Deuteronomy 28:48

Deuteronomy 28:48 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

you will serve your enemies the LORD will send against you in famine, thirst, nakedness, and destitution. He will place an iron yoke on your neck until He has destroyed you.

King James Version KJV

Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee.

American Standard Version ASV

therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies that Jehovah shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee.

Bible in Basic English BBE

For this cause you will become servants to those whom the Lord your God will send against you, without food and drink and clothing, and in need of all things: and he will put a yoke of iron on your neck till he has put an end to you.

Free Bible Version FBV

you will serve your enemies that the Lord sends to attack you. You will be hungry, thirsty, naked, and poor. He will tie an iron yoke on your neck until he has destroyed you.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Therefore thou shalt serue thine enemies which the Lord shall send vpon thee, in hunger and in thirst, and in nakednesse, and in neede of all things? and he shall put a yoke of yron vpon thy necke vntill he haue destroyed thee.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

thou hast served thine enemies, whom Jehovah sendeth against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in lack of all things; and he hath put a yoke of iron on thy neck, till He hath destroyed thee.

World English Bible WEB

therefore you will serve your enemies whom the LORD sends against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in lack of all things. He will put an iron yoke on your neck until he has destroyed you.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Therefore shalt thou serve thy enemies which the LORD shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things : and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he hath destroyed thee.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Thou shalt serve thy enemy, whom the Lord will send upon thee, in hunger, and thirst, and nakedness, and in want of all things: and he shall put an iron yoke upon thy neck, till he consume thee.

Translation for Translators T4T

“Therefore, you will work for the enemies whom Yahweh will send to attack you. You will be hungry and thirsty; you will not have clothes to wear; and you will lack everything else that you need. And Yahweh will cause you to become slaves [MET] and work hard until he gets rid of you.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 28:48

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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 28:48 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/עָבַדְתָּ֣ אֶת אֹיְבֶ֗י/ךָ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יְשַׁלְּחֶ֤/נּוּ יְהוָה֙ בָּ֔/ךְ בְּ/רָעָ֧ב וּ/בְ/צָמָ֛א וּ/בְ/עֵירֹ֖ם וּ/בְ/חֹ֣סֶר כֹּ֑ל וְ/נָתַ֞ן עֹ֤ל בַּרְזֶל֙ עַל צַוָּארֶ֔/ךָ עַ֥ד הִשְׁמִיד֖/וֹ אֹתָֽ/ךְ

וְ/עָבַדְתָּ֣ ʻâbad H5647 to serve Conj | V-Qal-2ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

אֹיְבֶ֗י/ךָ ʼôyêb H341 enemy V-Qal | Suff

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

יְשַׁלְּחֶ֤/נּוּ shâlach H7971 to send V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

בָּ֔/ךְ Prep | Suff

בְּ/רָעָ֧ב râʻâb H7458 famine Prep | N-ms

וּ/בְ/צָמָ֛א tsâmâʼ H6772 thirst Conj | Prep | N-ms

וּ/בְ/עֵירֹ֖ם ʻêyrôm H5903 naked Conj | Prep | Adj

וּ/בְ/חֹ֣סֶר chôçer H2640 lack Conj | Prep | N-ms

כֹּ֑ל kôl H3605 all N-ms

וְ/נָתַ֞ן nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-3ms

עֹ֤ל ʻôl H5923 yoke N-ms

בַּרְזֶל֙ barzel H1270 iron N-ms

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

צַוָּארֶ֔/ךָ tsavvâʼr H6677 neck N-ms | Suff

עַ֥ד ʻad H5704 till Prep

הִשְׁמִיד֖/וֹ shâmad H8045 to destroy V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff

אֹתָֽ/ךְ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 28:48

וְ/עָבַדְתָּ֣ ʻâbad H5647 "to serve" Conj | V-Qal-2ms

To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.

Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve

Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.

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.

אֹיְבֶ֗י/ךָ ʼôyêb H341 "enemy" V-Qal | Suff

This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.

Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national

Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.

אֲשֶׁ֨ר 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.

יְשַׁלְּחֶ֤/נּוּ shâlach H7971 "to send" V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff

To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.

Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send

Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.

יְהוָה֙ 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.

בָּ֔/ךְ "" Prep | Suff

בְּ/רָעָ֧ב râʻâb H7458 "famine" Prep | N-ms

Famine or hunger is what this Hebrew word represents, often referring to a lack of food or spiritual nourishment. It appears in books like Genesis and Jeremiah, highlighting the importance of trust in God during difficult times.

Definition: 1) famine, hunger 1a) famine (in land, nation) 1a1) of Jehovah's word (fig) 1b) hunger (of individuals)

Usage: Occurs in 88 OT verses. KJV: dearth, famine, [phrase] famished, hunger. See also: Genesis 12:10; Jeremiah 14:12; Psalms 33:19.

