Deuteronomy 29:23
Deuteronomy 29:23 in Multiple Translations
All its soil will be a burning waste of sulfur and salt, unsown and unproductive, with no plant growing on it, just like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, which the LORD overthrew in His fierce anger.
And that the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:
and that the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, and a burning, that it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, which Jehovah overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:
And that all the land is a salt and smoking waste, not planted or giving fruit or clothed with grass, but wasted like Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, on which the Lord sent destruction in the heat of his wrath:
The whole country will be a burning wasteland of sulfur and salt. Nothing is sown; it's totally unproductive; no plant grows there—just like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, which the Lord destroyed in his furious anger.
(For all that land shall burne with brimstone and salt: it shall not be sowen, nor bring forth, nor any grasse shall growe therein, like as in the ouerthrowing of Sodom, and Gomorah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the Lord ouerthrewe in his wrath and in his anger)
([with] brimstone and salt is the whole land burnt, it is not sown, nor doth it shoot up, nor doth there go up on it any herb, like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboim, which Jehovah overturned in His anger, and in His fury,) —
that all of its land is sulfur, salt, and burning, that it is not sown, doesn’t produce, nor does any grass grow in it, like the overthrow of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath.
And that the whole land of it is brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor doth it bear, nor doth any grass grow in it, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger and in his wrath:
Burning it with brimstone, and the heat of salt, so that it cannot be sown any more, nor any green thing grow therein, after the example of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrha, Adama and Seboim, which the Lord destroyed in his wrath and indignation:
They will see that all your land has been ruined by burning sulfur and salt. Nothing will have been planted. Not even weeds will grow there. Your land will resemble Sodom and Gomorrah cities, and Admah and Zeboiim cities, which Yahweh destroyed when he was very angry [DOU] with the people who lived there.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 29:23
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 29:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אָֽמְרוּ֙
כָּל
הַ/גּוֹיִ֔ם
עַל
מֶ֨ה
עָשָׂ֧ה
יְהוָ֛ה
כָּ֖כָה
לָ/אָ֣רֶץ
הַ/זֹּ֑את
מֶ֥ה
חֳרִ֛י
הָ/אַ֥ף
הַ/גָּד֖וֹל
הַ/זֶּֽה
וְ/אָֽמְרוּ֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/גּוֹיִ֔ם
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Art | N-mp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מֶ֨ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
עָשָׂ֧ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
כָּ֖כָה
kâkâh
H3602
thus
Adv
לָ/אָ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
הַ/זֹּ֑את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Art | Pron
מֶ֥ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
חֳרִ֛י
chŏrîy
H2750
burning
N-ms
הָ/אַ֥ף
ʼaph
H639
face
Art | N-ms
הַ/גָּד֖וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Art | Adj
הַ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 29:23
וְ/אָֽמְרוּ֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
כָּל
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.
הַ/גּוֹיִ֔ם
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Art | N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
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.
מֶ֨ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
עָשָׂ֧ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
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.
כָּ֖כָה
kâkâh
H3602
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means 'thus' or 'in this way', often used to compare or explain something, like in 2 Samuel 18:30, where a messenger describes a scene in a particular manner. It helps clarify the context of a story or situation.
Definition: like this, thus
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: after that (this) manner, this matter, (even) so, in such a case, thus. See also: Exodus 12:11; 2 Chronicles 7:21; Psalms 144:15.
לָ/אָ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
הַ/זֹּ֑את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
מֶ֥ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
חֳרִ֛י
chŏrîy
H2750
"burning"
N-ms
This word describes intense anger or burning fury, often used to convey a strong sense of passion or outrage. It is used in the Bible to describe fierce emotions, such as the heat of anger or great passion.
Definition: heat (of anger), burning (of anger)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: fierce, [idiom] great, heat. See also: Exodus 11:8; 2 Chronicles 25:10; Isaiah 7:4.
הָ/אַ֥ף
ʼaph
H639
"face"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
הַ/גָּד֖וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
הַ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 29:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 29:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 29:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 29:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 29:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 29:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 29:23
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 29:23
- Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 29:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 29:23
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 29:23
Context — The Covenant in Moab
21and single him out from all the tribes of Israel for disaster, according to all the curses of the covenant written in this Book of the Law.
22Then the generation to come—your sons who follow you and the foreigner who comes from a distant land—will see the plagues of the land and the sicknesses the LORD has inflicted on it.
23All its soil will be a burning waste of sulfur and salt, unsown and unproductive, with no plant growing on it, just like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, which the LORD overthrew in His fierce anger.
24So all the nations will ask, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land? Why this great outburst of anger?’ 25And the people will answer, ‘It is because they abandoned the covenant of the LORD, the God of their fathers, which He made with them when He brought them out of the land of Egypt.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zephaniah 2:9 | Therefore, as surely as I live,” declares the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, “surely Moab will be like Sodom and the Ammonites like Gomorrah— a place of weeds and salt pits, a perpetual wasteland. The remnant of My people will plunder them; the remainder of My nation will dispossess them.” |
| 2 | Jeremiah 17:6 | He will be like a shrub in the desert; he will not see when prosperity comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. |
| 3 | Isaiah 34:9 | Edom’s streams will be turned to tar, and her soil to sulfur; her land will become a blazing pitch. |
| 4 | Genesis 14:2 | went to war against Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). |
| 5 | Genesis 19:24–25 | Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus He destroyed these cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground. |
| 6 | Hosea 11:8–9 | How could I give you up, O Ephraim? How could I surrender you, O Israel? How could I make you like Admah? How could I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within Me; My compassion is stirred! I will not execute the full fury of My anger; I will not turn back to destroy Ephraim. For I am God and not man— the Holy One among you— and I will not come in wrath. |
| 7 | Amos 4:11 | “Some of you I overthrew as I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and you were like a firebrand snatched from a blaze, yet you did not return to Me,” declares the LORD. |
| 8 | Luke 17:29 | But on the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. |
| 9 | Judges 9:45 | And all that day Abimelech fought against the city until he had captured it and killed its people. Then he demolished the city and sowed it with salt. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 20:16 | May that man be like the cities that the LORD overthrew without compassion. May he hear an outcry in the morning and a battle cry at noon, |
Deuteronomy 29:23 Summary
[Deuteronomy 29:23 describes a severe judgment from God, where the land is left barren and desolate, much like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24-25). This judgment is a result of the people's disobedience to God's covenant, as stated in Deuteronomy 29:25, and serves as a warning to us today to take God's commands seriously. However, even in the midst of judgment, God offers hope and restoration, as seen in scriptures like Isaiah 51:3 and Ezekiel 36:33-35, where He promises to bring life and fertility back to desolate lands.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the phrase 'burning waste of sulfur and salt' mean in Deuteronomy 29:23?
