Deuteronomy 28:66

And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life:

And thy life {H2416} shall hang {H8511} in doubt before {H5048} thee; and thou shalt fear {H6342} day {H3119} and night {H3915}, and shalt have none assurance {H539} of thy life {H2416}:

Your life will hang in doubt before you; you will be afraid night and day and have no assurance that you will stay alive.

So your life will hang in doubt before you, and you will be afraid night and day, never certain of survival.

and thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear night and day, and shalt have no assurance of thy life.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 28:66 is a chilling verse found within the extensive list of curses for disobedience in the book of Deuteronomy. It vividly describes the dire consequences that would befall Israel if they turned away from the covenant God established with them. This particular verse speaks to the profound psychological and existential dread that would accompany such a state of rebellion.

Context

The entire 28th chapter of Deuteronomy is a powerful exposition of the blessings for obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-14) and the curses for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). Moses, on the plains of Moab, is recounting God's law to the new generation of Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. He presents a stark choice: life and prosperity through faithfulness, or devastation and despair through rebellion. Verse 66 is near the climax of these curses, painting a picture of ultimate insecurity and terror, often interpreted as a prophetic description of Israel's periods of exile and dispersion among hostile nations.

Key Themes

  • Profound Insecurity: The phrase "thy life shall hang in doubt before thee" powerfully conveys a precarious existence, where one's very survival is constantly threatened and uncertain. There is no stability or safety.
  • Relentless Fear: "Thou shalt fear day and night" emphasizes a constant, pervasive terror that offers no respite. This isn't momentary anxiety but an enduring state of dread, indicating a profound lack of peace.
  • Loss of Assurance: "Shalt have none assurance of thy life" highlights the complete absence of confidence or certainty. This contrasts sharply with the assurance found in God's covenant when it is upheld.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: Ultimately, this verse serves as a solemn warning about the severe spiritual, emotional, and physical repercussions of rejecting God's commands and breaking His covenant. It underscores the gravity of faithfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "hang in doubt" (Hebrew: tala - ืชึธึผืœึธื”) literally means "to hang" or "to be suspended." It vividly depicts a life dangling precariously, without firm ground or support, constantly on the verge of falling. The repetition of "day and night" (Hebrew: yomam va'laylah - ื™ื•ึนืžึธื ื•ึธืœึทื™ึฐืœึธื”) emphasizes the ceaseless, unrelenting nature of this fear, leaving no moment of peace or rest. The lack of "assurance" speaks to a complete absence of trust or confidence in one's future or safety.

Reflection and Application

Deuteronomy 28:66, while a part of Israel's covenant history, offers timeless truths. It starkly contrasts the life of peace and security found in walking in God's ways with the terror and uncertainty that result from rebellion. For believers today, this verse underscores the immense value of the new covenant in Christ, where true peace and assurance are found not in perfect obedience to law (which is impossible for fallen humanity), but in faith in God's grace. While we are no longer under the Law in the same way as ancient Israel, the principle remains: living apart from God's will can lead to spiritual and emotional distress, whereas Christ offers a peace that the world cannot give, an assurance that transcends circumstances (Romans 8:38-39). This verse serves as a powerful reminder to seek our security and hope in God alone.

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

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 28:67

    In the morning thou shalt say, Would God it were even! and at even thou shalt say, Would God it were morning! for the fear of thine heart wherewith thou shalt fear, and for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see.

  • Lamentations 1:13

    From above hath he sent fire into my bones, and it prevaileth against them: he hath spread a net for my feet, he hath turned me back: he hath made me desolate [and] faint all the day.

  • Revelation 6:15

    And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

  • Revelation 6:17

    For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

  • Hebrews 10:27

    But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
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