Deuteronomy 28:65

KJV

And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest: but the LORD shall give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and sorrow of mind:

KJV (with Strong's)

And among these {H1992} nations {H1471} shalt thou find no ease {H7280}, neither shall the sole {H3709} of thy foot {H7272} have rest {H4494}: but the LORD {H3068} shall give {H5414} thee there a trembling {H7268} heart {H3820}, and failing {H3631} of eyes {H5869}, and sorrow {H1671} of mind {H5315}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Among these nations you will not find repose, and there will be no rest for the sole of your foot; rather ADONAI will give you there anguish of heart, dimness of eyes and apathy of spirit.

Berean Standard Bible

Among those nations you will find no repose, not even a resting place for the sole of your foot. There the LORD will give you a trembling heart, failing eyes, and a despairing soul.

American Standard Version

And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, and there shall be no rest for the sole of thy foot: but Jehovah will give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and pining of soul;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 28:65 stands as a profound prophetic declaration within the covenant curses, foretelling the relentless psychological and emotional torment that would befall the Israelites if they deviated from the LORD's covenant. It vividly describes a state of perpetual unrest, debilitating anxiety, profound despair, and deep mental anguish for a people dispersed among foreign nations, underscoring the severe internal consequences of covenant infidelity and the forfeiture of divine peace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 28 serves as the climactic and pivotal conclusion to Moses' second major address to Israel, delivered on the plains of Moab just before their entry into the Promised Land. This chapter functions as a solemn covenant document, meticulously outlining the blessings for obedience (verses 1-14) and the comprehensive curses for disobedience (verses 15-68). Verse 65 is situated deep within the latter, particularly in a section (verses 58-68) that details the most extreme and devastating forms of judgment, including incurable diseases, siege, famine leading to cannibalism, and ultimately, dispersion among all nations. The escalating severity of these curses, moving from external calamities to the deep internal anguish described in our verse, emphasizes the gravity of covenant breaking and the holistic nature of God's promised judgment, affecting both body and soul.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this prophetic address, Israel was poised at the threshold of Canaan, the land of rest and security promised by Yahweh. The warnings in Deuteronomy 28, therefore, function as a stark prophetic anticipation of future historical realities. The "nations" referenced here are the foreign peoples among whom Israel would eventually be scattered, a fate tragically realized centuries later with the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles, and subsequently the Roman dispersion. Culturally, the concept of "rest" (מנוחה, *menuchah*) was profoundly significant in ancient Israel, intrinsically linked to the Sabbath, the inheritance of the Promised Land, and ultimately, the restorative presence of God. To be denied rest, both physically and psychologically, was to experience the antithesis of the covenant blessings and the very essence of God's provision. The descriptions of a "trembling heart," "failing of eyes," and "sorrow of mind" resonate deeply with ancient Near Eastern expressions of profound grief, anxiety, and hopelessness, often understood as direct manifestations of divine displeasure.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to Deuteronomy and the broader biblical narrative. It starkly illustrates the **comprehensive consequences of disobedience**, demonstrating that turning away from God's covenant leads not only to external calamity but also to profound internal suffering, a theme echoed throughout the Pentateuch, as seen in [Leviticus 26:14-39](/leviticus/26-14-39 "Leviticus 26:14-39 - Covenant Curses for Disobedience"). It emphasizes the **absence of true rest and security** outside of God's protective hand, contrasting sharply with the promised peace and inheritance in the land of Canaan, a concept foundational to the entire book of Deuteronomy, highlighted in passages like [Deuteronomy 12:10](/deuteronomy/12-10 "Deuteronomy 12:10 - Rest in the Promised Land"). Furthermore, the verse vividly portrays the **psychological and emotional toll of divine judgment**, painting a picture of debilitating anxiety, despair, and mental anguish, revealing that God's judgment penetrates to the very core of one's being. Finally, it powerfully foreshadows the **dispersion of Israel among the nations**, a recurring motif throughout the prophetic books, where the people would experience profound insecurity and alienation, as exemplified by the lamentations found in [Lamentations 1](/lamentations/1 "Lamentations 1 - Jerusalem's Desolation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ease (Hebrew, _râgaʻ'_):** (H7280) This verb primarily means "to toss violently and suddenly," but in a figurative sense, it can mean "to settle" or "to quiet." When negated as "no ease," it signifies the complete absence of tranquility, stability, or a settled state. It points to a perpetual condition of agitation, insecurity, and the inability to find any moment of peace or respite from distress.