This phrase describes a complete and utter desolation, much like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, as seen in Genesis 19:24-25, where God rained down burning sulfur on these cities, leaving them uninhabitable.
Is the destruction described in Deuteronomy 29:23 a permanent condition?
While the verse does describe a severe and long-lasting judgment, other scriptures like Isaiah 51:3 and Ezekiel 36:33-35 suggest that God can restore even the most desolate lands, bringing life and fertility back to them.
What is the significance of the comparison to Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim in Deuteronomy 29:23?
The comparison to these cities serves as a reminder of God's past judgments on wickedness, as seen in Genesis 19:1-29 and Deuteronomy 29:23, and warns of the severe consequences of disobedience to God's covenant.
How does the description of the land in Deuteronomy 29:23 relate to the covenant with God?
The desolation of the land is a direct result of breaking the covenant with God, as stated in Deuteronomy 29:25, which says that the people abandoned the covenant of the LORD, leading to His fierce anger and judgment.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can ensure that I am not contributing to the spiritual desolation of my own life or community?
- How can I learn from the example of Sodom and Gomorrah, and avoid the same kind of wickedness and disobedience that led to their destruction?
- In what ways can I be a part of God's plan to restore and bring life to desolate places, whether physical or spiritual?
- What are some practical steps I can take to obey God's covenant and avoid the kind of judgment described in Deuteronomy 29:23?
- How can I balance the message of judgment in Deuteronomy 29:23 with the message of God's love and restoration found in other scriptures, like Jeremiah 31:31-34?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 29:23
[And that] the whole land thereof [is] brimstone and salt, [and] burning,.... That is, is become exceeding barren, as all such land is where there are sulphureous mines, or salt pits, or burning
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 29:23
And that the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim,
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 29:23
Is brimstone, and salt, and burning, i.e. is burnt up and made barren, as with brimstone and salt. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 29:23
Deuteronomy 29:23 [And that] the whole land thereof [is] brimstone, and salt, [and] burning, [that] it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:Ver. 23. And beareth not any grass.] As they say no ground doth where the great Turk hath once set his foot; such waste he makes, and such desolation he leaves behind him. Like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah.] Admah and Zeboim.] Which two cities, bordering on Sodom and Gomorrah, were the worse, and fared the worse, for their neighbourhood, as Hamath did for Damascus. God overthrew them, and repented not. And that the whole land thereof is brimstone and salt.] In the fire that consumed Sodom there was, it seemeth, admixed salt, to make the land barren, and to pickle up the people; brimstone also to keep down with its weight the fire, which of itself was light, and tended upwards.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 29:23
(23) And that the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein.—Can this be a description of the same country of which it was written in Deuteronomy 8:7-9, “A good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills; a land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey; a land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness;” and (Deuteronomy 11:12) “a land which the Lord thy God careth for”? Yet every one knows which of these two descriptions has been nearer to the actual fact for many centuries.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 29:23
23. brimstone, etc.] The prediction is in terms of the surroundings of the Dead Sea. Beareth, lit. causeth to sprout; grass better herbage. Sodom … Zeboiim] Amos 4:11, Hosea 11:8; Genesis 14:2; Genesis 19:24 f.
Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 29:23
The description is borrowed from the local features of the Dead Sea and its vicinity. The towns of the vale of Siddim were fertile and well watered (compare Genesis 13:10) until devastated by the wrath of God Genesis 19:24-25.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 29:23
23. The whole land thereof is brimstone, etc. — The description is taken from the Dead Sea and the destruction of the Cities of the Plain.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 29:23
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The River of Life by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a vision that the prophet Ezekiel had about a river of life. The preacher emphasizes that this vision is a prophecy for the Church of the lat |
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Pride and Shame or Humility and Wisdom by Bob Hoekstra | Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of walking in humility rather than pride to receive God's grace and wisdom. Those who walk in pride end up with shame, as seen in the wicked |
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The Eternal Spirit the Gifts That Came by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the presence of dens of vice in our society, indicating that the Lord's coming is near. He refers to the book, which keeps him on the right |
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Enter Into His Rest by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by leading the congregation in praise and worship, emphasizing the importance of praising and magnifying the name of Jesus. He encourages the be |
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What Kind of Being Is Man - Part 3 by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the intelligence and ability of humans to organize and change their environment. He also highlights the presence of a sinful nature within ev |
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(Genesis) Genesis 18:17-21 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Abraham and how God revealed his plans to him regarding the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The preacher emphasizes that God |
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(Genesis) Genesis 18:22-23 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, Abraham is having a conversation with God about the destruction of the city of Sodom. Abraham starts by asking if God would spare the city if there were fifty right |