Deuteronomy 28:43

The stranger that [is] within thee shall get up above thee very high; and thou shalt come down very low.

The stranger {H1616} that is within {H7130} thee shall get up {H5927} above thee very {H4605} high {H4605}; and thou shalt come down {H3381} very {H4295} low {H4295}.

"The foreigner living with you will rise higher and higher while you sink lower and lower.

The foreigner living among you will rise higher and higher above you, while you sink down lower and lower.

The sojourner that is in the midst of thee shall mount up above thee higher and higher; and thou shalt come down lower and lower.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 28:43 (KJV) is a powerful verse found within a pivotal chapter of the Old Testament, detailing the severe consequences of disobedience to God's covenant with Israel. This specific verse warns of a stark reversal of fortune for the Israelite nation.

Context

Chapter 28 of Deuteronomy lays out a comprehensive list of blessings for obedience (verses 1-14) and an extensive catalog of curses for disobedience (verses 15-68). Moses delivers this message to the Israelites just before they enter the Promised Land, emphasizing the conditional nature of their prosperity and security. Verse 43 falls squarely within the section of curses, painting a vivid picture of national decline. It describes a scenario where the chosen people, through their unfaithfulness, would lose their privileged position and become subservient.

Key Themes

  • Consequences of Disobedience: This verse serves as a stark warning that straying from God's commands leads to severe national and personal degradation. It underscores the principle that blessings are tied to faithfulness, and curses to rebellion.
  • Reversal of Fortune: The core message is a dramatic role reversal. Those who were once dominant would become subjugated, while the "stranger" (Hebrew: ger, a sojourner or resident alien) would ascend. This highlights the loss of sovereignty and influence.
  • Divine Judgment: The fulfillment of these curses is presented as a direct consequence of God's judgment upon a disobedient nation, demonstrating His ultimate authority over human affairs and national destinies.
  • National Humiliation: The phrase "thou shalt come down very low" signifies not just economic or political decline, but also profound national humiliation and loss of identity, a theme echoed in later prophetic books like Lamentations 1:5.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "stranger" in this verse is ger (Χ’ΦΌΦ΅Χ¨), which refers to a sojourner, alien, or resident foreigner. This is significant because, under the Law, Israel was commanded to treat the ger with kindness and justice (e.g., Leviticus 19:34). However, in the context of judgment, their prosperity and elevation above Israel highlights Israel's own decline. The repetition of "very high" (ma'lah ma'lah) and "very low" (mattah mattah) emphasizes the extreme degree of this reversal, illustrating a complete shift in power and status.

Practical Application and Significance

While specifically addressed to ancient Israel, the principles in Deuteronomy 28:43 carry enduring relevance. They serve as a powerful reminder that:

  • Faithfulness Matters: Obedience to God’s principles is foundational for stability and true prosperity, whether for individuals, families, or nations.
  • Spiritual Decline Leads to Other Declines: A departure from God’s ways often precedes and causes societal, economic, and political decline. The spiritual health of a people has tangible consequences.
  • Humility is Key: The warning against pride and self-sufficiency is implicit. When a people forget God, they risk being humbled, and others may rise in their place. This can be seen historically in the Babylonian exile, where Israel became subjugated to foreign powers, fulfilling these very prophecies (e.g., Nehemiah 9:36-37).

This verse underscores the profound connection between a nation's spiritual condition and its earthly standing, urging introspection and a return to God's covenant.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 28:13

    And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do [them]:

  • 1 Samuel 13:19

    Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make [them] swords or spears:

  • 1 Samuel 13:23

    And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash.

  • Judges 10:7

    And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hands of the Philistines, and into the hands of the children of Ammon.

  • Judges 10:10

    ΒΆ And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, saying, We have sinned against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim.

  • 2 Kings 17:20

    And the LORD rejected all the seed of Israel, and afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of spoilers, until he had cast them out of his sight.

  • 2 Kings 17:23

    Until the LORD removed Israel out of his sight, as he had said by all his servants the prophets. So was Israel carried away out of their own land to Assyria unto this day.
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