TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Deuteronomy 28:1–14. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The blessings are here put before the curses, to intimate, 1. That God is slow to anger, but swift to show mercy: he has said it, and sworn, that he would much rather we would obey and live than sin and die. It is his delight to bless. 2. That though both the promises and the threatenings are designed to bring and hold us to our duty, yet it is better that we be allured to that which is good by a filial hope of God's favour than that we be frightened to it by a servile fear of his wrath. That obedience pleases best which comes from a principle of delight in God's goodness. Now,
I.We have here the conditions upon which the blessing is promised.
1.It is upon condition that they diligently hearken to the voice of God (Deu 28:1, Deu 28:2), that they hear God speaking to them by his word, and use their utmost endeavours to acquaint themselves with his will, Deu 28:13.
2.Upon condition that they observe and do all his commandments (and in order to obedience there is need of observation) and that theykeep the commandments of God (Deu 28:9) and walk in his ways. Not only do them for once, but keep them for ever; not only set out in his ways, but walk in them to the end.
3.Upon condition that they should not go aside either to the right hand or to the left, either to superstition on the one hand, or profaneness on the other; and particularly that they should not go after other gods (Deu 28:14), which was the sin that of all others they were most prone to, and God would be most displeased with. Let them take care to keep up religion, both the form and power of it, in their families and nation, and God would not fail to bless them.
II.The particulars of this blessing.
1.It is promised that the providence of God should prosper them in all their outward concerns. These blessings are said to overtake them, Deu 28:2. Good people sometimes, under the sense of their unworthiness, are ready to fly from the blessing and to conclude that it belongs not to them,; but the blessing shall find them out and follow them notwithstanding. Thus in the great day the blessing will overtake the righteous that say, Lord, when saw we thee hungry and fed thee? Mat 25:37. Observe,
(1.)Several things are enumerated in which God by his providence would bless them: - [1.] They should be safe and easy; a blessing should rest upon their persons wherever they were, in the city, or in the field, Deu 28:3. Whether their habitation was in town or country, whether they were husbandmen or tradesmen, whether their business called them into the city or into the field, they should be preserved from the dangers and have the comforts of their condition. This blessing should attend them in their journeys, going out and coming in, Deu 28:6. Their persons should be protected, and the affair they went about should succeed well. Observe here, What a necessary and constant dependence we have upon God both for the continuance and comfort of this life. We need him at every turn, in all the various movements of life; we cannot be safe if he withdraw his protection, nor easy if he suspend his favour; but, if he bless us, go where we will it is well with us. [2.] Their families should be built up in a numerous issue: blessed shall be the fruit of thy body (Deu 28:4), and in that the Lord shall make thee plenteous (Deu 28:11), in pursuance of the promise made to Abraham, that his seed should be as the stars of heaven for multitude, and that God would be a God to them, than which a greater blessing, and more comprehensive, could not be entailed upon the fruit of their body. See Isa 61:9. [3.] They should be rich, and have an abundance of all the good things of this life, which are promised them, not merely that they might have the pleasure of enjoying them, but (as bishop Patrick observes out of one of the Jewish writers) that they might have wherewithal to honour God, and might be helped and encouraged to serve him cheerfully and to proceed and persevere in their obedience to him. A blessing is promised, First, On all they had without doors, corn and cattle in the field (Deu 28:4, Deu 28:11), their cows and sheep particularly, which would be blessed for the owners' sakes, and made blessings to them. In order to this, it is promised that God would give them rain in due season, which is called his good treasure (Deu 28:12), because with this river of God the earth is enriched, Psa 65:9. Our constant supplies we must see coming from God's good treasure, and own our obligations to him for them; if he withhold his rain, the fruits both of the ground and of the cattle soon perish. Secondly, On all they had within doors, the basket and the store (Deu 28:5), the store-houses or barns, Deu 28:8. When it is brought home, God will bless it, and not blow upon it as sometimes he does, Hag 1:6, Hag 1:9. We depend upon God and his blessing, not only for our yearly corn out of the field, but for our daily bread out of our basket and store, and therefore are taught to pray for it every day. [4.] They should have success in all their employments, which would be a constant satisfaction to them: "The Lord shall command the blessing (and it is he only that can command it) upon thee, not only in all thou hast, but in all thou doest, all that thou settest thy hand to," Deu 28:8. This intimated that even when they were rich they must not be idle, but must find some good employment or other to set their hand to, and God would own their industry, and bless the work of their hand (Deu 28:12); for that which makes rich, and keeps so, is the blessing of the Lord upon the hand of the diligent, Pro 10:4, Pro 10:22. [5.] They should have honour among their neighbours (Deu 28:1): The Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations. He made them so, by taking them into covenant