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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
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 28:6 encapsulates a profound promise of comprehensive divine blessing, assuring the Israelites that their faithful obedience to God's covenant would result in His favor encompassing every facet of their lives. This concise declaration signifies an all-encompassing well-being, safety, and prosperity that would accompany them in all their daily activities, transitions, and undertakings, from beginning to end. It serves as a powerful testament to God's desire to bless His people when they walk in faithfulness to His commands, extending His benevolent hand over their entire existence.
Context
Literary Context
Deuteronomy 28:6 is situated within the pivotal opening section of Deuteronomy 28, which meticulously details the blessings promised to the nation of Israel for their faithful obedience to God's covenant. This chapter serves as a climactic summary of the conditional nature of Israel's relationship with Yahweh, delivered by Moses on the plains of Moab just before they entered the Promised Land. The first fourteen verses (Deuteronomy 28:1-14) enumerate abundant blessings, while the subsequent verses (Deuteronomy 28:15-68) starkly outline the severe curses that would befall them for disobedience. Thus, verse 6 stands as a specific, emphatic assurance of God's pervasive favor, contingent upon the nation's adherence to the laws given at Mount Sinai, forming an integral part of the covenantal promises.
Historical & Cultural Context
The book of Deuteronomy itself is presented as Moses' farewell address to the second generation of Israelites, delivered on the threshold of the Promised Land, approximately 40 years after the Exodus. They stood poised to inherit the land promised to their ancestors, but their success and well-being within it were entirely dependent on their fidelity to the Mosaic Covenant. Culturally, covenants were foundational to ancient Near Eastern societies, establishing reciprocal relationships between parties, often between a suzerain (a dominant ruler) and a vassal (a subordinate state). Here, Yahweh is the divine Suzerain, and Israel is His vassal. The blessings and curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28 mirror the structure of such ancient treaties, emphasizing the serious consequences of breaking covenant stipulations. The concept of "coming in and going out" would have resonated deeply with an agrarian and nomadic society, encompassing their daily movements, economic activities, and military campaigns, signifying the entirety of their public and private lives.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights the theme of Comprehensive Blessing, underscoring that God's favor is not limited to specific areas but extends to every facet of life—personal, communal, economic, and spiritual. Secondly, it emphasizes Divine Presence and Protection, signifying God's continuous oversight and safeguarding of His people in all their daily movements, activities, and transitions. The idiom implies that wherever they go and whatever they do, God's watchful eye and protective hand are upon them. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the theme of Covenantal Fulfillment, explicitly linking these blessings to Israel's adherence to the covenant. It underscores the reciprocal nature of their relationship with God, where obedience leads to flourishing, as seen in the broader context of Deuteronomy 28.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word (H1288) is a primitive root meaning "to kneel," and by implication, "to bless God (as an act of adoration)" or "man (as a benefit)." It signifies an active divine empowerment that results in flourishing, prosperity, and well-being. To be "blessed" by God means to be the recipient of His active, benevolent intervention, leading to success, fruitfulness, and peace in all endeavors. It implies a divine approval and an outpouring of goodness, often leading to abundant and great benefit.
This word (H935) is a primitive root meaning "to go or come" in a wide variety of applications. In this context, it refers to the act of entering, applying, or beginning. It encompasses the commencement of daily activities, entering one's home or community, or the outset of any new venture. It signifies the initial phase of life's movements and undertakings, whether in private or public spheres.
This word (H3318) is a primitive root meaning "to go (causatively, bring) out" in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively. Here, it refers to the act of departing, completing, or exiting. It encompasses the conclusion of daily activities, leaving one's home or community, or the completion of any venture. Together with "comest in," it forms a comprehensive idiom for the entirety of one's life and all its transitions, from beginning to end, in all circumstances.
Verse Breakdown
"Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in"
This clause promises divine favor and well-being at the commencement of all activities, at the beginning of the day, upon entering one's home or community, or at the outset of any new venture. It speaks to God's blessing on one's domestic life, one's initial steps into the public sphere, and the very start of daily living. It implies safety, provision, and success in the initial stages of all undertakings, signifying God's presence at the point of entry into any situation.
