Deuteronomy 29:22

KJV

So that the generation to come of your children that shall rise up after you, and the stranger that shall come from a far land, shall say, when they see the plagues of that land, and the sicknesses which the LORD hath laid upon it;

KJV (with Strong's)

So that the generation {H1755} to come {H314} of your children {H1121} that shall rise up {H6965} after {H310} you, and the stranger {H5237} that shall come {H935} from a far {H7350} land {H776}, shall say {H559}, when they see {H7200} the plagues {H4347} of that land {H776}, and the sicknesses {H8463} which the LORD {H3068} hath laid {H2470} upon it;

Complete Jewish Bible

"When the next generation, your children who will grow up after you, and the foreigner who arrives from a distant land, see the plagues of that land and the diseases with which ADONAI has made it sick,

Berean Standard Bible

Then the generation to come—your sons who follow you and the foreigner who comes from a distant land—will see the plagues of the land and the sicknesses the LORD has inflicted on it.

American Standard Version

And the generation to come, your children that shall rise up after you, and the foreigner that shall come from a far land, shall say, when they see the plagues of that land, and the sicknesses wherewith Jehovah hath made it sick;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 29:22 delivers a profound prophetic warning from Moses to the Israelites, vividly describing the severe and undeniable consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. It foretells a future state of desolation for the Promised Land, marked by devastating "plagues" and "sicknesses" directly inflicted by the LORD. This judgment would be so profound and evident that not only future generations of Israelites but also foreign visitors from distant lands would observe the widespread devastation and be compelled to inquire about its divine cause, thereby testifying to God's righteous and active judgment against His disobedient people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 29:22 is strategically placed within Moses' third and climactic discourse to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab just before their entry into Canaan. This chapter functions as a solemn renewal of the covenant established at Mount Horeb (Sinai), extending its stipulations and consequences to all future generations of Israel. The verse is part of a broader section (Deuteronomy 29:14-29) that explicitly warns against individual and corporate apostasy and idolatry, emphasizing the dire repercussions of breaking faith with the LORD. It builds directly upon the detailed blessings and curses articulated in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), reinforcing the conditional nature of Israel's prosperity and their continued dwelling in the land, which is entirely contingent upon their faithful obedience to God's commands. This verse specifically underscores the certainty, visibility, and lasting impact of God's judgment when His covenant is violated.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is critical: the Israelites stand on the threshold of the Promised Land, poised to transition from nomadic wilderness life to settled agricultural existence. Moses is addressing a new generation, the descendants of those who experienced the Exodus and the wilderness wandering, reminding them of the covenant obligations and the lessons learned from the past. In the ancient Near East, treaties and covenants commonly included detailed stipulations, blessings for adherence, and severe curses for violation, often invoking divine witnesses and cosmic consequences. The concept of the land being intrinsically linked to the moral and spiritual state of its inhabitants was deeply rooted; defilement through sin could metaphorically cause the land to "vomit out" its residents, a powerful theme articulated in [Leviticus 18:24-28](/leviticus/18-24-28 "Leviticus 18:24-28 - Defilement of the Land and Its Consequences"). The inclusion of "the stranger that shall come from a far land" highlights a common biblical motif where God's actions, whether in judgment or blessing, are intended to be a universal witness, demonstrating His sovereignty and justice to all nations, as seen in [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "Exodus 9:16 - God's Power Displayed to Nations").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several foundational themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it emphatically underscores **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, making it clear that the "plagues" and "sicknesses" are not random misfortunes but are "which the LORD hath laid upon it," highlighting God's direct and active role in bringing about consequences for disobedience. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Visibility and Public Nature of God's Justice**, as both future generations of Israelites and foreign visitors will witness and inquire about the devastation, serving as an undeniable testimony to God's sovereignty and righteousness. This theme resonates with other passages, such as [1 Kings 9:8](/1_kings/9-8 "1 Kings 9:8 - Desolation of the Temple and Land"), where the desolation of the temple prompts similar questions from passersby. Thirdly, the verse highlights the **Intergenerational and Lasting Consequences of Disobedience**, indicating that the effects of sin are not confined to a single moment or generation but can extend through time, profoundly impacting the land and its inhabitants for prolonged periods. Finally, it reinforces the **Conditional Nature of the Covenant and the Land**, where the well-being and continued inhabitation of the land are inextricably linked to Israel's faithfulness to God's commands, a foundational principle reiterated throughout [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy - The Second Law").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Generation (Hebrew, _dôwr'_):** From H1755, this term properly signifies "a revolution of time," referring to an age or a generation. In this context, it emphasizes the temporal scope of the covenant's consequences, indicating that the effects of Israel's disobedience would not be limited to the present but would extend to future "generations" (H1755) of their descendants, serving as a lasting testimony to God's judgment.