וּ/בְ/צָמָ֛א tsâmâʼ H6772 "thirst" Conj | Prep | N-ms

This Hebrew word refers to the feeling of thirst itself, whether physical or spiritual, and is used in the Bible to describe a strong desire or need, like in Exodus 17:3 where the Israelites complain about lacking water in the desert. It can also symbolize a longing for God.

Definition: thirst

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: thirst(-y). See also: Exodus 17:3; Isaiah 5:13; Psalms 69:22.

וּ/בְ/עֵירֹ֖ם ʻêyrôm H5903 "naked" Conj | Prep | Adj

This Hebrew word means naked or nudity, describing a state of being without clothes. It appears in various Bible translations, including the KJV, as naked or nakedness.

Definition: adj 1) naked n m 2) nakedness

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: naked(-ness). See also: Genesis 3:7; Ezekiel 16:22; Ezekiel 23:29.

וּ/בְ/חֹ֣סֶר chôçer H2640 "lack" Conj | Prep | N-ms

This word signifies a lack or want of something, often describing a state of poverty or need, as seen in the KJV translations.

Definition: want, lack, want of, lack of

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: in want of. See also: Deuteronomy 28:48; Deuteronomy 28:57; Amos 4:6.

כֹּ֑ל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

וְ/נָתַ֞ן nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

עֹ֤ל ʻôl H5923 "yoke" N-ms

This word refers to a yoke, which is a wooden beam placed over the necks of animals to help them pull heavy loads. In the Bible, it can also mean a burden or a responsibility, like in Matthew 11:30 where Jesus talks about His yoke being easy.

Definition: yoke

Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: yoke. See also: Genesis 27:40; Isaiah 10:27; Isaiah 9:3.

בַּרְזֶל֙ barzel H1270 "iron" N-ms

Iron refers to a strong metal used for tools and furniture, symbolizing strength or harshness, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of iron implements.

Definition: 1) iron 1a) iron 1a1) iron ore 1a2) as material of furniture, utensils, implements 2) tool of iron 3) harshness, strength, oppression (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: par.zel (פַּרְזֶל "iron" H6523)

Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: (ax) head, iron. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Chronicles 2:6; Psalms 2:9.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" 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.

צַוָּארֶ֔/ךָ tsavvâʼr H6677 "neck" N-ms | Suff

This term describes a necklace or ornament worn around the neck, signifying beauty and status, as in Ezekiel 23:25. It represents the adornment of God's people.

Definition: 1) neck, back of neck 1a) neck, back of neck (of man) 1b) neck (of animals) Aramaic equivalent: tsav.var (צַוַּאר "neck" H6676)

Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: neck. See also: Genesis 27:16; Song of Solomon 7:5; Psalms 75:6.

עַ֥ד 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.

הִשְׁמִיד֖/וֹ shâmad H8045 "to destroy" V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff

The Hebrew word shâmad means to destroy or desolate something, used to describe annihilation or devastation. It is used in the Bible to describe the destruction of cities or nations, such as in the book of Isaiah.

Definition: 1) to destroy, exterminate, be destroyed, be exterminated 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be annihilated, be exterminated 1a2) to be destroyed, be devastated 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to annihilate, exterminate 1b2) to destroy Aramaic equivalent: she.mad (שְׁמַד "to destroy" H8046)

Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: destory(-uction), bring to nought, overthrow, perish, pluck down, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:30; 2 Samuel 22:38; Psalms 37:38.

אֹתָֽ/ךְ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

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.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 28:48

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Deuteronomy 28:48 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 28:48
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 28:48
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:48
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:48
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:48
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 28:48
Sermons on Deuteronomy 28:48

Context — The Curses of Disobedience

46These curses will be a sign and a wonder upon you and your descendants forever. 47Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart in all your abundance,

48you will serve your enemies the LORD will send against you in famine, thirst, nakedness, and destitution. He will place an iron yoke on your neck until He has destroyed you.