* **Rest (Hebrew, _mânôwach'_):** (H4494) Derived from the root meaning "to rest," this noun refers to a place of quiet, a settled spot, or figuratively, a home or a state of repose. The phrase "neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest" is a powerful idiom that portrays constant wandering, instability, and the inability to find any secure or permanent dwelling. It conveys a life lived without a true home, a sense of belonging, or even a moment of physical or psychological cessation from distress.
* **Sorrow (Hebrew, _dᵉʼâbôwn'_):** (H1671) This noun, derived from a root meaning "to pine" or "to languish," signifies deep grief, pining, or anguish. When combined with "mind" (Hebrew, _nephesh'_), which refers to the soul, life-breath, or inner person, "sorrow of mind" describes a profound, debilitating emotional and psychological suffering. It speaks to a pervasive sadness, mental depression, and an overwhelming anguish that consumes one's entire inner being, leaving no room for joy or hope.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And among these nations shalt thou find no ease":** This opening clause immediately establishes the geographical and existential context of the curse: Israel, dispersed among foreign peoples, would experience an utter absence of tranquility, stability, or comfort. This signifies a pervasive lack of physical security and a profound, unsettling disquietude that permeates their daily existence.
* **"neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest":** This vivid idiomatic expression powerfully reinforces the preceding clause, emphasizing a state of ceaseless wandering and homelessness. It conveys the inability to find any secure footing, a settled dwelling place, or even a moment of respite from their constant displacement and insecurity, highlighting a life defined by perpetual motion and instability.
* **"but the LORD shall give thee there a trembling heart":** This pivotal phrase attributes the internal suffering directly to divine agency, indicating that God Himself would inflict a profound, debilitating fear and anxiety upon them. This "trembling heart" signifies a constant state of inner agitation, terror, and emotional instability, a direct and inescapable consequence of their covenant disobedience.
* **"and failing of eyes":** This describes a poignant physical manifestation of their deep despair and hopelessness. Their eyes would grow dim, waste away, or be exhausted from constant longing, waiting in vain for relief, or simply from the sheer weariness of perpetual distress. It paints a vivid picture of profound fatigue and the fading of all hope, as their gaze finds no comfort or deliverance.
* **"and sorrow of mind":** This concluding clause encapsulates the deepest level of psychological and emotional torment. "Sorrow of mind" (anguish of soul) points to a pervasive and debilitating grief, mental depression, and profound anguish that would consume their inner being. It signifies a complete breakdown of mental and emotional well-being, a direct and devastating result of their estrangement from God and the loss of His covenant blessings.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 28:65 employs several potent literary devices to convey the depth and pervasive nature of the impending suffering. **Parallelism** is evident in the initial clauses, "shalt thou find no ease" and "neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest," which reinforce the theme of perpetual unrest and homelessness through synonymous expression, intensifying the sense of a life without stability. **Hyperbole** is used to emphasize the absolute and unending nature of this suffering; the complete lack of "ease" and "rest" suggests an unending, pervasive state of distress that permeates every aspect of existence. The descriptions of a "trembling heart," "failing of eyes," and "sorrow of mind" constitute vivid **imagery**, painting a visceral and emotionally charged picture of psychological and emotional torment that is both internal and physically manifest. The use of specific body parts (heart, eyes, foot) to represent broader states of being (fear, despair, instability, displacement) is a form of **synecdoche**, where a part stands for the whole, effectively communicating the comprehensive and debilitating nature of the judgment. Finally, the explicit attribution of this suffering to "the LORD shall give thee there" highlights **divine agency**, underscoring that these consequences are not random misfortunes but a direct, covenantal judgment from the sovereign God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 28:65 profoundly underscores the biblical principle that covenant disobedience inevitably leads to a forfeiture of divine blessing and the imposition of severe, often internal, consequences. It reveals God's justice as comprehensive, impacting not only external circumstances but also the deepest recesses of the human psyche and spirit. This verse serves as a stark reminder that true rest, peace, and security are ultimately found in faithful relationship with God, and that estrangement from Him results in profound disquietude and anguish. It prophetically foreshadows the long periods of exile and dispersion for Israel, demonstrating the prophetic nature of the Mosaic covenant and God's unwavering commitment to His word, whether for blessing or for curse, ultimately highlighting His sovereignty over both blessing and judgment.

