Deuteronomy 28:8

KJV

The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} shall command {H6680} the blessing {H1293} upon thee in thy storehouses {H618}, and in all that thou settest {H4916} thine hand {H3027} unto; and he shall bless {H1288} thee in the land {H776} which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} giveth {H5414} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

"ADONAI will order a blessing to be with you in your barns and in everything you undertake; he will bless you in the land ADONAI your God is giving you.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD will decree a blessing on your barns and on everything to which you put your hand; the LORD your God will bless you in the land He is giving you.

American Standard Version

Jehovah will command the blessing upon thee in thy barns, and in all that thou puttest thy hand unto; and he will bless thee in the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 28:8 is a profound declaration of divine promise, assuring Israel that their obedience to God's covenant would result in comprehensive and supernatural blessing. This blessing, commanded by the LORD Himself, would manifest as abundance in their agricultural yields and material possessions (storehouses) and success in all their endeavors. Crucially, this prosperity was intrinsically linked to their inheritance and faithful dwelling in the land God was giving them, underscoring God's active involvement in their physical and economic well-being as a sign of His covenant faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 28 stands as the climactic chapter in Moses' final discourse to the Israelites before their entry into the Promised Land. It functions as a solemn covenant renewal ceremony, reiterating the terms of the Mosaic Law given at Sinai. The chapter is starkly bifurcated: [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience") outlines the blessings for obedience, while [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience") details the severe curses for disobedience. Verse 8 falls squarely within the blessings section, emphasizing the tangible, material prosperity that would accompany their faithful adherence to God's commandments. It builds upon the preceding verses that promise blessing in the city and field, and over their offspring, livestock, and produce, culminating in a comprehensive declaration of God's active provision.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood on the plains of Moab, poised to cross the Jordan River and conquer Canaan, the land promised to their patriarchs. This generation had witnessed God's miraculous provision in the wilderness and the consequences of disobedience. Their society was primarily agrarian, making "storehouses" and agricultural yield central to their economic stability and survival. In the ancient Near East, a nation's prosperity was often attributed to the favor of its gods, and curses to their displeasure. Moses, through this discourse, firmly establishes that Israel's well-being is directly tied to their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, who is sovereign over all aspects of life, unlike the capricious deities of surrounding nations. The promise of blessing "in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee" directly addresses their imminent settlement and the challenges of establishing a new society.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 28:8 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Covenant Faithfulness and Divine Reciprocity**, illustrating that God's blessings are not arbitrary but are contingent upon Israel's obedience to the covenant stipulations. Secondly, it underscores **God's Sovereignty and Active Provision**, emphasizing that prosperity is not merely a result of human effort or natural forces, but a direct "command" from the LORD, demonstrating His absolute control over all circumstances. This theme is echoed throughout the Pentateuch, such as in [Leviticus 26:3-13](/leviticus/26-3 "Leviticus 26:3-13 - Blessings for Obedience"). Thirdly, the verse reinforces the theme of **The Promised Land as a Place of Blessing and Fulfillment**, where God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding land and numerous descendants would find their tangible expression. The blessing in the land is a sign of God's faithfulness to His ancient promises, as seen in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abram").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Command (Hebrew, _ṣāwâ'_):** This verb signifies a direct, authoritative order or decree. When the LORD "commands" the blessing, it is not merely a suggestion or a passive allowance, but an active, decisive act of divine will. It implies that the blessing is supernaturally initiated and guaranteed by God's sovereign power, ensuring its effectiveness and comprehensive reach. This emphasizes God's active involvement in the material prosperity of His people, rather than it being a mere natural outcome of their labor.
* **Blessing (Hebrew, _bĕrākâ'_):** More than just good fortune, _bĕrākâ_ is a comprehensive term for divine favor, prosperity, abundance, and the empowerment for fruitfulness. It encompasses material wealth, physical well-being, success in endeavors, and overall flourishing. It is God's goodness actively bestowed, transforming circumstances and enabling productivity beyond natural means. In this context, it specifically points to tangible, material abundance in their agricultural and economic life.
* **Storehouses (Hebrew, _ʾôṣār'_):** This refers to treasuries, granaries, or places where valuable goods and agricultural produce are stored. The mention of storehouses specifically indicates a surplus, an abundance beyond immediate need, signifying security, wealth, and provision for the future. It paints a picture of overflowing barns and pantries, a direct contrast to scarcity and famine, which are often listed as curses in the same chapter.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses,"**: This clause establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the blessing. It is not a human achievement but a supernatural decree from Yahweh. The specific mention of "storehouses" points to agricultural abundance and material wealth. It implies that God will ensure bountiful harvests and ample provisions, leading to a surplus that can be stored, signifying prosperity and security for the nation.
* **"and in all that thou settest thine hand unto;"**: This phrase expands the scope of the blessing beyond just agriculture to encompass all aspects of their labor and endeavors. It signifies success, fruitfulness, and prosperity in every undertaking, whether it be crafts, trade, family life, or any other diligent work. It implies that God's favor would empower their efforts to be productive and successful, ensuring that their work would not be in vain.
* **"and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee."**: This concluding clause ties the promised blessings directly to the covenantal inheritance of the land of Canaan. It reinforces that the prosperity is not just for their individual well-being but is a manifestation of God's faithfulness to His promise to give them a land flowing with milk and honey. The blessing is contextualized within their divinely appointed home, signifying God's ongoing care and presence within their national territory.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 28:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Hyperbole** is subtly present in the phrase "all that thou settest thine hand unto," suggesting an all-encompassing, unqualified success in every endeavor, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's blessing. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, particularly in the repetition of "he shall bless thee" and the linking of "storehouses" with "all that thou settest thine hand unto," creating a sense of completeness and reinforcing the idea that God's favor extends to both passive accumulation and active labor. The direct, declarative tone, characteristic of covenant language, functions as a **Divine Decree**, underscoring the certainty and authority of God's promise. Furthermore, the verse employs **Concrete Imagery** with "storehouses" and "land," making the abstract concept of "blessing" tangible and relatable to an agrarian society on the cusp of settling a new territory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 28:8 articulates a foundational principle of the Old Covenant: God's tangible blessing and provision are directly linked to Israel's obedience. This verse reveals God as the ultimate source of all prosperity, actively commanding and bestowing abundance upon His faithful people. It demonstrates His desire to see His people flourish, not just spiritually, but also materially, as a testament to His covenant faithfulness and power. This principle, while specific to the Mosaic Covenant, establishes a broader theological truth about God's character as a generous provider who delights in blessing those who walk in His ways, often empowering their diligent efforts.

