Deuteronomy 11:17

KJV

And [then] the LORD'S wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and [lest] ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you.

KJV (with Strong's)

And then the LORD'S {H3068} wrath {H639} be kindled {H2734} against you, and he shut up {H6113} the heaven {H8064}, that there be no rain {H4306}, and that the land {H127} yield {H5414} not her fruit {H2981}; and lest ye perish {H6} quickly {H4120} from off the good {H2896} land {H776} which the LORD {H3068} giveth {H5414} you.

Complete Jewish Bible

If you do, the anger of ADONAI will blaze up against you. He will shut up the sky, so that there will be no rain. The ground will not yield its produce, and you will quickly pass away from the good land ADONAI is giving you.

Berean Standard Bible

or the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you. He will shut the heavens so that there will be no rain, nor will the land yield its produce, and you will soon perish from the good land that the LORD is giving you.

American Standard Version

and the anger of Jehovah be kindled against you, and he shut up the heavens, so that there shall be no rain, and the land shall not yield its fruit; and ye perish quickly from off the good land which Jehovah giveth you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 11:17 delivers a solemn warning within Moses' climactic address to the Israelites, outlining the severe divine consequences of covenantal disobedience. This verse specifically describes God's righteous indignation leading to a divinely orchestrated drought, where the heavens are sealed, preventing rain, and the land fails to yield its fruit. The ultimate and swift outcome of such rebellion is the perishing of the people from the "good land" graciously bestowed by the LORD, unequivocally underscoring the conditional nature of their inheritance and God's absolute sovereignty over their sustenance and destiny.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 11:17 stands as the stark culmination of a pivotal section in Moses' second major discourse to Israel, delivered on the plains of Moab just prior to their entry into the Promised Land. This passage, specifically [Deuteronomy 11:13-17](/deuteronomy/11-13-17 "Deuteronomy 11:13-17 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience"), forms a direct and powerful antithesis to the preceding promises of blessing for obedience. Following the foundational call to love and obey God, which spans from [Deuteronomy 11:1](/deuteronomy/11-1 "Deuteronomy 11:1 - Love the LORD") through [Deuteronomy 11:12](/deuteronomy/11-12 "Deuteronomy 11:12 - A Land Cared For by God"), Moses explicitly articulates the direct correlation between Israel's faithfulness and their prosperity in the land. Verses [Deuteronomy 11:13-15](/deuteronomy/11-13-15 "Deuteronomy 11:13-15 - Promises of Rain and Abundance") promise abundant rain—both the "early and the latter rain"—and bountiful harvests as a direct result of their obedience. Verse 17 then presents the dire alternative, a vivid and terrifying picture of the curses that would befall them should they turn away from God, serving as a powerful deterrent and a reminder of the covenant's binding and non-negotiable nature. This immediate context underscores the conditional framework upon which their entire national existence and enjoyment of the Promised Land depended.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was fundamentally an agrarian society, and their very survival in the semi-arid region of Canaan was profoundly dependent on the timely and sufficient provision of seasonal rainfall. Unlike Egypt, which relied on the predictable annual inundation of the Nile River for irrigation, Canaanite agriculture was almost entirely rain-fed. The "early rains" typically fell in autumn, preparing the ground for sowing, while the "latter rains" in spring were crucial for ensuring a good harvest. Consequently, God's absolute control over the heavens and His power to either provide or withhold rain was the most tangible and immediate sign of His favor or disfavor. A prolonged drought, as vividly described in this verse, would inevitably lead to widespread crop failure, devastating famine, rampant disease, and ultimately, societal collapse, potentially resulting in their literal "perishing quickly." The threat of being "perished quickly from off the good land" also resonated deeply with the constant geopolitical instability of the ancient Near East, where weakened nations were highly susceptible to conquest, forced displacement, and exile—a fate that would indeed befall Israel centuries later.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching and foundational themes woven throughout Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it emphatically reinforces the theme of **Covenantal Obedience and Consequences**, which is central to Deuteronomic theology. This theological principle posits that Israel's national well-being, prosperity, and continued inhabitation of the land are directly and inextricably contingent upon their faithful adherence to God's commands. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty over Creation**, particularly God's absolute and unchallengeable control over natural phenomena like rain. This demonstrates His immense power to bless or to curse based on human response, a theme echoed profoundly in passages such as [1 Kings 8:35-36](/1_kings/8-35-36 "1 Kings 8:35-36 - Solomon's Prayer Regarding Drought"), where Solomon explicitly prays for rain after a drought, acknowledging God's sovereign hand. Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Conditional Land Tenure** of Israel, emphasizing that the "good land which the LORD giveth you" was not an unconditional, inalienable gift, but an inheritance whose retention was directly tied to their fidelity to the covenant. This concept is foundational to understanding Israel's entire history, including the later devastating exiles, as seen in [Jeremiah 25:9-11](/jeremiah/25-9-11 "Jeremiah 25:9-11 - Seventy Years of Exile"). Finally, it speaks powerfully to the **Justice and Righteousness of God**, portraying Him as a faithful covenant-keeper who rewards obedience and justly punishes rebellion, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His holy character.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wrath (Hebrew, _ʼaph'_):** (H639) This noun literally refers to the nose or nostril, but by extension, it signifies the face, and often, from the rapid breathing in passion, it denotes "ire" or "anger." When applied to God, as it is here, it describes His intense, righteous indignation and holy displeasure against sin, rebellion, and covenant breaking. It is not an uncontrolled human emotion but a just and active response to unrighteousness, signifying a deliberate and decisive divine judgment.