with himself, Deu 26:19. And he would make them more and more so by their outward prosperity, if they would not by sin disparage themselves. Two things should help to make them great among the nations: - First, Their wealth (Deu 28:12): "Thou shalt lend to many nations upon interest" (which they were allowed to take form the neighbouring nations), "but thou shalt not have occasion to borrow." This would give them great influence with all about them; for the borrower is servant to the lender. It may be meant of trade and commerce, that they should export abundantly more than they should import, which would keep the balance on their side. Secondly, Their power (Deu 28:13): "The Lord shall make thee the head, to give law to all about thee, to exact tribute, and to arbitrate all controversies." Every sheaf should bow to theirs, which would make them so considerable that all the people of the earth would be afraid of them (Deu 28:10), that is, would reverence their true grandeur, and dread making them their enemies. The flourishing of religion among them, and the blessing of God upon them, would make them formidable to all their neighbours, terrible as an army with banners. [6.] They should be victorious over their enemies, and prosper in all their wars. If any were so daring as to rise up against them to oppress them, or encroach upon them, it should be at their peril, they should certainly fall before them, Deu 28:7. The forces of the enemy, though entirely drawn up to come against them one way, should be entirely routed, and flee before them seven ways, each making the best of his way.
(2.)From the whole we learn (though it were well if men would believe it) that religion and piety are the best friends to outward prosperity. Though temporal blessings do not take up so much room in the promises of the New Testament as they do in those of the Old, yet it is enough that our Lord Jesus has given us his word (and surely we may take his word) that if we seek first the kingdom of God, and the righteousness thereof, all other things shall be added to us, as far as Infinite Wisdom sees good; and who can desire them further? Mat 6:33.
2.It is likewise promised that the grace of God should establish them a holy people, Deu 28:9. Having taken them into covenant with himself, he would keep them in covenant; and, provided they used the means of stedfastness, he would give them the grace of steadfastness, that they should not depart from him. Note, Those that are sincere in holiness God will establish in holiness; and he is of power to do it, Rom 16:25. He that is holy shall be holy still; and those whom God establishes in holiness he thereby establishes a people to himself, for a long as we keep close to God he will never forsake us. This establishment of their religion would be the establishment of their reputation (Deu 28:10): All the people of the earth shall see, and own, that thou art called by the name of the Lord, that is, "that thou art a most excellent and glorious people, under the particular care and countenance of the great God. They shall be made to know that a people called by the name Jehovah are without doubt the happiest people under the sun, even their enemies themselves being judges." The favourites of Heaven are truly great, and, first or last, it will be made to appear that they are so, if not in this world, yet at that day when those who confess Christ now shall be confessed by him before men and angels, as those whom he delights to honour.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
[Daniel 9:11] "'And (the curse) has come upon us drop by drop.'" That is, Thou hast not poured out upon us all of Thy wrath, for we should not have been able to bear it, but Thou hast poured forth a mere droplet of Thy fury, in order that we might return unto Thee once we have been immeshed in Thy snare.
"'The malediction and the curse which were written in the book of Moses, the servant of God...'" In Deuteronomy we read the curses and blessings of the Lord (Deuteronomy 27:11-28:14), which were afterwards uttered in Mount Gerizim and Ebal upon the righteous and upon the sinners.
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Summary
Deuteronomy 28:3 encapsulates a foundational promise within the covenant renewal discourse, assuring the Israelites of comprehensive divine favor contingent upon their obedience. This verse declares that God's blessing would extend universally, encompassing both their urban dwelling and their agricultural endeavors, thereby signifying a holistic flourishing in every sphere of their national and personal existence. It serves as a concise encapsulation of the pervasive well-being and prosperity that God intended for His faithful people, setting the stage for the detailed blessings and curses that follow.
Context
Literary Context
Deuteronomy 28:3 is strategically placed at the very outset of a pivotal chapter in Moses' final address to Israel on the plains of Moab, just before their entry into the Promised Land. This chapter, renowned as the "blessings and curses" discourse, forms the theological climax of Moses' reiteration of the Mosaic Covenant. Verses 1-14 meticulously detail the blessings promised for obedience, while verses 15-68 starkly delineate the severe curses for disobedience. Verse 3 specifically expands upon the general promise of blessing introduced in Deuteronomy 28:1-2, which establishes that if Israel "diligently hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments," then "all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee." The immediate and specific mention of "city" and "field" following this general declaration powerfully highlights the pervasive and all-encompassing nature of God's promised favor, contrasting sharply with the widespread desolation threatened by the curses found later in Deuteronomy 28:16-19, which mirror these categories in reverse.