49The LORD will bring a nation from afar, from the ends of the earth, to swoop down upon you like an eagle—a nation whose language you will not understand, 50a ruthless nation with no respect for the old and no pity for the young.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Jeremiah 28:13–14	“Go and tell Hananiah that this is what the LORD says: ‘You have broken a yoke of wood, but in its place you have fashioned a yoke of iron.’ For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘I have put a yoke of iron on the neck of all these nations to make them serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and they will serve him. I have even given him control of the beasts of the field.’”
2	Lamentations 5:2–6	Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers, our houses to foreigners. We have become fatherless orphans; our mothers are widows. We must buy the water we drink; our wood comes at a price. We are closely pursued; we are weary and find no rest. We submitted to Egypt and Assyria to get enough bread.
3	Ezekiel 4:16–17	Then He told me, “Son of man, I am going to cut off the supply of food in Jerusalem. They will anxiously eat bread rationed by weight, and in despair they will drink water by measure. So they will lack food and water; they will be appalled at the sight of one another wasting away in their iniquity.
4	Nehemiah 9:35–37	For even while they were in their kingdom, with the abundant goodness that You had given them, and in the spacious and fertile land that You had set before them, they would not serve You or turn from their wicked ways. So here we are today as slaves in the land You gave our fathers to enjoy its fruit and goodness— here we are as slaves! Its abundant harvest goes to the kings You have set over us because of our sins. And they rule over our bodies and our livestock as they please. We are in great distress.
5	Jeremiah 44:17–18	Instead, we will do everything we vowed to do: We will burn incense to the Queen of Heaven and offer drink offerings to her, just as we, our fathers, our kings, and our officials did in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. At that time we had plenty of food and good things, and we saw no disaster. But from the time we stopped burning incense to the Queen of Heaven and pouring out drink offerings to her, we have lacked everything and have been perishing by sword and famine.”
6	Ezekiel 17:12	“Now say to this rebellious house: ‘Do you not know what these things mean?’ Tell them, ‘Behold, the king of Babylon came to Jerusalem, carried off its king and officials, and brought them back with him to Babylon.
7	Jeremiah 44:22	So the LORD could no longer endure the evil deeds and detestable acts you committed, and your land became a desolation, a horror, and an object of cursing, without inhabitant, as it is this day.
8	Jeremiah 44:27	I am watching over them for harm and not for good, and every man of Judah who is in the land of Egypt will meet his end by sword or famine, until they are finished off.
9	Ezekiel 17:7	But there was another great eagle with great wings and many feathers. And behold, this vine bent its roots toward him. It stretched out its branches to him from its planting bed, so that he might water it.
10	2 Chronicles 12:8	Nevertheless, they will become his servants, so that they may learn the difference between serving Me and serving the kings of other lands.”

Deuteronomy 28:48 Summary

This verse tells us that if we don't obey God and serve Him with joy, He may allow our enemies to rule over us and bring us hardship, like famine and thirst. This is not because God is cruel, but because He wants us to learn to obey and trust Him, just like a parent disciplines their child (Hebrews 12:5-11). We can avoid this by choosing to serve God with gladness and obey His commands (Psalm 100:2). By doing so, we can experience His love and mercy, rather than His discipline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to serve our enemies in famine, thirst, nakedness, and destitution?

This means that as a result of disobedience to God, His people will be subjected to harsh conditions and forced to serve their enemies, much like the Israelites were during their time in Egypt (Exodus 1:14), a situation that will continue until they are destroyed if they do not repent.

Why will God place an iron yoke on the necks of His people?

The iron yoke symbolizes the harsh bondage and oppression that God's people will face as a result of their disobedience, similar to the yoke of slavery in Deuteronomy 28:48, until they acknowledge their sin and turn back to Him (Leviticus 26:40-42).

Is this verse still relevant to believers today?

While the specific context of Deuteronomy 28:48 applies to the Israelites, the principle of obedience to God and the consequences of disobedience remains relevant for believers today, as seen in verses like Romans 6:16 and 2 Corinthians 10:5.

How does this verse relate to God's character?

This verse reveals God's holiness and justice, as He will not tolerate disobedience and rebellion, but it also points to His mercy and desire for repentance, as seen in verses like Deuteronomy 30:1-10 and Ezekiel 33:11.

Reflection Questions

In what ways am I serving my own desires and interests, rather than serving God with joy and gladness of heart?
How can I cultivate a heart of obedience and surrender to God, even in the midst of challenging circumstances?
What are the 'iron yokes' in my life that may be hindering my relationship with God, and how can I seek freedom from them?
In what ways can I demonstrate joy and gladness of heart in my service to God, even when faced with difficulties or hardships?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 28:48

Therefore shall thou serve thine enemies, which the Lord shall send against thee,.... Since they would not serve the Lord their God, who was so good a master to them, and supplied them with all good

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 28:48

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:48

A yoke of iron, which thou canst neither well bear, nor break. See ,14.

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:48

Deuteronomy 28:48 Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all [things]: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee.Ver. 48. In want of all things.] The want whereof shall teach thee the worth of them. Blessings are fairest on the back side. Bona a tergo formosissima.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:48

Verse 48. Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies] Because they would not serve GOD, therefore they became slaves to men.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 28:48

48. a yoke of iron] Jeremiah 28:14.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 28:48

	Sermon	Description
	(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 1-5 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher describes a vision that the prophet Ezekiel had of four living creatures. These creatures had the appearance of a man but each had four faces and four
	The Seven Levels of Judgment - Part 7 by Dan Biser	This sermon delves into the seven levels of judgment found in the Bible, highlighting instances where God's wrath was poured out on individuals, cities, and nations due to disobedi
	To the Church of God in Lancashire by George Fox	George Fox emphasizes the importance of separating from worldly customs and standing as witnesses for Jesus Christ, who cleanses us from sin. He encourages believers to walk in the
	Epistle 290 by George Fox	George Fox preaches about living in love, edifying the body of Christ, and keeping in the truth of God to walk in peace with Him and one another. He emphasizes the importance of ri
	He Did Not Set His Heart by Russell Kelfer	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, and his reign as king. The sermon emphasizes the importance of humbling oneself before God and th