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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
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
The prosperity of a city is dependent upon the supply of goods for sale in the market. We say that a country is prosperous which produces much fruit. So also there is a certain prosperity of the soul when it has been filled with works of every kind. It is necessary first for it to be laboriously cultivated and then to be enriched by the plentiful streams of heavenly waters, so as to bear fruit thirtyfold, sixtyfold and a hundredfold and to obtain the blessing which says, “Blessed shall be your barns and blessed your stores.”
[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 28:5 encapsulates a profound promise of divine provision and abundance, assuring ancient Israel that their daily sustenance and economic stability would be blessed by God if they faithfully adhered to His covenant. This concise declaration, "Blessed [shall be] thy basket and thy store," speaks directly to the agrarian and domestic life of the Israelites, symbolizing a holistic blessing that touches every aspect of their livelihood, from the harvest in the field to the prepared food within their homes. It highlights God's intimate care for the practical needs of His people, promising not just sufficiency but an overflowing measure of goods as a tangible reward for obedience.
Context
Literary Context
Deuteronomy 28:5 is embedded within a pivotal section of Deuteronomy, specifically the covenant blessings outlined in Deuteronomy 28:1-14. This chapter serves as the climactic conclusion to Moses' final discourse, where he presents the Israelites with a stark choice between life and prosperity through obedience to God's commands, or curses and desolation through disobedience. The verse immediately follows general blessings on the land and the people in Deuteronomy 28:3-4, setting the stage for specific domestic and economic assurances. It is part of a comprehensive list designed to impress upon the new generation, poised to enter the Promised Land, the direct correlation between their faithfulness to the Mosaic covenant and their material well-being. The subsequent verses continue to detail blessings related to their journeys and victory over enemies, reinforcing the holistic nature of God's promised favor.
Historical & Cultural Context
This promise was given to an agrarian society on the cusp of settling in the land of Canaan, a land described as "flowing with milk and honey" in Exodus 3:8. For such a people, survival and prosperity were inextricably linked to successful harvests and efficient food storage. The "basket" (Hebrew: ṭeneʼ) would be used for gathering freshly reaped grain, fruits, or vegetables from the fields, representing the initial yield of their labor. The "store" (Hebrew: mishʼereth), often translated as "kneading trough," was a vital household item used for preparing and storing dough, symbolizing the processed and ready-to-consume food staples. In a time before modern preservation methods, ensuring a full basket and a well-stocked store was paramount to warding off famine and securing the family's future. Thus, God's blessing on these items directly addressed their most fundamental daily needs and economic security, demonstrating His commitment to providing for them within their specific socio-economic framework.
Key Themes
Deuteronomy 28:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it underscores the theme of Divine Provision, portraying God as the ultimate sustainer who actively intervenes to meet the material needs of His people. This is not merely about sustenance but also about Abundance and Prosperity, promising an overflowing measure rather than mere sufficiency, reflecting God's desire to bless His obedient children richly. Crucially, these blessings are presented as Covenantal Faithfulness, directly linked to Israel's obedience to the terms of the Mosaic Covenant, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 28:1. The verse reinforces the principle that walking in God's ways brings tangible benefits, both individually and nationally. Furthermore, the "basket and store" symbolize a Holistic Blessing, indicating that God's favor would permeate every aspect of their economic and domestic life, from agricultural output to daily meals, ensuring comprehensive well-being in the Promised Land.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
A primitive root meaning "to kneel"; by implication, "to bless God" (as an act of adoration) and (vice-versa) "man" (as a benefit). It can also, by euphemism, mean "to curse" (God or the king, as treason). In this context, it signifies God bestowing favor, prosperity, and well-being upon the Israelites' possessions and efforts, indicating divine approval and active provision.
From an unused root probably meaning "to weave," this word refers to a woven container, specifically a basket (of interlaced osiers). In Deuteronomy 28:5, the "basket" symbolizes the initial yield of labor, the fresh produce gathered from the fields, representing the raw materials of their sustenance and the immediate fruits of their agricultural efforts. A blessed basket implies a bountiful harvest and successful gathering.
From a root in the original sense of swelling, this word refers to a kneading-trough (in which the dough rises). By extension, it represents the prepared food or staples kept within the home. The "store" symbolizes the processed food, the staples kept within the household for daily consumption and future provision. A blessed store signifies not only an abundance of raw materials but also the successful processing and preservation of food, ensuring sustained nourishment and economic security for the family.