* [Leviticus 26:36-39](/leviticus/26-36-39 "Leviticus 26:36-39 - Fear and Despair in Exile")
* [Psalm 38:8-10](/psalms/38-8-10 "Psalm 38:8-10 - The Psalmist's Anguish and Weakness")
* [Lamentations 1:3](/lamentations/1-3 "Lamentations 1:3 - Judah's Exile and Deep Sorrow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 28:65, while deeply rooted in the specific covenant between God and ancient Israel, offers timeless principles for profound reflection and application in contemporary life. It powerfully reminds us that deviation from God's revealed will and purposes often leads to profound internal unrest, debilitating anxiety, and a pervasive sense of homelessness, even when outwardly we may appear comfortable or settled. The "trembling heart" and "sorrow of mind" described here are potent metaphors for the spiritual and psychological toll of living outside of God's peace and divine purpose. This verse calls us to a deep self-examination: are we truly seeking our ultimate rest and security in God, or are we pursuing paths that, despite their initial allure, ultimately lead to disquietude and anguish? It challenges us to recognize the deep spiritual roots that can contribute to mental and emotional distress, prompting us to return to the source of all true peace, stability, and well-being. Furthermore, it cultivates a profound empathy for those who genuinely experience displacement, fear, and mental anguish, whether due to war, persecution, societal injustice, or personal trauma, reminding us of the immense human cost of brokenness in a fallen world and our call to be agents of God's peace and comfort.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I experience a persistent lack of "ease" or "rest," and could this be connected to a spiritual disconnect from God's will or presence?**
* **How does the concept of a "trembling heart" and "sorrow of mind" deepen or challenge my understanding of the comprehensive consequences of sin and spiritual estrangement, both personally and corporately?**
* **What practical and spiritual steps can I take to cultivate a deeper sense of true rest and security in God, allowing His peace to guard my heart and mind amidst life's pressures?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean God actively causes mental illness in individuals today?**

Answer: This verse describes God's judgment as encompassing profound psychological and emotional distress, using vivid imagery like a "trembling heart" and "sorrow of mind." In the biblical worldview, particularly within the context of the Mosaic covenant, God is sovereign over all things, including the consequences of human actions and covenant infidelity. While it does not imply that God *causes* clinical mental illness in every individual instance, it does indicate that a deep spiritual estrangement from Him, particularly through covenant disobedience, can lead to severe internal anguish and a forfeiture of peace and well-being. This is a theological statement about divine judgment and the comprehensive nature of blessing and curse within a covenantal framework, rather than a medical diagnosis. The suffering described is a direct result of being outside the protective and sustaining presence of God, where true ease and rest are found, and it highlights the holistic impact of sin on the human person—spirit, soul, and body.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 28:65, with its stark portrayal of relentless unrest, debilitating anxiety, and profound sorrow resulting from covenant disobedience, finds its ultimate counterpoint and redemptive fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "no ease" and "no rest for the sole of thy foot" that afflicted disobedient Israel are precisely what Christ offers to all who come to Him in faith. He is the one who declares, "[Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")," providing a spiritual and existential rest that transcends physical circumstances. The "trembling heart" and "sorrow of mind" that plagued a people estranged from God are healed by the Prince of Peace, whose perfect peace, a gift of the Holy Spirit, [guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God"). While Israel's scattering led to anguish and alienation, Christ's atoning death and glorious resurrection gather a new people from every nation, bringing them into a spiritual homeland where they find true security and belonging. Through Him, believers are no longer "strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Citizens with the Saints")). In Christ, the curse of restlessness and internal torment is overcome, replaced by the indwelling Spirit who provides genuine peace, joy, and a settled hope, fulfilling the deepest longings for the ultimate rest that was lost through sin and is now found in Him alone.

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

Leviticus 26:36

And upon them that are left [alive] of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth.

Amos 9:4

And though they go into captivity before their enemies, thence will I command the sword, and it shall slay them: and I will set mine eyes upon them for evil, and not for good.

Romans 11:10

Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.

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.

Genesis 8:9

But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him into the ark, for the waters [were] on the face of the whole earth: then he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her in unto him into the ark.

Isaiah 51:17

¶ Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, [and] wrung [them] out.

Habakkuk 3:16

¶ When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops.