Deuteronomy 28:63

KJV

And it shall come to pass, [that] as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought; and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possess it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass, that as the LORD {H3068} rejoiced {H7797} over you to do you good {H3190}, and to multiply {H7235} you; so the LORD {H3068} will rejoice {H7797} over you to destroy {H6} you, and to bring you to nought {H8045}; and ye shall be plucked {H5255} from off the land {H127} whither thou goest {H935} to possess {H3423} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Thus it will come about that just as once ADONAI took joy in seeking to do you good and increase your numbers, so now ADONAI will take joy in causing you to perish and be destroyed, and you will be plucked off the land you are entering in order to take possession of it.

Berean Standard Bible

Just as it pleased the LORD to make you prosper and multiply, so also it will please Him to annihilate you and destroy you. And you will be uprooted from the land you are entering to possess.

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass, that, as Jehovah rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you, so Jehovah will rejoice over you to cause you to perish, and to destroy you; and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest in to possess it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 28:63 stands as a profoundly sobering and climactic declaration within the Mosaic covenant's extensive list of curses, revealing the ultimate and tragic consequences of Israel's persistent and unrepentant disobedience. This verse starkly portrays a divine reversal of immense proportions: just as the Lord had "rejoiced" in His benevolent acts of blessing and multiplication upon His people, He would, with the same resolute commitment and unwavering purpose, "rejoice" in bringing about their destruction and their violent expulsion from the Promised Land. It underscores God's absolute fidelity to His covenant, demonstrating that His justice and holiness are as certain, active, and integral to His character as His mercy and goodness, culminating in the complete forfeiture of their divinely promised inheritance due a profound breach of faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 28:63 is situated near the dramatic conclusion of a pivotal chapter in the book of Deuteronomy, which records Moses' final, impassioned address to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before their entry into the Promised Land. This chapter serves as the capstone of Moses' exposition of the covenant stipulations, meticulously detailing the abundant blessings that would accrue from obedience (verses 1-14) and the severe, escalating curses resulting from disobedience (verses 15-68). Verse 63 functions as a climactic and terrifying summation of these curses, particularly following a litany of physical ailments, social disintegration, national humiliation, and the threat of siege and cannibalism. It marks the culmination of God's judicial response to sustained rebellion, emphasizing the complete reversal of their fortunes and the ultimate loss of their divinely promised inheritance, a fate worse than any prior suffering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Moses' address is the plains of Moab, where the second generation of Israelites, having wandered for forty years, is poised to enter Canaan. This discourse is framed as a covenant renewal ceremony, echoing the well-established structure of ancient Near Eastern suzerain-vassal treaties. In such treaties, a powerful suzerain (sovereign king) would establish terms with a weaker vassal, typically including a historical prologue, detailed stipulations, and a section of blessings for loyalty and curses for rebellion. In this context, the Lord functions as the ultimate Suzerain, and Israel as His vassal. The curses, including the dire threat of expulsion from the land, were common and extremely serious features in such treaties, serving as solemn warnings against breaking the covenant. For Israel, the land was not merely territory but the tangible fulfillment of God's foundational covenant with Abraham ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")), making its loss the ultimate sign of covenant breach and divine judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 28:63 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, showcasing God's active, decisive, and righteous involvement in the affairs of His people, not as a passive observer but as the holy executor of His covenant. The verse underscores the absolute seriousness of **Covenant Fidelity and Consequences**, revealing that breaking the covenant, especially through persistent idolatry and rebellion against Yahweh, would inevitably lead to severe, divinely ordained repercussions. The historical fulfillment of these warnings is vividly seen in the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles, where Israel was indeed "plucked from off the land" as recorded in passages like [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile"). Furthermore, the striking phrase "the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you" reveals a profound aspect of **The Nature of God's "Rejoicing"**. This is not a malicious delight in suffering, but rather a solemn and resolute commitment to upholding His word and justice, demonstrating the consistency and integrity of His character in executing both blessing and judgment. Finally, the verse emphasizes the **Loss of Inheritance**, a devastating consequence that directly impacts the core promise of the land made to their forefathers, as detailed in [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abraham, Land Boundaries").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rejoiced (Hebrew, _śûws'_):** This verb, appearing twice in the verse, is crucial for understanding its profound and unsettling impact. In its first occurrence, it describes God's joyful disposition in doing good to Israel and multiplying them, reflecting His benevolent delight in their prosperity and faithfulness, stemming from His desire to "make well" (H3190, _yâṭab_). Its repetition in the context of destruction creates a stark and intentional parallelism, emphasizing that God's commitment to justice and judgment for disobedience is as complete, certain, and resolute as His commitment to blessing for obedience. This anthropomorphism conveys the solemnity and certainty of divine judgment, not as an act of caprice, but as a consistent expression of His holy character and unwavering covenant fidelity.
* **Destroy (Hebrew, _ʼâbad'_):** This word signifies a complete perishing or loss, implying a reduction to nothingness or utter ruin. When applied to God's action, it means to cause to perish, to bring to an end, or to utterly obliterate. In the context of Deuteronomy 28:63, it refers to the national and demographic annihilation of Israel as a flourishing people in the land, a direct reversal of God's earlier promise to "multiply" them. This destruction is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of their covenant breach, demonstrating the severity of God's righteous judgment against persistent rebellion.
* **Plucked (Hebrew, _nâçach'_):** This verb conveys the imagery of being violently torn away or uprooted. It suggests a forceful, decisive, and irreversible removal. In the context of the land, it vividly portrays the expulsion of Israel from their divinely appointed inheritance. This is not a gentle departure but a forceful dislodgment, signifying the complete loss of their security, identity, and the very foundation of their covenant relationship tied to the land. It underscores the severity of the judgment and the totality of their displacement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass, [that] as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you;":** This opening clause establishes a foundational premise and a poignant contrast: God's past and present benevolent actions towards Israel. The phrase "rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you" recalls the abundant blessings promised and often experienced by Israel when they walked in obedience to the covenant. It highlights God's active, joyful, and purposeful involvement in their flourishing, reflecting His desire for their well-being, prosperity, and increase. This sets up a powerful and disturbing antithesis with the subsequent clause, emphasizing the profound reversal of divine disposition.
* **"so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought;":** This is the shocking and terrifying core of the verse, presenting a symmetrical reversal of God's disposition and action. The same divine "rejoicing" (a resolute commitment) that characterized His acts of blessing will now be directed towards their destruction. "To destroy you" (H6, _ʼâbad_) and "to bring you to nought" (H8045, _shâmad_, meaning to desolate or utterly destroy) signify a complete undoing, a reduction to desolation from their former state of prosperity and national identity. This is not a capricious or malicious joy, but a solemn, righteous resolve to uphold the terms of His covenant and execute judgment upon persistent rebellion, demonstrating the consistency and integrity of His character in both blessing and curse.
* **"and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possess it.":** This final clause articulates the ultimate and most devastating consequence: expulsion from the Promised Land. The imagery of being "plucked from off the land" (H5255, _nâçach_, to tear away) evokes a violent, uprooting action, signifying the loss of their inheritance, their national identity, and their place within God's covenant promises tied to the land (H127, _ʼădâmâh_). This was the ultimate threat in the ancient Near East for a vassal who broke treaty with their suzerain, and for Israel, it meant the forfeiture of the very gift that defined their unique relationship with Yahweh, the land they were about to "go" (H935, _bôwʼ_) and "possess" (H3423, _yârash_).

