Deuteronomy 28:33

The fruit of thy land, and all thy labours, shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up; and thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed alway:

The fruit {H6529} of thy land {H127}, and all thy labours {H3018}, shall a nation {H5971} which thou knowest {H3045} not eat up {H398}; and thou shalt be only oppressed {H6231} and crushed {H7533} alway {H3117}:

A nation unknown to you will eat the fruit of your land and labor. Yes, you will be continually oppressed and crushed,

A people you do not know will eat the produce of your land and of all your toil. All your days you will be oppressed and crushed.

The fruit of thy ground, and all thy labors, shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up; and thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed alway;

Commentary

Deuteronomy 28:33 is a solemn warning within the Mosaic Covenant, detailing one of the severe consequences of Israel's disobedience to God's commands. This verse paints a vivid picture of economic ruin and national subjugation, serving as a stark contrast to the abundant blessings promised for faithfulness.

Context

This verse is found in the latter half of Deuteronomy 28, a pivotal chapter outlining the blessings for obedience (verses 1-14) and the curses for disobedience (verses 15-68). Moses, speaking to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land, meticulously laid out the terms of their covenant with God. Verse 33 describes a specific form of divine judgment: the loss of national prosperity and sovereignty to foreign powers. It's part of a series of warnings designed to impress upon the people the gravity of their commitment to the Lord.

Key Themes

  • Consequences of Disobedience: The primary theme is that breaking God's covenant has dire, tangible repercussions. The prosperity that would come from God's blessing is instead consumed by enemies.
  • Economic Devastation: "The fruit of thy land, and all thy labours, shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up." This highlights the complete loss of economic independence and the consumption of their hard-earned produce by invaders.
  • Foreign Oppression: The phrase "a nation which thou knowest not" points to foreign invaders who would conquer and exploit Israel. This prophecy found historical fulfillment in the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles, where the Israelites were indeed conquered and their land plundered.
  • Perpetual Subjugation: "And thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed alway" signifies a continuous state of suffering, servitude, and lack of freedom, emphasizing the enduring nature of the curse.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used in this verse convey intense suffering. 'Ashaq (ืขึธืฉึทืืง), translated "oppressed," means to exploit, defraud, or treat unjustly, implying a systematic and severe form of tyranny. Daka' (ื“ึธึผื›ึธื), translated "crushed," means to be broken, pulverized, or utterly subdued, suggesting a complete breakdown of spirit and national strength. These terms underscore the depth of the humiliation and suffering predicted.

Related Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28:33 is a powerful reminder of the conditional nature of the Old Covenant, where blessings and curses were directly tied to obedience and disobedience. This verse is part of the curses section of Deuteronomy 28, which contrasts sharply with the abundant blessings promised for faithfulness earlier in the chapter. The historical books of the Old Testament, such as 2 Kings 17 and 2 Chronicles 36, provide accounts of how these curses were fulfilled when Israel and Judah turned away from God. Prophetic books like Jeremiah 5:15 also echo similar warnings of foreign invasion due to national sin.

Practical Application

While the specific context of Deuteronomy 28 applies to ancient Israel under the Old Covenant, the underlying principles remain relevant. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that choices have consequences, both for individuals and nations. It emphasizes the importance of aligning with divine principles and recognizing that turning away from God can lead to vulnerability, loss, and suffering. For believers today, it underscores the spiritual truth that we reap what we sow, and that spiritual complacency or rebellion can lead to detrimental outcomes, even if not in the exact same manner as ancient Israel.

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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 5:17

    And they shall eat up thine harvest, and thy bread, [which] thy sons and thy daughters should eat: they shall eat up thy flocks and thine herds: they shall eat up thy vines and thy fig trees: they shall impoverish thy fenced cities, wherein thou trustedst, with the sword.

  • Leviticus 26:16

    I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it.

  • Deuteronomy 28:51

    And he shall eat the fruit of thy cattle, and the fruit of thy land, until thou be destroyed: which [also] shall not leave thee [either] corn, wine, or oil, [or] the increase of thy kine, or flocks of thy sheep, until he have destroyed thee.

  • Deuteronomy 28:29

    And thou shalt grope at noonday, as the blind gropeth in darkness, and thou shalt not prosper in thy ways: and thou shalt be only oppressed and spoiled evermore, and no man shall save [thee].

  • Deuteronomy 28:30

    Thou shalt betroth a wife, and another man shall lie with her: thou shalt build an house, and thou shalt not dwell therein: thou shalt plant a vineyard, and shalt not gather the grapes thereof.

  • Jeremiah 8:16

    The snorting of his horses was heard from Dan: the whole land trembled at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones; for they are come, and have devoured the land, and all that is in it; the city, and those that dwell therein.

  • Jeremiah 5:15

    Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith the LORD: it [is] a mighty nation, it [is] an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say.