Deuteronomy 28:21
Deuteronomy 28:21 in Multiple Translations
The LORD will make the plague cling to you until He has exterminated you from the land that you are entering to possess.
The LORD shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest to possess it.
Jehovah will make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest in to possess it.
The Lord will send disease after disease on you, till you have been cut off by death from the land to which you are going.
The Lord will give you infectious diseases until he has wiped you out from the country you are entering.
The Lord shall make the pestilence cleaue vnto thee, vntill he hath consumed thee from the land, whither thou goest to possesse it.
'Jehovah doth cause to cleave to thee the pestilence, till He consume thee from off the ground whither thou art going in to possess it.
The LORD will make the pestilence cling to you, until he has consumed you from off the land where you go in to possess it.
The LORD shall make the pestilence cleave to thee, until he shall have consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest to possess it.
May the Lord set the pestilence upon thee, until he consume thee out of the land, which thou shalt go in to possess.
Yahweh will cause you to experience terrible diseases, until not one of you remains alive in the land that you are about to enter and occupy.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 28:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 28:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יַדְבֵּ֧ק
יְהוָ֛ה
בְּ/ךָ֖
אֶת
הַ/דָּ֑בֶר
עַ֚ד
כַּלֹּת֣/וֹ
אֹֽתְ/ךָ֔
מֵ/עַל֙
הָֽ/אֲדָמָ֔ה
אֲשֶׁר
אַתָּ֥ה
בָא
שָׁ֖מָּ/ה
לְ/רִשְׁתָּֽ/הּ
יַדְבֵּ֧ק
dâbaq
H1692
to cleave
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
בְּ/ךָ֖
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/דָּ֑בֶר
deber
H1698
pestilence
Art | N-ms
עַ֚ד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
כַּלֹּת֣/וֹ
kâlâh
H3615
to end
V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
אֹֽתְ/ךָ֔
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
מֵ/עַל֙
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Prep
הָֽ/אֲדָמָ֔ה
ʼădâmâh
H127
land
Art | N-fs
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אַתָּ֥ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
בָא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal
שָׁ֖מָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
there
Adv | Suff
לְ/רִשְׁתָּֽ/הּ
yârash
H3423
to possess
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 28:21
יַדְבֵּ֧ק
dâbaq
H1692
"to cleave"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To cleave means to cling or stick to something, like pursuing something closely. It's used in the Bible to describe following God or others.
Definition: 1) to cling, stick, stay close, cleave, keep close, stick to, stick with, follow closely, join to, overtake, catch 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cling, cleave to 1a2) to stay with 1b) (Pual) to be joined together 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to cleave to 1c2) to pursue closely 1c3) to overtake 1d) (Hophal) to be made to cleave Aramaic equivalent: de.vaq (דְּבֵק "to cleave" H1693)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: abide fast, cleave (fast together), follow close (hard after), be joined (together), keep (fast), overtake, pursue hard, stick, take. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Samuel 20:2; Psalms 22:16.
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
בְּ/ךָ֖
""
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/דָּ֑בֶר
deber
H1698
"pestilence"
Art | N-ms
A plague or pestilence, like a disease that affects people or animals, as seen in Exodus 9:3 where God sends a pestilence on the Egyptians.
Definition: 1) pestilence, plague 2) murrain, cattle disease, cattle-plague
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: murrain, pestilence, plague. See also: Exodus 5:3; Jeremiah 28:8; Psalms 78:50.
עַ֚ד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
כַּלֹּת֣/וֹ
kâlâh
H3615
"to end"
V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word means to finish or end something, like completing a task or using up a resource, as seen in Genesis 2:2 where God finished creating the heavens and earth.
Definition: : finish 1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be at an end 1a2) to be completed, be finished 1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled 1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense) 1a5) to be spent, be used up 1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail 1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish 1b2) to complete (a period of time) 1b3) to finish (doing a thing) 1b4) to make an end, end 1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass 1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought) 1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease 1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend 1b9) to destroy, exterminate 1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine, destroy (utterly), be (when... were) done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, [idiom] fully, [idiom] have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste. See also: Genesis 2:1; 2 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 18:38.
אֹֽתְ/ךָ֔
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מֵ/עַל֙
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הָֽ/אֲדָמָ֔ה
ʼădâmâh
H127
"land"
Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to the earth or soil, often describing the ground as a source of sustenance. It is used to describe the physical earth, a plot of land, or even a whole country. The KJV translates it as 'country', 'earth', or 'land'.