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 28:63 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its stark and unforgettable message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Antithetical Parallelism**, where the second half of the verse directly contrasts the first. The phrase "as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought" creates a chilling symmetry, emphasizing the complete reversal of divine disposition and action. This parallelism underscores the consistency of God's character in executing His will, whether in blessing or judgment. **Anthropomorphism** is powerfully evident in the depiction of God "rejoicing" in both blessing and destruction. While God does not experience human emotions in the same way humans do, this device makes His resolute commitment and active involvement in both outcomes comprehensible to human readers, highlighting His unwavering purpose. The phrase "bring you to nought" also contains an element of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the totality and severity of the impending judgment, suggesting a complete undoing of their national existence and identity. Finally, the entire passage functions as a **Covenant Formulae**, a common and expected feature in ancient Near Eastern treaties where the explicit consequences (blessings and curses) of covenant fidelity or infidelity are solemnly laid out.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 28:63 offers profound theological insights into the nature of God, the seriousness of sin, and the dynamics of covenant. It reveals a God who is utterly consistent in His character: His commitment to justice is as unwavering as His commitment to mercy. The "rejoicing" in judgment is not an act of malicious pleasure but a solemn expression of His holiness and righteousness, demonstrating that He must uphold the integrity of His word and covenant. This verse forces us to confront the reality that God's love does not negate His justice; rather, His justice is an extension of His holiness, which demands a response to rebellion and a vindication of His righteous standards. It underscores the profound seriousness of disobedience, illustrating that sin is not trivial but has devastating, divinely ordained consequences, particularly when it involves a persistent rejection of God's goodness and commands. This passage serves as a stark reminder that while God delights in our flourishing, His covenant relationship is conditional upon fidelity, and severe judgment awaits those who willfully and continually turn away from Him.

* [Leviticus 26:27-39](/leviticus/26-27-39 "Leviticus 26:27-39 - Escalating Consequences for Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 1:10](/jeremiah/1-10 "Jeremiah 1:10 - God's Authority to Uproot and Plant")
* [Hosea 9:16-17](/hosea/9-16-17 "Hosea 9:16-17 - God's Rejection and Scattering of Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 28:63, though rooted in the Old Covenant, offers timeless and profound principles for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's consistent character: He is faithful to His word, whether in blessing or in judgment. This verse challenges any simplistic or sentimental view of God as merely a benevolent grandfather, revealing Him also as the righteous Judge who holds all humanity accountable. For those under the New Covenant in Christ, this passage does not mean we are subject to the specific curses of the Mosaic Law, but it profoundly underscores the seriousness of sin and the ultimate consequences of rebellion against a holy God. It should cultivate in us a deep reverence for God's holiness and a profound gratitude for the incomparable grace extended through Christ, who bore the curse for us. This verse calls us to a life of genuine repentance, humility, and active obedience, not out of fear of condemnation (for those in Christ, there is no condemnation), but out of love, worship, and a fervent desire to honor the God who desires our ultimate good and blessing. It reminds us that while God delights in our flourishing, He is also utterly committed to upholding His righteous standards and the integrity of His divine word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Deuteronomy 28:63 challenge our understanding of God's character, particularly His justice and holiness, in light of His love and mercy?**
* **In what ways might we, even as New Covenant believers, be tempted to take God's grace for granted, and what lessons can we draw from the seriousness of Old Covenant disobedience?**
* **How does this verse underscore the importance of covenant fidelity, both for ancient Israel and for our relationship with Christ today, emphasizing the seriousness of our commitment to Him?**

### FAQ

**Does God truly "rejoice" in destroying His people?**

Answer: The term "rejoice" (Hebrew: _śāś_) when applied to God in the context of destruction is an anthropomorphism, meaning it describes God in human terms to help us understand His actions and disposition. It does not imply a malicious or sadistic pleasure in suffering. Instead, it signifies God's resolute determination, His unwavering commitment to uphold His covenant and execute His righteous judgment. Just as He was fully committed and delighted in bringing about Israel's good and multiplication when they were obedient, He is equally committed and resolved to bring about the promised consequences of their persistent rebellion. It reflects the consistency and integrity of His holy character, demonstrating that His word, whether in blessing or curse, is utterly reliable and will be fulfilled. This is a solemn, judicial "rejoicing" in the execution of justice.

