enemies...smitten before thee," i.e., give them up to thee as smitten (לפני נתן, to give up before a person, to deliver up to him: cf. Deu 1:8), so that they shall come out against thee by one way, and flee from thee by seven ways, i.e., in wild dispersion (cf. Lev 26:7-8). Deu 28:8 "May the Lord command the blessing with thee (put it at thy disposal) in thy barns (granaries, store-rooms) and in all thy business" ("to set the hand;" see Deu 12:7). Deu 28:9-12 "The Lord will exalt thee for a holy nation to Himself,...so that all the nations of the earth shall see that the name of Jehovah is named upon thee, and shall fear before thee." The Lord had called Israel as a holy nation, when He concluded the covenant with it (Exo 19:5-6). This promise, to which the words "as He hath sworn unto thee" point back, and which is called an oath, because it was founded upon the promises given to the patriarchs on oath (Gen 22:16), and was given implicite in them, the Lord would fulfil to His people, and cause the holiness and glory of Israel to be so clearly manifested, that all nations should perceive or see "that the name of the Lord is named upon Israel." The name of the Lord is the revelation of His glorious nature. It is named upon Israel, when Israel is transformed into the glory of the divine nature (cf. Isa 63:19; Jer 14:9). It was only in feeble commencements that this blessing was fulfilled upon Israel under the Old Testament; and it is not till the restoration of Israel, which is to take place in the future according to Rom 11:25., that its complete fulfilment will be attained. In Deu 28:11 and Deu 28:12, Moses returns to the earthly blessing, for the purpose of unfolding this still further. "Superabundance will the Lord give thee for good (i.e., for happiness and prosperity; vid., Deu 30:9), in fruit of thy body," etc. (cf. Deu 28:4). He would open His good treasure-house, the heaven, to give rain to the land in its season (cf. Deu 11:14; Lev 26:4-5), and bless the work of the hands, i.e., the cultivation of the soil, so that Israel would be able to lend to many, according to the prospect already set before it in Deu 15:6. Deu 28:13-14 By such blessings He would "make Israel the head, and not the tail," - a figure taken from life (vid., Isa 9:13), the meaning of which is obvious, and is given literally in the next sentence, "thou wilt be above only, and not beneath," i.e., thou wilt rise more and more, and increase in wealth, power, and dignity. With this the discourse returns to its commencement; and the promise of blessing closes with another emphatic repetition of the condition on which the fulfilment depended (Deu 28:13 and Deu 28:14. On Deu 28:14, see Deu 5:29; Deu 11:28).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God,.... In his law, and by his prophets: to observe and to do all his commandments, which I command thee this day; for without observing them to do them, hearing them would be to little purpose, and they were all of them to be observed and done, the lesser and weightier matters of the law as they were commanded by Moses in the name of the Lord, and as they would be taught, explained, and enforced by the prophets: that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: as they were in the times of David and Solomon; See Gill on Deu 26:19.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The blessings are here put before the curses, to intimate, 1. That God is slow to anger, but swift to show mercy: he has said it, and sworn, that he would much rather we would obey and live than sin and die. It is his delight to bless. 2. That though both the promises and the threatenings are designed to bring and hold us to our duty, yet it is better that we be allured to that which is good by a filial hope of God's favour than that we be frightened to it by a servile fear of his wrath. That obedience pleases best which comes from a principle of delight in God's goodness. Now, I. We have here the conditions upon which the blessing is promised. 1. It is upon condition that they diligently hearken to the voice of God (Deu 28:1, Deu 28:2), that they hear God speaking to them by his word, and use their utmost endeavours to acquaint themselves with his will, Deu 28:13. 2. Upon condition that they observe and do all his commandments (and in order to obedience there is need of observation) and that theykeep the commandments of God (Deu 28:9) and walk in his ways. Not only do them for once, but keep them for ever; not only set out in his ways, but walk in them to the end. 3. Upon condition that they should not go aside either to the right hand or to the left, either to superstition on the one hand, or profaneness on the other; and particularly that they should not go after other gods (Deu 28:14), which was the sin that of all others they were most prone to, and God would be most displeased with. Let them take care to keep up religion, both the form and power of it, in their families and nation, and God would not fail to bless them. II. The particulars of this blessing. 1. It is promised that the providence of God should prosper them in all their outward concerns. These blessings are said to overtake them, Deu 28:2. Good people sometimes, under the sense of their unworthiness, are ready to fly from the blessing and to conclude that it belongs not to them,; but the blessing shall find them out and follow them notwithstanding. Thus in the great day the blessing will overtake the righteous that say, Lord, when saw we thee hungry and fed thee? Mat 25:37. Observe, (1.) Several things are enumerated in which God by his providence would bless them: - [1.] They should be safe and easy; a blessing should rest upon their persons wherever they were, in the city, or in the field, Deu 28:3. Whether their habitation was in town or country, whether they were husbandmen or tradesmen, whether their business called them into the city or into the field, they should be preserved from the dangers and have the comforts of their condition. This blessing should attend them in their journeys, going out and coming in, Deu 28:6. Their persons should be protected, and the affair they went about should succeed well. Observe here, What a necessary and constant dependence we have upon God both for the continuance and comfort of this life. We need him at every turn, in all the various movements of life; we cannot be safe if he withdraw his protection, nor easy if he suspend his