Definition: : soil 1) ground, land 1a) ground (as general, tilled, yielding sustenance) 1b) piece of ground, a specific plot of land 1c) earth substance (for building or constructing) 1d) ground as earth's visible surface 1e) land, territory, country 1f) whole inhabited earth 1g) city in Naphtali
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: country, earth, ground, husband(-man) (-ry), land. See also: Genesis 1:25; 1 Kings 8:40; Psalms 49:12.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אַתָּ֥ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
בָא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
שָׁ֖מָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv | Suff
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
לְ/רִשְׁתָּֽ/הּ
yârash
H3423
"to possess"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To possess means to take control of something, like a piece of land, by driving out others and occupying it. This word is used in the Bible to describe inheriting property or seizing power.
Definition: : possess/inherit 1) to seize, dispossess, take possession off, inherit, disinherit, occupy, impoverish, be an heir 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession of 1a2) to inherit 1a3) to impoverish, come to poverty, be poor 1b) (Niphal) to be dispossessed, be impoverished, come to poverty 1c) (Piel) to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to possess or inherit 1d2) to cause others to possess or inherit 1d3) to impoverish 1d4) to dispossess 1d5) to destroy, bring to ruin, disinherit
Usage: Occurs in 204 OT verses. KJV: cast out, consume, destroy, disinherit, dispossess, drive(-ing) out, enjoy, expel, [idiom] without fail, (give to, leave for) inherit(-ance, -or) [phrase] magistrate, be (make) poor, come to poverty, (give to, make to) possess, get (have) in (take) possession, seize upon, succeed, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 15:3; Joshua 15:63; Psalms 25:13.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 28:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 28:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 28:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 28:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:21
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 28:21
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 28:21
Context — The Curses of Disobedience
19You will be cursed when you come in and cursed when you go out.
20The LORD will send curses upon you, confusion and reproof in all to which you put your hand, until you are destroyed and quickly perish because of the wickedness you have committed in forsaking Him.
21The LORD will make the plague cling to you until He has exterminated you from the land that you are entering to possess.
22The LORD will strike you with wasting disease, with fever and inflammation, with scorching heat and drought, and with blight and mildew; these will pursue you until you perish. 23The sky over your head will be bronze, and the earth beneath you iron.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 26:25 | And I will bring a sword against you to execute the vengeance of the covenant. Though you withdraw into your cities, I will send a plague among you, and you will be delivered into the hand of the enemy. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 24:10 | And I will send against them sword and famine and plague, until they have perished from the land that I gave to them and their fathers.’” |
| 3 | Jeremiah 16:4 | “They will die from deadly diseases. They will not be mourned or buried, but will lie like dung on the ground. They will be finished off by sword and famine, and their corpses will become food for the birds of the air and beasts of the earth.” |
| 4 | Jeremiah 15:2 | If they ask you, ‘Where shall we go?’ you are to tell them that this is what the LORD says: ‘Those destined for death, to death; those destined for the sword, to the sword; those destined for famine, to famine; and those destined for captivity, to captivity.’ |
| 5 | Numbers 14:12 | I will strike them with a plague and destroy them—and I will make you into a nation greater and mightier than they are.” |
| 6 | Numbers 25:9 | but those who died in the plague numbered 24,000. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 21:6–7 | I will strike down the residents of this city, both man and beast. They will die in a terrible plague.’ ‘After that,’ declares the LORD, ‘I will hand over Zedekiah king of Judah, his officers, and the people in this city who survive the plague and sword and famine, to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and to their enemies who seek their lives. He will put them to the sword; he will not spare them or show pity or compassion.’ |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 24:15 | So the LORD sent a plague upon Israel from that morning until the appointed time, and seventy thousand of the people from Dan to Beersheba died. |
| 9 | Exodus 5:3 | “The God of the Hebrews has met with us,” they answered. “Please let us go on a three-day journey into the wilderness to sacrifice to the LORD our God, or He may strike us with plagues or with the sword.” |
| 10 | Numbers 16:46–49 | Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer, place fire from the altar in it, and add incense. Go quickly to the congregation and make atonement for them, because wrath has come out from the LORD; the plague has begun.” So Aaron took the censer as Moses had ordered and ran into the midst of the assembly. And seeing that the plague had begun among the people, he offered the incense and made atonement for the people. He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague was halted. But those who died from the plague numbered 14,700, in addition to those who had died on account of Korah. |
Deuteronomy 28:21 Summary
[Deuteronomy 28:21 is a warning from God to the Israelites that if they disobey Him, He will send a plague upon them until they are destroyed from the land they are entering to possess. This verse teaches us that disobedience to God's commands can have severe consequences, as seen in other verses like Galatians 6:7-8. However, if we obey God and follow His commands, we can avoid His judgment and live a life of blessing and prosperity, as promised in verses like Deuteronomy 28:1-14. By trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, we can have confidence that He is always working for our good, even in difficult circumstances.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of plague is being referred to in Deuteronomy 28:21?
