Deuteronomy 28:21

KJV

The LORD shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest to possess it.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} shall make the pestilence {H1698} cleave {H1692} unto thee, until he have consumed {H3615} thee from off the land {H127}, whither thou goest {H935} to possess {H3423} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

"ADONAI will bring on you a plague that will stay with you until he has exterminated you from the land you are entering in order to take possession of it.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD will make the plague cling to you until He has exterminated you from the land that you are entering to possess.

American Standard Version

Jehovah will make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest in to possess it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 28:21 issues a grave and terrifying warning within the covenant curses, proclaiming that the LORD Himself will actively send a devastating and persistent pestilence to cling relentlessly to disobedient Israel. This divine judgment, a direct and inescapable consequence of covenant unfaithfulness, would continue until the people were utterly consumed and removed from the very land they were poised to inherit, thereby emphasizing the severe, comprehensive nature of God's justice and His absolute sovereignty over their destiny and dwelling.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 28:21 is situated within the climactic and pivotal covenant curses detailed in [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - The Curses for Disobedience"), which immediately follow the promised blessings for obedience in [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - The Blessings for Obedience"). This chapter forms the solemn culmination of Moses' final address to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before their entry into the Promised Land. Verse 21 specifically outlines one of the initial and most dreadful consequences of covenant disobedience: a divinely orchestrated plague. It sets the tone for the escalating severity of the curses, emphasizing that these outcomes are not mere natural occurrences but direct, active interventions of Yahweh, designed to enforce the covenant stipulations and underscore the profound gravity of their choices. The progression from pestilence to other forms of destruction and eventual exile highlights the comprehensive nature of God's judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, this discourse occurs at a critical juncture for Israel: on the plains of Moab, poised to enter the land of Canaan. The covenant presented in Deuteronomy reflects the structure of ancient Near Eastern suzerain-vassal treaties, where a powerful king (the Suzerain, Yahweh) established terms with a lesser king or nation (the Vassal, Israel), outlining blessings for loyalty and curses for rebellion. In this agrarian society, pestilence, famine, and war were ever-present threats, often perceived as direct manifestations of divine favor or wrath. The warning of a persistent plague would have resonated deeply, as epidemics could decimate populations, livestock, and crops, directly impacting their ability to settle and thrive in the new land. The concept of the land itself was central, representing God's promise, their identity, and the physical manifestation of their covenant relationship. The threat of expulsion from it was the ultimate cultural and existential catastrophe.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 28:21 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, portraying Yahweh as actively involved in the affairs of His people, not merely observing but executing judgment when His covenant is broken. The emphatic phrase "The LORD shall make" highlights this direct divine agency, demonstrating that all outcomes, both blessing and curse, flow from His will. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Severity of Disobedience and Covenant Curses**, illustrating that unfaithfulness carries dire and inescapable consequences, far beyond simple misfortune. The persistent nature of the "pestilence" signifies the relentless pursuit of divine justice, indicating that the judgment would not be fleeting but would "cleave" to them. Finally, the verse is deeply intertwined with **Land Theology**, as the ultimate consequence is expulsion from the [Promised Land](/deuteronomy/4-26 "Deuteronomy 4:26 - Moses Warns of Perishing from the Land"), which was the tangible expression of God's covenant promise and Israel's inheritance. This threat of consumption from the land highlights the conditional nature of their dwelling there, contingent upon their obedience to the covenant, a theme echoed throughout the historical books.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pestilence (Hebrew, _deber'_):** This term (H1698, דֶּבֶר) denotes a plague, epidemic, or murrain, often specifically referring to a divinely sent disease as a form of judgment. It appears frequently in the Old Testament as an instrument of God's wrath against sin, as seen in the [plagues on Egypt](/exodus/9-15 "Exodus 9:15 - The Plague on Livestock"). Its usage here signifies a widespread, deadly affliction that would decimate the population, not merely a localized illness but a national catastrophe, demonstrating God's power over life and death.
* **Cleave (Hebrew, _dabaq'_):** The verb (H1692, דָּבַק) means to impinge, cling, adhere, or be joined closely. In this context, it vividly portrays the inescapable and persistent nature of the pestilence. It's not a fleeting illness but one that would "stick" to the people, indicating a prolonged and pervasive suffering that they could not shake off. This strong verb choice underscores the tenacity and inescapable grip of God's judgment, implying a relentless pursuit until the divine purpose is achieved.