Historical & Cultural Context
This discourse unfolds as the Israelites stand on the threshold of Canaan, poised to transition from a nomadic wilderness existence to a settled agricultural and urban society. For an ancient Near Eastern people, the concepts of "city" and "field" represented the entirety of their socio-economic, geographical, and existential reality. The "city" symbolized community, commerce, defense, governance, and settled life, embodying the public and communal aspects of their existence. Conversely, the "field" represented agriculture, sustenance, livelihood, and the vast rural environment, signifying private and productive endeavors. The prosperity of both spheres was absolutely paramount for national survival, economic stability, and overall flourishing. Furthermore, the literary structure of Deuteronomy, particularly this chapter, consciously mirrors the ancient Near Eastern suzerain-vassal treaties, where a great king (the Suzerain, Yahweh) outlines the terms of the covenant with his vassal people (Israel), including explicit blessings for loyalty and severe curses for rebellion. This established cultural and legal framework underscored the conditional nature of the comprehensive blessings promised in Deuteronomy 28:3.
Key Themes
The primary themes interwoven in Deuteronomy 28:3 are Holistic Blessing, Covenantal Conditionality, and Divine Presence and Favor. The phrase "in the city, and in the field" is a classic example of merism, a literary device where two contrasting or complementary parts represent a complete whole. This device underscores that God's blessing would be comprehensive, touching every conceivable aspect of Israelite life—public and private, economic and domestic, urban and rural, leaving no sphere untouched. Crucially, this holistic blessing is not automatic but is explicitly tied to Israel's faithful obedience to the Mosaic Covenant, as emphatically stated in Deuteronomy 28:1. The verse powerfully conveys God's active desire to bestow profound favor and well-being upon His people, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to their flourishing when they walk in His ways. This divine favor is not merely material abundance but encompasses peace, security, success, and the very presence of God actively working for their good. The promise here sets the theological and narrative stage for understanding the profound consequences of their choices, as seen in the stark contrast with the curses that begin in Deuteronomy 28:15.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Derived from the primitive root H1288 (bârak), meaning "to kneel," this term (in its passive participle form) signifies a state of divine favor and well-being actively bestowed by God. It is not merely good fortune or an absence of hardship, but a positive, active impartation of prosperity, fruitfulness, and success that originates directly from God's hand. The blessing encompasses not only material abundance but also peace, security, and the flourishing of life in all its dimensions, directly flowing from the covenant relationship with Yahweh.
(ʻîyr), this word refers to a city or town, understood as a place guarded or watched. In the context of ancient Israel, the city represented the hub of communal life, commerce, governance, and defense. To be "blessed in the city" implied success in public life, thriving markets, social harmony, security from enemies, and the general well-being of the community within its walls.
(sâdeh), meaning "a field (as flat)" or "country," this term encompasses the agricultural and rural areas. For ancient Israel, an agrarian society, the "field" was the source of sustenance and livelihood. To be "blessed in the field" meant abundant harvests, fertile land, healthy livestock, and success in all agricultural endeavors, which were fundamental to the nation's survival and prosperity.
Verse Breakdown
"Blessed shalt thou be in the city"
This clause promises divine favor and prosperity specifically within the urban centers and settled communities of Israel. It speaks to success in commerce, social interactions, public life, and the security and well-being of the family unit within a town or city. For an agrarian society transitioning to settled life, the city was the hub of trade, governance, and communal life, and its blessing implied thriving markets, safe dwellings, and a vibrant social fabric that fostered communal flourishing.
"and blessed shalt thou be in the field"
This clause extends the promise of divine blessing to the agricultural and rural spheres of life. It signifies fruitfulness of the land, abundant harvests, healthy livestock, and success in all endeavors related to cultivation and sustenance from the earth. For ancient Israel, whose economy and very survival were intrinsically linked to agriculture, the blessing in the "field" was fundamental to their physical existence, national prosperity, and ability to sustain themselves as a people.
