Deuteronomy 28:61
Every sickness also and every affliction that is not recorded in the book of this law, the LORD will bring upon you, until you are destroyed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse emphasizes that every sickness, even those not explicitly listed in the Law, would be brought upon them. This isn't just about a known set of punishments; it suggests that God's judgment extends to afflictions beyond human comprehension, demonstrating the totality of His power and the consequences of disobedience.
This passage comes at the end of a long list of curses that will fall upon Israel if they disobey God. These curses detail the devastating consequences of their rebellion, encompassing everything from personal afflictions and loss of property to military defeat and exile. The specific verse highlights that God’s judgment won't be limited to the punishments already described but will include any and all forms of sickness and devastation until the people are utterly destroyed.
Deuteronomy 28 lists many harsh curses, but what happens when afflictions aren't on that list? Does that mean God isn't involved?
This verse reveals the comprehensive nature of God's judgment. While Deuteronomy 28 meticulously details a vast array of curses for disobedience – covering everything from personal health and property to societal stability and national identity – verse 61 acknowledges that this list isn't exhaustive.
Unforeseen Calamities
The phrase 'every sickness also and every affliction that is not recorded in the book of this law' speaks to the reality that God's power to bring judgment extends beyond what is explicitly written. It signifies that even afflictions that seem random, unprecedented, or beyond human understanding are still under His sovereign hand.
Divine Sovereignty
This isn't to say God is arbitrary. The curses are directly tied to the Israelites' disobedience and their turning away from His commands. However, it reassures us that even when we face troubles that don't fit a predictable pattern, God remains in control. He is not limited to the threats He has vocalized; His justice and authority are absolute.
The finality of the curses in Deuteronomy 28 can be jarring. What is the ultimate purpose behind such severe pronouncements?
The concluding phrase of Deuteronomy 28:61, 'until you are destroyed,' underscores the ultimate consequence of persistent, unrepentant disobedience. This isn't merely about temporary hardship; it's about utter ruin.
A Consequence, Not an Arbitrary Act
These severe curses are presented as the direct and inescapable outcome of rejecting God's covenant and laws. Calvin rightly noted that God 'redoubles His threatenings' because of the people's 'inertness and forgetfulness.' The intent is not for God to delight in destruction, but to demonstrate the absolute seriousness of His Law and the finality of separation from Him.
A Clarion Call to Repentance
Understand the original words
choli · Hebrew Noun
General term for physical or spiritual malady, weakness, or disease often viewed as a consequence of sin or a limitation of humanity.
makkah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to suffering, plague, or a devastating blow; in a covenant context, it often denotes divine judgment for disobedience.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the God of Israel, the covenant-keeping I AM, who reveals Himself to His people through His actions in history.
shamad · Hebrew Verb
To be brought to an end, wiped out, or perish; in legal contexts, it implies the total cessation of a nation or state.
Deuteronomy 28 vividly describes the devastating consequences of Israel's disobedience, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. This verse highlights that even afflictions not explicitly detailed in the Law were part of God's judgment for their persistent turning away from Him.
c. 1400 BC
The Law Given at Sinai
God gives the Israelites the Law, including the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience found in Deuteronomy 28.
c. 1000 BC - 975 BC
Reign of King David
David establishes Jerusalem as the capital and a strong monarchy, representing a high point of Israel's obedience and prosperity.
c. 975 BC - 930 BC
Reign of King Solomon
Solomon's reign continues Israel's prosperity but is marred by his later disobedience and idolatry, sowing seeds for future division and judgment.
c. 722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom (Israel)
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern kingdom of Israel, exiling its people for their persistent idolatry and disobedience.
This passage directly parallels the curses in Deuteronomy, explaining that disobedience will bring disease and sickness upon the people, emphasizing the consequences of turning away from God's commands.
Jeremiah 14:12This verse describes God's judgment through various means, including plague and famine, illustrating how God can use widespread sickness and affliction as a tool of discipline for His people's sin.
2 Chronicles 7:13This verse speaks of sending pestilence or plague when God's people sin and turn away from Him, reinforcing the connection between disobedience and divine judgment in the form of sickness.
Revelation 16:2This passage describes the first bowl of wrath poured out in the end times, which is a loathsome sore upon those who bear the mark of the beast, showing how severe and widespread afflictions are a recurring theme of divine judgment throughout Scripture.
calvinDeuteronomy 28:15-68: "But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:"
- But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes, which I command thee this day, that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake th…
gillDeuteronomy 28:61: "Also every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law, them will the LORD bring upon thee, until thou be destroyed."
Also every sickness and every plague which is not written in the book of this law,.... Which is not here mentioned or threatened; and it suggests, that whatsoever sickness or disease that could be thought of or named, or were at any time in any place among men, might be expected to come upon them for their disobedience: them will…
The verse emphasizes that every sickness, even those not explicitly listed in the Law, would be brought upon them. This isn't just about a known set of punishments; it suggests that God's judgment extends to afflictions beyond human comprehension, demonstrating the totality of His power and the consequences of disobedience.
This passage comes at the end of a long list of curses that will fall upon Israel if they disobey God. These curses detail the devastating consequences of their rebellion, encompassing everything from personal afflictions and loss of property to military defeat and exile. The specific verse highlights that God’s judgment won't be limited to the punishments already described but will include any and all forms of sickness and devastation until the people are utterly destroyed.
This passage comes at the end of a long list of curses that will fall upon Israel if they disobey God. These curses detail the devastating consequences of their rebellion, encompassing everything from personal afflictions and loss of property to military defeat and exile. The specific verse highlights that God’s judgment won't be limited to the punishments already described but will include any and all forms of sickness and devastation until the people are utterly destroyed.
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While the language is stark, the placement of these warnings is crucial. They serve as a profound alarm, meant to shock the people into recognizing the gravity of their sin and the necessity of turning back to God. The destruction is the final end of a path of rebellion, a path God warns against with every possible severity to urge His people toward life and obedience.
586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Southern Kingdom (Judah)
The Babylonian Empire conquers Jerusalem, destroys the Temple, and exiles most of the population, fulfilling many of the curses in Deuteronomy 28.
c. 539 BC - 458 BC
Return from Exile and Rebuilding
Some Jewish exiles return to Jerusalem and begin rebuilding the Temple and city, though under foreign rule and with continued challenges.
"Every sickness also and every affliction that is not recorded in the book of this law, the LORD will bring upon you, until you are destroyed." — The verse emphasizes that every sickness, even those not explicitly listed in the Law, would be brought upon them. This isn't just about a known set of punishments; it suggests that God's judgment…