* **Consumed (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** This primitive root (H3615, כָּלָה) means to end, cease, be finished, perish, or to complete, prepare, and consume. Here, it signifies a complete and utter destruction or eradication of the people from the land, not merely a reduction in numbers but a comprehensive removal. It conveys the finality and severity of the judgment for persistent disobedience, indicating that the divine wrath would persist until the nation was brought to an end or expelled from its inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes God's direct agency and sovereignty. It is not a natural disaster but a deliberate act of divine judgment. Yahweh actively "makes" or sends the "pestilence" (a deadly plague) to "cleave" (cling relentlessly) to Israel, emphasizing the inescapable and persistent nature of the impending affliction as a direct consequence of their covenant unfaithfulness. The active verb "make" highlights divine causation.
* **"until he have consumed thee from off the land,"**: This phrase defines the grim purpose and ultimate extent of the pestilence. The plague is not temporary but will persist "until" the people are utterly "consumed"—wasted away, destroyed, or eradicated. This highlights the severity and comprehensive nature of the judgment, aiming at the complete removal of the disobedient nation from their promised inheritance, signifying a forfeiture of their covenant blessings.
* **"whither thou goest to possess it."**: This final clause poignantly reminds Israel of the very purpose for which they were entering Canaan: to "possess" it as their promised inheritance. The threat of being consumed *from* this land underscores the conditional nature of their dwelling there. The land, a tangible symbol of God's faithfulness and blessing, would become the very place from which they would be expelled due to their unfaithfulness, turning their hope into a place of judgment and exile.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 28:21 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its solemn warning and underscore the gravity of disobedience. The most prominent is **Personification**, where "pestilence" is given the active quality of "cleaving" or clinging to the people, making the abstract concept of disease feel like a relentless, pursuing entity that cannot be shaken off. There is also a strong element of **Hyperbole** in the phrase "consumed thee from off the land," which, while perhaps not implying the literal annihilation of every individual, emphasizes the extreme and comprehensive nature of the judgment, suggesting a devastating reduction in population and eventual expulsion. The entire passage functions as a **Conditional Statement** within the broader covenant framework, implicitly stating "IF you disobey, THEN this will happen," highlighting the direct cause-and-effect relationship between Israel's actions and divine response. Furthermore, the use of **Repetition** of the theme of "the land" throughout Deuteronomy, culminating in its threatened loss here, serves to underscore its immense significance to Israel's identity and covenant relationship, making the curse particularly poignant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 28:21 stands as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His covenant, whether in blessing or in judgment. It reveals a God who is not passive but actively intervenes in human history to uphold His righteous standards. The concept of "pestilence" as a divine instrument of judgment is a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament, demonstrating God's power over life and death and His use of natural calamities to exact justice or call His people to repentance. Furthermore, the threat of being "consumed from the land" highlights the profound theological significance of the Promised Land as a tangible expression of God's covenant faithfulness and Israel's unique identity. Its loss signifies the breaking of that sacred bond and the forfeiture of divine favor. This verse thus speaks to the seriousness of sin and the reality of divine consequences, even for God's chosen people, underscoring that covenant membership demands faithful adherence.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - The Full Scope of Covenant Curses")
* [Leviticus 26:25](/leviticus/26-25 "Leviticus 26:25 - Pestilence as a Covenant Curse")
* [Jeremiah 24:10](/jeremiah/24-10 "Jeremiah 24:10 - Jeremiah's Prophecy of Pestilence, Sword, and Famine")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While believers today live under the New Covenant of grace, established through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the principles embedded in Deuteronomy 28:21 remain profoundly relevant for spiritual reflection and application. This verse serves as a sober reminder that God takes sin seriously and that actions have consequences, even if those consequences manifest differently under a new covenant. It calls us to consider the seriousness of our own obedience and faithfulness to God's revealed will, not out of fear of physical plague, but out of reverence for His holiness and a desire to walk in His ways. Persistent disobedience, even in the life of a believer, can lead to spiritual barrenness, a sense of distance from God, and a diminished experience of His blessings, hindering our effectiveness and joy in Christ. The passage encourages a humble posture of self-examination and a renewed commitment to living in alignment with God's character and commands, recognizing His ultimate sovereignty and the reality of His justice, even as we rejoice in His boundless mercy and the provision of forgiveness through Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's justice in Deuteronomy 28:21 deepen your appreciation for His grace and mercy in Christ?**
* **In what ways might "spiritual pestilence" or "consumption" manifest in a believer's life today if they persistently disregard God's commands and principles?**
* **What specific areas of your life might require a renewed commitment to obedience and faithfulness in light of this passage, recognizing God's holiness?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean God still sends literal plagues as punishment today?**