favour; but, if he bless us, go where we will it is well with us. [2.] Their families should be built up in a numerous issue: blessed shall be the fruit of thy body (Deu 28:4), and in that the Lord shall make thee plenteous (Deu 28:11), in pursuance of the promise made to Abraham, that his seed should be as the stars of heaven for multitude, and that God would be a God to them, than which a greater blessing, and more comprehensive, could not be entailed upon the fruit of their body. See Isa 61:9. [3.] They should be rich, and have an abundance of all the good things of this life, which are promised them, not merely that they might have the pleasure of enjoying them, but (as bishop Patrick observes out of one of the Jewish writers) that they might have wherewithal to honour God, and might be helped and encouraged to serve him cheerfully and to proceed and persevere in their obedience to him. A blessing is promised, First, On all they had without doors, corn and cattle in the field (Deu 28:4, Deu 28:11), their cows and sheep particularly, which would be blessed for the owners' sakes, and made blessings to them. In order to this, it is promised that God would give them rain in due season, which is called his good treasure (Deu 28:12), because with this river of God the earth is enriched, Psa 65:9. Our constant supplies we must see coming from God's good treasure, and own our obligations to him for them; if he withhold his rain, the fruits both of the ground and of the cattle soon perish. Secondly, On all they had within doors, the basket and the store (Deu 28:5), the store-houses or barns, Deu 28:8. When it is brought home, God will bless it, and not blow upon it as sometimes he does, Hag 1:6, Hag 1:9. We depend upon God and his blessing, not only for our yearly corn out of the field, but for our daily bread out of our basket and store, and therefore are taught to pray for it every day. [4.] They should have success in all their employments, which would be a constant satisfaction to them: "The Lord shall command the blessing (and it is he only that can command it) upon thee, not only in all thou hast, but in all thou doest, all that thou settest thy hand to," Deu 28:8. This intimated that even when they were rich they must not be idle, but must find some good employment or other to set their hand to, and God would own their industry, and bless the work of their hand (Deu 28:12); for that which makes rich, and keeps so, is the blessing of the Lord upon the hand of the diligent, Pro 10:4, Pro 10:22. [5.] They should have honour among their neighbours (Deu 28:1): The Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations. He made them so, by taking them into covenant with himself, Deu 26:19. And he would make them more and more so by their outward prosperity, if they would not by sin disparage themselves. Two things should help to make them great among the nations: - First, Their wealth (Deu 28:12): "Thou shalt lend to many nations upon interest" (which they were allowed to take form the neighbouring nations), "but thou shalt not have occasion to borrow." This would give them great influence with all about them; for the borrower is servant to the lender. It may be meant of trade and commerce, that they should export abundantly more than they should import, which would keep the balance on their side. Secondly, Their power (Deu 28:13): "The Lord shall make thee the head, to give law to all about thee, to exact tribute, and to arbitrate all controversies." Every sheaf should bow to theirs, which would make them so considerable that all the people of the earth would be afraid of them (Deu 28:10), that is, would reverence their true grandeur, and dread making them their enemies. The flourishing of religion among them, and the blessing of God upon them, would make them formidable to all their neighbours, terrible as an army with banners. [6.] They should be victorious over their enemies, and prosper in all their wars. If any were so daring as to rise up against them to oppress them, or encroach upon them, it should be at their peril, they should certainly fall before them, Deu 28:7. The forces of the enemy, though entirely drawn up to come against them one way, should be entirely routed, and flee before them seven ways, each making the best of his way. (2.) From the whole we learn (though it were well if men would believe it) that religion and piety are the best friends to outward prosperity. Though temporal blessings do not take up so much room in the promises of the New Testament as they do in those of the Old, yet it is enough that our Lord Jesus has given us his word (and surely we may take his word) that if we seek first the kingdom of God, and the righteousness thereof, all other things shall be added to us, as far as Infinite Wisdom sees good; and who can desire them further? Mat 6:33. 2. It is likewise promised that the grace of God should establish them a holy people, Deu 28:9. Having taken them into covenant with himself, he would keep them in covenant; and, provided they used the means of stedfastness, he would give them the grace of steadfastness, that they should not depart from him. Note, Those that are sincere in holiness God will establish in holiness; and he is of power to do it, Rom 16:25. He that is holy shall be holy still; and those whom God establishes in holiness he thereby establishes a people to himself, for a long as we keep close to God he will never forsake us. This establishment of their religion would be the establishment of their reputation (Deu 28:10): All the people of the earth shall see, and own, that thou art called by the name of the Lord, that is, "that thou art a most excellent and glorious people, under the particular care and countenance of the great God. They shall be made to know that a people called by the name Jehovah are without doubt the happiest people under the sun, even their enemies themselves being judges." The favourites of Heaven are truly great, and, first or last, it will be made to appear that they are so, if not in this world, yet at that day when those who confess Christ now shall be confessed by him before men and angels, as those whom he delights to honour.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
28:1-68 This section presents the conditions for receiving the covenant blessing, the nature of the blessings (28:1-14), and the curses that will come if these mandates are ignored or disobeyed (28:15-68).