* **Plagues (Hebrew, _makkâh'_):** From H4347, this word literally means "a blow" or "a stroke." By implication, it refers to a wound, carnage, or pestilence. Its use here immediately calls to mind the devastating "plagues" (H4347) God inflicted upon Egypt (e.g., [Exodus 9:14](/exodus/9-14 "Exodus 9:14 - Plagues on Egypt")), signaling that the impending judgments upon disobedient Israel would be equally severe, divinely originated, and unequivocally from the hand of God, conveying a sense of direct, forceful divine intervention.
* **Sicknesses (Hebrew, _tachălûwʼ'_):** From H8463, this term denotes a malady or disease. In a biblical context, particularly within the framework of covenant curses, "sicknesses" (H8463) are frequently depicted not merely as natural occurrences but as manifestations of divine displeasure and judgment for sin (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:59](/deuteronomy/28-59 "Deuteronomy 28:59 - Severe Plagues for Disobedience")). Their inclusion alongside "plagues" emphasizes the comprehensive and debilitating nature of the divine retribution, affecting both the land and its inhabitants.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So that the generation to come of your children that shall rise up after you":** This initial clause establishes the long-term, intergenerational impact of Israel's choices. It highlights that the profound consequences of covenant disobedience would not be confined to the generation receiving the warning but would visibly and enduringly affect their descendants. This underscores the corporate nature of the covenant, where the actions of one generation can have far-reaching repercussions for those who follow, serving as a perpetual object lesson.
* **"and the stranger that shall come from a far land":** This phrase significantly broadens the scope of witness beyond Israelite descendants to include foreigners, those from distant nations. It signifies that the devastation would be so profound, widespread, and unmistakable that even outsiders, with no prior knowledge of Israel's unique covenant relationship with God, would be compelled to observe and question the cause of such desolation. This emphasizes the universal testimony to God's justice and power, making His actions known to the wider world.
* **"shall say, when they see the plagues of that land, and the sicknesses which the LORD hath laid upon it;":** This concluding clause reveals the specific object of observation—the visible "plagues" and "sicknesses" afflicting the land. Crucially, it states that these witnesses, both Israelite and foreign, will explicitly attribute the calamities to the LORD's direct action ("which the LORD hath laid upon it"). This confirms the divine origin of the judgment and the undeniable clarity with which God's hand would be perceived in the unfolding desolation. The "saying" implies an inquiry into the cause, leading to the inescapable understanding that Israel's God had acted in righteous judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 29:22 is rich in **literary devices** that amplify its solemn warning. It functions primarily as **Prophecy** and **Foreshadowing**, predicting a future state of profound desolation as a direct consequence of covenant infidelity. The vivid description of "plagues" and "sicknesses" serves as powerful **Imagery**, painting a grim and visceral picture of the land's future state. This imagery is designed to evoke a healthy fear and motivate immediate obedience. The inclusion of "the generation to come" and "the stranger that shall come from a far land" creates a compelling sense of **Witness** and **Testimony**, emphasizing that God's justice will be undeniably public and universally observable, leaving no room for doubt about its divine origin. The clear linkage between the people's actions and God's response exemplifies **Cause and Effect**, a foundational principle of covenant theology throughout Deuteronomy. Furthermore, the severity of the described afflictions, while literal in its prophetic intent, also carries an element of **Hyperbole** to underscore the extreme and comprehensive nature of God's righteous judgment against persistent rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 29:22 stands as a profound theological statement on divine justice, the sanctity of covenant, and the visible consequences of sin. It reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent but actively and righteously involved in the affairs of His people and the world. The verse underscores that God's word, whether of promise or warning, is utterly reliable and will be fulfilled. The land itself becomes a theological entity, a sacred stage upon which God's faithfulness to His covenant (both in blessing and curse) is displayed for all to see. The public nature of the judgment, observable by future generations and foreigners, serves as a universal testimony to God's character and the gravity of breaking faith with Him. This serves not only as a stark warning but also as a call to repentance, demonstrating that God's judgments, while severe, are always righteous and ultimately aim to bring His people back to Himself or to reveal His glory and power to the nations.