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 28:3 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message of comprehensive divine favor. The most prominent is Repetition, with the phrase "blessed shalt thou be" appearing twice. This repetition serves to emphasize the certainty, comprehensive nature, and unwavering promise of God's blessing. It underscores that the blessing is not partial or fleeting but a definite and pervasive reality for the obedient. Furthermore, the pairing of "in the city, and in the field" is a prime example of Merism. This device uses two contrasting or complementary parts to represent a complete whole. "City" and "field" together encompass the entirety of human existence and activity in ancient Israel—from urban life and commerce to rural agriculture and sustenance. Thus, the merism signifies a holistic blessing that permeates every single aspect of life, leaving no area untouched by God's favor. The verse also functions as part of a larger Covenant Formula, specifically within the "blessings" section, which is a common literary and theological structure in ancient Near Eastern treaties and biblical covenants, clearly delineating the consequences of adherence to or deviation from the covenant terms.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Deuteronomy 28:3 articulates God's profound desire to bless His people comprehensively, a theme that resonates throughout the entire biblical narrative. This promise of holistic blessing—encompassing all aspects of life, from public to private, from economic to domestic—reveals a God who is intimately concerned with the well-being and flourishing of His creation. While the immediate context is the Mosaic Covenant with its specific conditionalities, the underlying principle of God as the ultimate source of all true blessing remains constant. This verse foreshadows the ultimate spiritual blessings available through Christ, demonstrating that God's plan has always been to bring flourishing to those in right relationship with Him, whether under the Old Covenant's legal framework or the New Covenant's grace-based relationship. It highlights that true prosperity is not merely material accumulation but a state of holistic well-being rooted in divine favor and a right standing with God.
Reflection and Application
Deuteronomy 28:3 serves as a powerful reminder of God's desire to bless His people, a truth that transcends the specific historical context of ancient Israel. For believers today, while we live under the New Covenant in Christ, the principle of God's comprehensive favor for those who walk in His ways remains profoundly relevant. This verse encourages us to recognize that God's presence and blessing are not confined to specific sacred spaces or moments but can permeate every sphere of our lives—our workplaces, our homes, our relationships, our finances, and our personal pursuits. Just as "city" and "field" represented the totality of life for the Israelites, we are called to live with an awareness that God's hand can be upon us in our professional endeavors ("city") and our private, family, and recreational lives ("field"). It challenges us to cultivate a life of faith and obedience, not as a means to earn blessing, but as a response to God's grace, trusting that true well-being and flourishing come from walking in alignment with His will and purposes. This holistic view of blessing invites us to seek God's glory in all we do, acknowledging Him as the source of every good and perfect gift.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does this verse mean that if Christians are obedient, they will always be materially prosperous?
While Deuteronomy 28:3 promises material and communal prosperity to ancient Israel under the Mosaic Covenant, applying this directly and unconditionally to New Covenant believers requires careful theological nuance. The New Testament redefines "blessing" to include profound spiritual realities that transcend mere material wealth. While God certainly blesses His people and provides for their needs, often materially, the primary blessings in Christ are spiritual: salvation, adoption, peace with God, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and eternal life (see Ephesians 1:3). Furthermore, the New Testament emphasizes that believers may experience hardship, persecution, and even poverty (e.g., John 16:33), yet still be considered "blessed" in a spiritual sense. The principle of God's desire to bless those who honor Him remains, but the nature and scope of that blessing are reinterpreted and fulfilled in Christ, focusing on spiritual flourishing, character development, and kingdom priorities, as Jesus taught in Matthew 6:33).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Deuteronomy 28:3, with its promise of comprehensive blessing in "city" and "field" for an obedient Israel, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true Israel, the perfectly obedient Son, who flawlessly fulfilled the Law and its covenant requirements, thereby becoming the singular source of all true blessing for humanity. In Christ, the conditional blessings of the Old Covenant are transformed into unconditional grace, as He bore the curse of the Law on the cross, redeeming us from its condemnation (as seen in Galatians 3:13-14). Through faith in Him, believers are no longer under the Law's condemnation but are "blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3). This means that the holistic flourishing promised in Deuteronomy 28:3 is now realized in a far richer, spiritual sense: our entire lives—our "city" (public life, work, community, social interactions) and our "field" (private life, family, personal endeavors, inner being)—are brought under the dominion of Christ's redemptive power. He sanctifies all spheres of existence, enabling believers to experience peace, purpose, and abundant life (as promised in John 10:10) regardless of external circumstances, because the source of blessing, Jesus Himself, dwells within them through the Holy Spirit.