* **Shut up (Hebrew, _ʻâtsâr'_):** (H6113) This verb means "to inclose," "to hold back," "to restrain," or "to withhold." In the context of the heavens, it implies an active, intentional act by God to prevent rain. It is not merely a passive lack of precipitation but a divinely imposed cessation of the life-giving waters, demonstrating God's absolute control over the natural order and His purposeful use of it as an instrument of judgment.
* **Perish (Hebrew, _ʼâbad'_):** (H6) This primitive root means "to wander away," "to lose oneself," and by implication, "to be destroyed," "to be ruined," or "to be annihilated." It conveys the ultimate and most severe consequence of disobedience: complete destruction, loss of life, livelihood, and their very national existence in the Promised Land. This word emphasizes the finality and devastating nature of the judgment, signifying the complete undoing of their well-being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [then] the LORD'S wrath be kindled against you":** This opening clause immediately establishes the direct cause-and-effect relationship between Israel's anticipated disobedience (implied from the preceding warnings against turning away from God) and God's personal, active, and righteous indignation. It highlights that the ensuing calamities are not random occurrences but a deliberate, holy divine response to their turning away from Him, signifying a just and active judgment.
* **"and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit":** This section meticulously details the primary manifestation of God's wrath: a divinely orchestrated drought. God's active "shutting up" of the heavens signifies His absolute and sovereign control over the natural world, demonstrating His power to withhold the very elements necessary for life. The direct consequence is a complete cessation of rain, leading inevitably to widespread agricultural failure, as the land is rendered unable to produce its vital fruit. This judgment directly targets the source of their sustenance and prosperity in an agrarian society.
* **"and [lest] ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you":** This final clause articulates the ultimate, swift, and devastating outcome of the divinely imposed drought and famine: the rapid destruction, annihilation, or utter ruin of the people, resulting in their expulsion from the Promised Land. This underscores the profound fragility of their tenure in the land, which was a gracious and conditional gift from God, and powerfully emphasizes that continued possession was entirely contingent upon their faithful adherence to the covenant, rather than an inherent or unconditional right.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 11:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and severe warning. The entire passage functions as a **Conditional Clause** within a larger framework of covenant stipulations, establishing a clear "if-then" relationship between Israel's potential actions (disobedience, implied from the preceding verses) and God's certain response (judgment). The vivid imagery of "the LORD'S wrath be kindled" is a powerful example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human emotion (anger, specifically the kindling of a fire) to God. This device makes His righteous displeasure relatable and impactful, while simultaneously emphasizing the just, active, and consuming nature of His judgment. The phrase "shut up the heaven" functions as a striking **Metaphor** for divine control over natural phenomena, depicting God as actively sealing off the source of life-sustaining rain, thereby demonstrating His absolute sovereignty. Furthermore, the entire verse stands in stark **Contrast** to the preceding promises of abundant rain and fruitfulness for obedience in [Deuteronomy 11:13-15](/deuteronomy/11-13-15 "Deuteronomy 11:13-15 - Blessings for Obedience"), heightening the dramatic tension and emphasizing the two divergent and consequential paths Israel could take. The warning to "perish quickly" also contains an element of **Intensification**, underscoring the severity, immediacy, and devastating finality of the impending judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 11:17 profoundly articulates the principle of divine justice and the serious consequences of covenantal disobedience. It reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent but actively and intimately involved in the affairs of His people, faithfully upholding His covenant with both blessings and curses. This verse establishes a foundational theological truth: while God's grace is abundant in giving the land, His holiness demands obedience, and rebellion will not go unpunished. It underscores that true prosperity—both physical and spiritual—is inextricably linked to faithful adherence to God's revealed will. The concept of the land's conditional tenure is a recurring theme throughout Israel's history, culminating in the exiles, serving as a constant reminder that God's promises are fulfilled within the framework of His covenant. This passage teaches us that God's wrath is not capricious or arbitrary but a righteous response to sin, designed ultimately to bring about repentance and restore relationship, even through severe discipline.