* [Leviticus 26:33](/leviticus/26-33 "Leviticus 26:33 - Scattering Among Nations")
* [1 Kings 9:8](/1_kings/9-8 "1 Kings 9:8 - Desolation of the Temple and Land")
* [Jeremiah 19:8](/jeremiah/19-8 "Jeremiah 19:8 - Desolation and Astonishment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 29:22 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder of the profound gravity of sin and the unwavering truth of God's word. For believers today, it highlights that disobedience to God's revealed will carries tangible, often visible, consequences, not just for individuals but for communities and even nations. It calls us to consider the long-term impact of our choices, recognizing that our actions can have intergenerational repercussions, affecting the spiritual, moral, and even physical landscape for those who come after us. This verse compels us to take God's warnings seriously, fostering a healthy and reverent fear of the Lord that leads to genuine repentance and a steadfast commitment to obedience. It also encourages us to be discerning observers of the world around us, recognizing that societal "plagues" and "sicknesses"—whether moral decay, social unrest, or even environmental degradation—may often be indicators of a collective departure from divine principles, prompting us to pray for revival and advocate for righteousness. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of a living, active covenant relationship with God, where faithfulness leads to flourishing, and rebellion to desolation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of intergenerational consequences challenge our understanding of personal responsibility in our families, churches, and nations today?**
* **In what ways might God's judgment be visibly manifested in our contemporary world, prompting questions about its underlying causes and calling for spiritual introspection?**
* **What specific "plagues" or "sicknesses" do you observe in your community or society that might point to a collective departure from God's covenant principles, and how might believers respond?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean God actively causes all diseases and natural disasters?**

Answer: This verse specifically attributes certain "plagues" and "sicknesses" to the LORD as a direct, punitive consequence of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness. In the Old Testament, particularly within the context of covenant curses, God is indeed depicted as sovereignly bringing about specific judgments, including natural calamities and diseases, as a form of divine discipline or retribution for widespread sin and rebellion (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") and [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses")). However, it is crucial to understand that this does not establish a universal principle that God is the direct, active cause of *every* disease or natural disaster in the world. Many afflictions are part of living in a fallen world, subject to the consequences of sin in a general sense (e.g., [Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - Creation Groans")). The Bible also presents instances of suffering not directly linked to specific sin (e.g., the book of [Job](/job/1 "Job 1 - Satan Tests Job")). This verse highlights a specific covenantal context where God intervenes directly as judge, but it does not negate the complexity of suffering or imply that all suffering is a direct, punitive act from God.

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

Answer: While Deuteronomy 29:22 emphasizes God's justice and the severity of His judgment against disobedience, it must be understood within the broader biblical narrative of God's character, which is also rich in mercy, grace, and steadfast love. The warnings of judgment, like this verse, are often given as a demonstration of God's patience and His profound desire for His people to repent and turn back to Him. God's judgments are not arbitrary but are righteous responses to persistent rebellion and a violation of His holy character and covenant. Even in the midst of judgment, God often provides a way for repentance and restoration. For instance, despite the warnings of exile and desolation, the prophets consistently offered hope of return and renewal based on God's enduring covenant love (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10-14 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Hope for the Future and Restoration")). The severity of the warning in Deuteronomy 29:22 underscores the immense value God places on faithfulness and His ultimate desire for His people's flourishing, which is found in obedience. Thus, judgment, though severe, is often a means to bring about repentance and ultimately reveal God's redemptive purposes and His desire for reconciliation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 29:22, with its stark portrayal of the land's desolation due to covenant unfaithfulness, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate human predicament under the Law: our inherent inability to perfectly keep God's commands and thus avoid the "plagues" and "sicknesses" of sin and spiritual death. The curses of the Old Covenant, vividly described here, highlight humanity's desperate need for a redeemer. Jesus Christ fulfills this need by becoming the ultimate sacrifice, taking upon Himself the very curse of the Law that we deserved. As [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, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.'" Through His atoning work on the cross, the "plagues" of sin's condemnation and the "sicknesses" of spiritual death are removed for all who believe. He inaugurates a New Covenant, not based on our flawed obedience, but on His perfect righteousness and sacrificial love (cf. [Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - A Better Covenant Based on Better Promises")). Now, the "stranger that shall come from a far land" (the Gentiles) no longer witnesses merely the desolation of a disobedient nation, but the glorious, redemptive power of God in Christ, who offers spiritual healing and eternal life, transforming the curse into an abundant blessing (cf. [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life")). The ultimate "plague" of sin, which separates us from God, is overcome by the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), ushering in a new creation where the land and its people are reconciled to God through His grace and the promise of eternal life.

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

Jeremiah 19:8

And I will make this city desolate, and an hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and hiss because of all the plagues thereof.