"and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out"
This parallel clause assures God's blessing upon the conclusion of activities, at the end of the day, upon leaving one's home or community, or at the completion of any venture. It signifies divine protection and favor in one's movements, in one's public life, and in the successful completion of tasks. Together with the first clause, it forms a comprehensive statement of God's pervasive and continuous blessing over the entirety of one's life and all its transitions, encompassing departure, completion, and exit from any situation.
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 28:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message with profound emphasis. The most prominent is Merism, where two contrasting parts ("coming in" and "going out") are used to represent the whole or totality of a concept—in this case, the entirety of one's life, activities, and movements, from beginning to end. This device effectively communicates the all-encompassing nature of God's blessing. Furthermore, Repetition of the phrase "blessed shalt thou be" serves to emphasize and reinforce the certainty and comprehensive nature of the divine favor being promised. The Parallelism between the two clauses ("when thou comest in" and "when thou goest out") creates a rhythmic and memorable structure, enhancing the verse's impact and reinforcing the idea of a blessing that covers every aspect of existence. The verse also functions as a concise Aphorism, a short, pithy statement expressing a general truth, making it easily remembered and profoundly impactful.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Deuteronomy 28:6, while rooted in the specific covenantal context of ancient Israel, articulates a timeless theological principle: God's desire to bless His people comprehensively when they walk in obedience and faithfulness. This promise reflects God's character as a benevolent Giver and Provider, whose favor extends to every dimension of human existence. It underscores the biblical theme that true flourishing is ultimately derived from a right relationship with God, characterized by trust and adherence to His revealed will. The verse also implicitly connects to the broader concept of Shalom, a holistic peace and well-being that encompasses spiritual, physical, social, and material prosperity, which is a hallmark of God's covenantal blessings. This comprehensive blessing signifies God's continuous presence and care over all of life's transitions and endeavors.
Reflection and Application
While the Mosaic Covenant's specific terms are not directly applicable to New Testament believers in the same legalistic way, the underlying principles of God's character and His desire to bless those who trust and obey Him remain profoundly relevant. Deuteronomy 28:6 encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's pervasive providence, recognizing that His care extends to every detail of our lives, from our mundane routines to our most significant transitions. It calls us to live intentionally, seeking God's guidance and inviting His blessing into all our endeavors—our work, relationships, decisions, and daily movements. For the believer, this means walking in the Spirit, seeking to honor Christ in every sphere, and understanding that true flourishing comes from aligning our lives with God's purposes, not from our own strength or wisdom. It is a reminder that our security and success are ultimately found in His comprehensive care, not in the fluctuating circumstances of life, fostering a posture of dependence and gratitude.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does this verse mean that if I obey God, I will never face hardship or difficulty?
No, this verse, while promising comprehensive blessing for obedience, does not guarantee a life free from all hardship or difficulty. The blessings in Deuteronomy 28 are primarily communal and national, promising prosperity and security for Israel as a nation in the land. For individuals, and especially for New Testament believers, the concept of "blessing" is broadened beyond purely material or physical well-being. While God does bless and provide, the Christian life is also marked by trials and suffering, which can refine faith and draw us closer to God (Romans 5:3-5 and James 1:2-4). The comprehensive blessing for believers often manifests as spiritual peace, inner strength, divine presence in adversity, and the assurance of eternal life, even amidst earthly challenges. God's blessing means His presence and favor are with us "when we come in and when we go out," regardless of external circumstances, transforming our perspective on hardship.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Deuteronomy 28:6, with its promise of comprehensive blessing for covenantal obedience, finds its ultimate and transformed fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Mosaic Covenant offered conditional blessings for external adherence to the law, Christ embodies the New Covenant, where the blessing is unconditional, rooted in grace, and secured through His perfect obedience. In Christ, believers are "blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 1:3), transcending the temporal and material. He is the one through whom "all the promises of God find their Yes in him" (2 Corinthians 1:20). Our "coming in and going out" is now lived in union with Him, meaning His presence and favor accompany us not based on our perfect performance, but on His finished work on the cross, which secured eternal life and spiritual abundance. The comprehensive blessing promised in Deuteronomy 28:6 is fully realized in the believer's union with Christ, who is our peace, our righteousness, and our ultimate source of flourishing, both now and eternally, regardless of earthly circumstances, for "in him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28). He is the true Israel, perfectly obedient, and through Him, we inherit the fullness of God's favor.