Answer: While God is sovereign over all things, including natural disasters and diseases, the direct, covenantal curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") were specifically tied to the Old Covenant relationship with national Israel. Under the [New Covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - The Superiority of the New Covenant"), believers are not under the law but under grace ([Romans 6:14](/romans/6-14 "Romans 6:14 - Not Under Law, But Under Grace")). God's primary mode of dealing with His people is through the finished work of Christ, offering forgiveness and transformation. However, the principle that sin has consequences remains. While not necessarily literal plagues, persistent disobedience can lead to spiritual barrenness, broken fellowship with God, and natural consequences that arise from ungodly choices, serving as a call to repentance and restoration.

**What is the significance of being "consumed from off the land" for ancient Israel?**

Answer: For ancient Israel, the "land" was far more than mere geography; it was the tangible fulfillment of God's covenant promise to Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). It represented their identity as God's chosen people, their security, their prosperity, and the place where God's presence dwelt among them. To be "consumed from off the land" meant losing their inheritance, their unique status, and ultimately, facing exile and dispersion, as historically occurred with the [Assyrian](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - The Assyrian Exile of Israel") and [Babylonian exiles](/2_kings/25-21 "2 Kings 25:21 - The Babylonian Exile of Judah"). It signified the ultimate consequence of covenant unfaithfulness: the forfeiture of God's promised blessings and a profound disruption of their relationship with Him, leading to a loss of national identity and divine favor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 28:21, with its stark warning of pestilence and consumption from the land due to disobedience, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the redemptive work of Jesus. The curses of the law, including the threat of divine judgment and separation, were fully borne by Christ on the cross. [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law") declares that "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us." He took upon Himself the "pestilence" of sin and its death-dealing consequences, enduring the full wrath of God, so that those who believe in Him might be freed from spiritual death and granted eternal life ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God")). Instead of being "consumed from the land," believers in Christ are granted an eternal, spiritual inheritance—a "heavenly country" ([Hebrews 11:16](/hebrews/11-16 "Hebrews 11:16 - Longing for a Heavenly Country")) and a secure place in the [new heavens and new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heavens and New Earth"), where there will be no more curse ([Revelation 22:3](/revelation/22-3 "Revelation 22:3 - No More Curse")). Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of God's righteous wrath against sin, offering a path to reconciliation and abundant life, transforming the curse into blessing for all who trust in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His sacrifice ensures that the ultimate "consumption" of judgment falls on Him, not on His people, securing their eternal possession in Him.

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

Leviticus 26:25

And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of [my] covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy.

Jeremiah 24:10

And I will send the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, among them, till they be consumed from off the land that I gave unto them and to their fathers.

Numbers 14:12

I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they.

Jeremiah 15:2

And it shall come to pass, if they say unto thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith the LORD; Such as [are] for death, to death; and such as [are] for the sword, to the sword; and such as [are] for the famine, to the famine; and such as [are] for the captivity, to the captivity.

Exodus 5:3

¶ And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days' journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the LORD our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword.

Jeremiah 21:6

And I will smite the inhabitants of this city, both man and beast: they shall die of a great pestilence.

Jeremiah 21:7

And afterward, saith the LORD, I will deliver Zedekiah king of Judah, and his servants, and the people, and such as are left in this city from the pestilence, from the sword, and from the famine, into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those that seek their life: and he shall smite them with the edge of the sword; he shall not spare them, neither have pity, nor have mercy.