**How does this verse relate to God's love and mercy?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 28:63, while stark, does not negate God's love and mercy; rather, it highlights the necessary tension between God's holiness, justice, and His compassion. Throughout Deuteronomy, God repeatedly pleads with Israel to choose life and obedience, offering blessing as the path to flourishing ([Deuteronomy 30:19](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose Life and Good")). The curses, including this verse, are not arbitrary acts of wrath but the inevitable consequences of a sustained rejection of His covenant love and repeated acts of rebellion. They serve as a severe warning, intended to drive Israel to repentance and back to the path of life. God's judgment, therefore, is a righteous response to sin, demonstrating His faithfulness to His own character and His covenant, even when it means upholding justice against His own people. His love is seen in the warning itself, providing an opportunity for repentance before judgment.

**Was this prophecy fulfilled historically?**

Answer: Yes, the prophecies of destruction and expulsion from the land found in Deuteronomy 28, including verse 63, were indeed fulfilled in Israel's history. The most prominent examples are the Assyrian exile of the Northern Kingdom (Israel) in 722 BC and, more significantly, the Babylonian exile of the Southern Kingdom (Judah) in 586 BC. During these periods, the Israelites were "plucked from off the land" and scattered among the nations, precisely as prophesied in passages like [2 Kings 17:6](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - Israel Exiled by Assyria") and [Jeremiah 52:27](/jeremiah/52-27 "Jeremiah 52:27 - Judah Exiled by Babylon"). Later, the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by the Romans in AD 70 led to another widespread dispersion of the Jewish people, further echoing the warnings of this chapter. These historical events serve as powerful testimonies to the certainty of God's word and His unwavering commitment to His covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 28:63, with its chilling portrayal of God's "rejoicing" in judgment and the "plucking" of His people from the land, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Under the Old Covenant, Israel's inheritance of the land and their flourishing were conditional upon their obedience, and their failure to uphold the Law led to the very curses described in this chapter. However, Christ, as the true and perfect Israel, perfectly fulfilled the Law and bore the curse on behalf of all who believe. [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us From the Curse of the Law") declares, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us." He absorbed the divine "rejoicing" in judgment that would have fallen upon humanity for its rebellion, offering Himself as the ultimate atoning sacrifice on the cross ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His atoning work, those who are "in Christ" are no longer subject to the curses of the Law, nor are they "plucked from off the land"; instead, they receive an eternal inheritance, not a physical territory, but spiritual blessings in the heavenly places ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ")) and an unshakeable kingdom ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - Receiving a Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")). For those who reject Him, however, the solemn warning of God's judgment remains, as seen in passages like [John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - Condemnation for Unbelief") and [John 3:36](/john/3-36 "John 3:36 - Wrath Abides on the Unbeliever"), where unbelief itself brings condemnation. Thus, Deuteronomy 28:63 powerfully magnifies the necessity and glory of Christ's redemptive work, transforming the prospect of divine judgment into the reality of eternal life and an unshakeable inheritance for all who trust in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 1:26

I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;

Jeremiah 32:41

Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul.

Zephaniah 3:17

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Isaiah 1:24

Therefore saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts, the mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries, and avenge me of mine enemies:

Deuteronomy 30:9

And the LORD thy God will make thee plenteous in every work of thine hand, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy land, for good: for the LORD will again rejoice over thee for good, as he rejoiced over thy fathers:

Ezekiel 5:13

Thus shall mine anger be accomplished, and I will cause my fury to rest upon them, and I will be comforted: and they shall know that I the LORD have spoken [it] in my zeal, when I have accomplished my fury in them.

Jeremiah 42:10

If ye will still abide in this land, then will I build you, and not pull [you] down, and I will plant you, and not pluck [you] up: for I repent me of the evil that I have done unto you.