The plague mentioned in Deuteronomy 28:21 is a divine judgment from the Lord, likely referring to a severe and widespread disease or affliction, as seen in other biblical accounts such as Exodus 11:1 and Leviticus 26:25.
Why would God want to exterminate the Israelites from the land they are entering to possess?
According to Deuteronomy 28:21, God's judgment is a result of the Israelites' wickedness and forsaking of Him, as stated in Deuteronomy 28:20, which is a consequence of their disobedience to God's commands, as warned in Deuteronomy 8:19-20.
Is this verse still relevant to believers today?
While Deuteronomy 28:21 is specifically addressed to the Israelites, the principle of God's judgment on disobedience is still applicable to believers today, as seen in verses like Hebrews 10:26-31 and 1 Corinthians 11:29-32, which emphasize the importance of obeying God's commands and living a holy life.
How can we avoid God's judgment and plague?
To avoid God's judgment, we must obey God's commands and live a life of faith and obedience, as encouraged in verses like Deuteronomy 8:6 and Matthew 22:37-40, which emphasize the importance of loving and following God with all our heart, soul, and mind.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be forsaking God or disobeying His commands, and how can I repent and turn back to Him?
- How can I cultivate a deeper fear and respect for God's judgments and warnings, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:21?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's protection and healing from the 'plague' of sin and its consequences?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even in the face of judgment and hardship, as seen in verses like Romans 8:28 and Psalm 23:4?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 28:21
The Lord shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee,.... Not only to come upon them; but to continue with them: until he have consumed thee from off the land whither thou goest to possess it; which
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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. Pestilence (cf. 1 Kings 8:37; Amos 4:10) - some fatal epidemic.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:21
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.Ver. 21. The Lord shall make the pestilence.] Which Hippocrates calls Tοθειον, as the falling sickness is called Morbus sacer, as more immediately sent of God.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:21
(21) The pestilence.—One of God’s four sore judgments to be sent upon Jerusalem (Ezekiel 14:19-21). Until he have consumed thee from off the land.—From Deuteronomy 28:21-35, inclusive, we seem to be reading of the gradual consumption of Israel “in the land of promise” before any actual captivity.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:21
Verse 21. The pestilence cleave unto thee] ידבק יהוה בך אה הדבר yadbek Yehovah becha eth haddaber, the Lord shall CEMENT the pestilence or plague to thee. Sept., ΠροσκολλησειΚυριοςειςσετονθανατον, The Lord will GLUE - inseparably attach, the death unto thee. How dreadful a plague it must be that ravages without intermission, any person may conceive who has ever heard the name.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 28:21
21. pestilence] Heb. deber, a general word (originally = death); in J, Exodus 5:3; Exodus 9:15, Hosea 13:14, Amos 4:10. See Baldensperger, PEFQ, 1906, 97 ff. LXX here θάνατος. whither thou goest in to possess it] The usual phrase in the Sg. passages; see on Deuteronomy 6:1. For the corresponding Pl. phrase see Deuteronomy 4:26.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 28:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Quarrel of God's Covenant by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher uses the analogy of a young calf being released into a field to describe the joy and healing that God promises to those who fear His name. He emphasize |
|
The Testing of Moses by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on how God tested Moses twice to see if he would seek his own honor at the expense of the Israelites, and how Moses passed the test with flying colors both time |
|
|
Moses Manifested the Spirit of Christ by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the testing of Moses by God, particularly in the construction of the tabernacle and in moments of potential self-promotion at the expense of the Israelites. M |
|
Ruth the Moabitess by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch delves into the history of the Moabites, known for immorality, seduction, and leading Israel astray through incestuous relationships, idol worship, and schemes to draw |
|
Are You Destroying the Church by Francis Chan | Francis Chan emphasizes the critical importance of unity within the church, warning against the destructive nature of division and gossip. He reflects on biblical examples of God's |