Verse Breakdown
"Blessed [shall be] thy basket"
This clause promises divine favor upon the initial stages of the Israelites' agricultural and gathering efforts. The "basket" represents the yield of their labor, the produce harvested from the fields. God's blessing here ensures a bountiful harvest, ample raw materials, and successful collection of their crops and goods. It speaks to the fruitfulness of their land and their work, providing the foundational elements for their sustenance.
"and thy store"
This second clause extends the blessing to the later stages of food preparation and storage within the home. The "store," or kneading trough, symbolizes the processed food, the staples kept for daily consumption. God's blessing on the "store" ensures that not only will there be an abundance of raw materials, but these will be successfully prepared, preserved, and available for the family's ongoing needs. This promises sustained provision, economic stability, and freedom from want within the household, covering the entire cycle of food from its origin to its consumption.
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 28:5 employs several effective literary devices to convey its powerful message. Merism is prominently featured through the pairing of "basket and store." This figure of speech uses two contrasting or complementary parts to represent a whole. Here, "basket" (representing the outdoor, initial harvest) and "store" (representing the indoor, processed food and domestic supply) collectively encompass the entirety of one's livelihood and material possessions related to sustenance. This merism emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's blessing, touching every aspect of their economic and domestic life. Furthermore, the verse uses Symbolism, where the physical objects of "basket" and "store" stand for the broader concepts of agricultural productivity, domestic provision, and overall economic prosperity. The blessing itself is a form of Metonymy, where the effect (blessing) is stated, but the underlying cause (God's active provision) is implied, highlighting God's direct involvement in their daily lives. The concise, declarative statement also lends itself to Aphorism, making it a memorable and impactful promise.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Deuteronomy 28:5 powerfully articulates God's character as a faithful and benevolent Provider, deeply concerned with the material well-being of His covenant people. It reinforces the Old Testament principle that obedience to God's commands brings tangible blessings, demonstrating His desire for His people to flourish in every aspect of their lives, not just spiritually. This verse connects the physical realities of daily sustenance directly to the spiritual state of the nation, underscoring the holistic nature of God's covenant relationship with Israel. It teaches that true prosperity is a gift from God, flowing from a life lived in accordance with His will, and serves as a foundational promise of His sustaining hand over those who walk in His ways.
Reflection and Application
Deuteronomy 28:5, though rooted in an ancient covenant with Israel, offers timeless principles for believers today. It calls us to recognize God as the ultimate source of all provision, whether our "basket and store" manifest as our income, career, household resources, or even our spiritual sustenance. This verse encourages a profound trust in God's ability to provide for our daily needs, reminding us that His care extends to the practical, mundane aspects of life. It challenges us to live in obedience, not as a means to earn blessings, but as a response of love and faith to a God who delights in blessing His children. Furthermore, it fosters a spirit of gratitude, prompting us to acknowledge Him as the giver of every good and perfect gift and to steward His provisions wisely. In a world often driven by anxiety over material security, this verse offers a comforting assurance of God's faithfulness and an invitation to rest in His abundant grace.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does this verse mean that if I am obedient, I will always be materially wealthy?
While Deuteronomy 28:5 promises material blessings for obedience under the Old Covenant, it's crucial to understand this within its broader biblical context. For ancient Israel, national and individual prosperity in the Promised Land was directly tied to their covenant faithfulness. In the New Testament, while God certainly cares for our material needs and promises to supply them (Philippians 4:19), the emphasis shifts from purely material wealth to spiritual riches and contentment in Christ. The New Covenant prioritizes seeking God's kingdom first (Matthew 6:33), and while material provision often follows, it is not guaranteed in the same conditional, direct manner as in the Old Covenant. True blessing in Christ is often spiritual, relational, and eternal, though God remains our faithful provider for daily needs.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Deuteronomy 28:5, with its promise of blessed "basket and store," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant promised material abundance for physical obedience, Christ inaugurates a New Covenant where the blessings are primarily spiritual and eternal, though they encompass all of life. Jesus Himself is the true "bread of life" (John 6:35), providing spiritual sustenance that far surpasses any earthly provision. He demonstrated His power to bless the "basket and store" through miracles like the feeding of the five thousand (Matthew 14:13-21), where meager resources were supernaturally multiplied to satisfy a vast multitude, foreshadowing His limitless spiritual provision. Through His sacrifice, Christ has secured for believers "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 1:3), including the abundance of grace, peace, and eternal life. Our true "store" is found in Him, for in Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). Thus, while the ancient Israelites looked to God for physical provision in their land, believers in Christ look to Him as the source of all true and lasting abundance, both spiritual and, as He deems fit, material, through His perfect fulfillment of God's covenant promises.