* [Leviticus 26:18-20](/leviticus/26-18-20 "Leviticus 26:18-20 - Consequences of Disobedience and Drought")
* [1 Kings 8:35-36](/1_kings/8-35-36 "1 Kings 8:35-36 - Solomon's Prayer Regarding Drought")
* [Jeremiah 3:3](/jeremiah/3-3 "Jeremiah 3:3 - Drought as a Sign of God's Displeasure")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the immediate context of Deuteronomy 11:17 speaks directly to ancient Israel's physical well-being in the Promised Land, its underlying spiritual principles remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God takes our obedience seriously and that there are indeed consequences for turning away from His commands. It challenges us to examine the areas of our lives where we might be disobedient, complacent, or spiritually lukewarm, recognizing that such attitudes can lead to a "spiritual drought"—a lack of God's manifest blessing, fruitfulness, and vibrant presence in our lives. We are called to acknowledge God's absolute sovereignty over all aspects of our existence, trusting in His provision while simultaneously living in humble submission to His will. This passage should cultivate a healthy, reverential fear of God, not a terror that paralyzes, but an awe that motivates us to walk in integrity and seek His face, knowing that His ultimate desire is for our flourishing and not our destruction. It is a call to continuous repentance and a renewed, wholehearted commitment to living a life pleasing to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge our modern understanding of God's character, particularly His justice in relation to His boundless love?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or communities of faith, be experiencing a "spiritual drought" today, and what might be its underlying causes or contributing factors?**
* **What does "perishing quickly from off the good land" symbolize for believers in a New Testament context, and how can we guard against such spiritual loss?**

### FAQ
**Is God's wrath a sign of an unloving God?**

Answer: No, God's wrath, as depicted in Deuteronomy 11:17 and consistently throughout Scripture, is not a capricious or uncontrolled emotion akin to human anger. Instead, it is a holy, righteous, and just response to sin, rebellion, and covenant breaking. It demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His perfect holiness and justice, and His absolute opposition to all that is evil. Far from being unloving, God's wrath often serves a redemptive purpose, aiming to bring about repentance and restore His people to a right relationship with Him, as seen in passages like [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness") and [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5-11 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - The Lord's Discipline for His Children"). It is precisely because God is love that He must also be just in dealing with sin that separates humanity from Him and defiles His creation.

**Does this mean God directly controls all weather events as a form of judgment or blessing today?**

Answer: While God is absolutely sovereign over all creation and can certainly use natural phenomena for His purposes (as affirmed in [Psalm 104:13](/psalm/104-13 "Psalm 104:13 - God Waters the Mountains") and [Job 38:25-27](/job/38-25-27 "Job 38:25-27 - God's Control Over Rain and Weather")), the direct, immediate, and covenantal cause-and-effect relationship between specific national obedience/disobedience and rain/drought described in Deuteronomy 11:17 was primarily characteristic of the Mosaic Covenant with ancient Israel. This unique covenant established a physical, tangible link between their national prosperity in the land and their faithfulness. For believers today under the New Covenant, while God's sovereignty remains, the focus shifts more to spiritual principles and consequences. Our "blessings" and "curses" are primarily spiritual, though God can still use physical circumstances to draw us closer to Him, to discipline us, or to demonstrate His power and glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 11:17, with its stern warning of divine wrath, drought, and expulsion for disobedience, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Mosaic Covenant, under which Israel lived, was inherently conditional, promising blessing for obedience and curses for rebellion. Humanity, however, proved utterly incapable of perfect obedience, consistently incurring the very "wrath" and threat of "perishing" described here. Jesus Christ, as the perfect Lamb of God, entered into this broken covenant, not to condemn, but to redeem. He perfectly fulfilled the righteous demands of the Law, living a life of complete and unwavering obedience where Israel repeatedly failed. More profoundly, He bore the full weight of the "LORD'S wrath" and the "curse of the law" on the cross, becoming a curse for us, as powerfully articulated in [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse"). Through His sacrificial death, the ultimate "shutting up of heaven"—the spiritual separation from God that humanity deserved—was averted for all who believe. He is the true "rain" and "fruit" for our souls, offering living water that quenches eternal thirst (as promised in [John 4:13-14](/john/4-13-14 "John 4:13-14 - Living Water")) and the bread of life that sustains eternally (as declared in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), ensuring that we "perish quickly" no more. Our "good land" is no longer a physical territory but the spiritual inheritance of eternal life and the Kingdom of God, secured not by our imperfect obedience, but by Christ's perfect righteousness imputed to us (as revealed in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). In Him, we find the true and lasting Sabbath rest, a promise of an inheritance that will never be lost or forfeited (as beautifully expounded in [Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9-11 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - A Sabbath Rest Remains for the People of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 8:35

When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou afflictest them:

Deuteronomy 4:26

I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that ye shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto ye go over Jordan to possess it; ye shall not prolong [your] days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed.

2 Chronicles 6:26

When the heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; [yet] if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou dost afflict them;

Amos 4:7

And also I have withholden the rain from you, when [there were] yet three months to the harvest: and I caused it to rain upon one city, and caused it not to rain upon another city: one piece was rained upon, and the piece whereupon it rained not withered.

Deuteronomy 6:15

(For the LORD thy God [is] a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.

1 Kings 17:1

¶ And Elijah the Tishbite, [who was] of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, [As] the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.

2 Chronicles 7:13

If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;