* [Leviticus 26:3-5](/leviticus/26-3 "Leviticus 26:3-5 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honoring God with Firstfruits")
* [Malachi 3:10-12](/malachi/3-10 "Malachi 3:10-12 - Tithing and Open Heavens")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 28:8 calls us to reflect on the source of true prosperity and success. While the specific covenant promises to ancient Israel were unique, the underlying principles of God's character as a generous provider and the importance of walking in obedience remain timeless. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of faith and trust, recognizing that our ultimate provision comes from the LORD's command, not solely from our own efforts or ingenuity. It challenges us to consider how our diligence in work and stewardship of resources can be an act of worship, knowing that God often blesses the work of our hands. It also reminds us that true blessing is comprehensive, touching all areas of our lives, and is rooted in our relationship with the Giver, not just the gifts themselves. We are invited to live with an awareness of God's active involvement in our daily lives, trusting Him to provide for our needs and to make our endeavors fruitful according to His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you most need to experience God's "commanded" blessing today?**
* **How does recognizing God as the ultimate source of blessing influence your approach to work and financial stewardship?**
* **What does it mean to "set your hand unto" something with a heart of obedience and faith in God's provision?**
* **How can the promise of blessing in the "land" (or context of your life) encourage you to live faithfully where God has placed you?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse guarantee material wealth for all believers today?**

Answer: While Deuteronomy 28:8 promises material abundance to ancient Israel under the Old Covenant, it does not guarantee identical material wealth for all believers today. The New Covenant brings a shift in focus from primarily temporal, earthly blessings to spiritual blessings in Christ, as highlighted in [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ"). However, the verse does reveal God's character as a generous provider who delights in blessing His people. Believers are assured of God's faithful provision for their needs ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God's Provision")) and the promise of abundant life in Christ ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life in Christ")), which encompasses both spiritual and physical well-being, though not necessarily material riches. The principle of God blessing diligence and obedience remains, but the specific *form* of the blessing is now primarily spiritual and eternal, with physical provision being a secondary, though still real, aspect of His care.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 28:8 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant promised temporal blessings for obedience, Christ, as the obedient Son, perfectly fulfilled the Law and became the source of an eternal, spiritual blessing for all who believe. He redeemed us from the curse of the Law, as [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse") declares, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us." Through His sacrifice, the "blessing of Abraham" (which included the promise of land and prosperity) is now extended to the Gentiles through faith ([Galatians 3:14](/galatians/3-14 "Galatians 3:14 - Blessing of Abraham Through Christ")). In Christ, believers are blessed with "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")), inheriting not just a physical land, but the very kingdom of God. Our "storehouses" are now spiritual, filled with the riches of His grace, and "all that we set our hand unto" in His service is empowered by the Holy Spirit for eternal fruitfulness, making us God's workmanship created for good works ([Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - God's Workmanship")). The promised "land" is ultimately our inheritance in Christ, where we are made complete in Him ([Colossians 2:10](/colossians/2-10 "Colossians 2:10 - Completeness in Christ")).

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

Deuteronomy 15:10

Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto.

Leviticus 26:10

And ye shall eat old store, and bring forth the old because of the new.

Proverbs 3:9

Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

Proverbs 3:10

So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

Psalms 133:3

As the dew of Hermon, [and as the dew] that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, [even] life for evermore.

Luke 12:18

And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

Leviticus 26:4

Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.