Deuteronomy 29:24

KJV

Even all nations shall say, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land? what [meaneth] the heat of this great anger?

KJV (with Strong's)

Even all nations {H1471} shall say {H559}, Wherefore hath the LORD {H3068} done {H6213} thus unto this land {H776}? what meaneth the heat {H2750} of this great {H1419} anger {H639}?

Complete Jewish Bible

then all the nations will ask, 'Why did ADONAI do this to this land? What is the meaning of such frenzied, furious anger?'

Berean Standard Bible

So all the nations will ask, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land? Why this great outburst of anger?’

American Standard Version

even all the nations shall say, Wherefore hath Jehovah done thus unto this land? what meaneth the heat of this great anger?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 29:24 presents a stark prophetic warning from Moses to the Israelites, anticipating a future era when the land of Israel would experience such profound desolation and divine judgment that even surrounding nations would be compelled to inquire about the cause. Their astonishment would lead them to question why the LORD had unleashed such an intense and consuming wrath upon His chosen land, thereby testifying to the severity of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness and the righteousness of God's judgment, making His name known even through the consequences of disobedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Moses' climactic final discourse to the nation of Israel on the plains of Moab, just prior to their entry into the Promised Land. Chapters 29 and 30 represent a solemn covenant renewal ceremony, building upon the foundational covenant established at Mount Horeb (Sinai). Moses meticulously delineates the reciprocal nature of this covenant, outlining the abundant blessings contingent upon obedience and the severe curses that would inevitably follow disobedience, particularly idolatry and apostasy. Deuteronomy 29:22-28 specifically details the catastrophic state of the land if Israel were to abandon God's ways, drawing a chilling parallel between its future destruction and the historical devastation of [Sodom and Gomorrah](/genesis/19-24 "Genesis 19:24 - Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"). The immediate verses preceding 29:24 describe the land becoming "brimstone, and salt, and burning," a wasteland that would be a stark testimony to God's judgment, prompting the very question posed by the nations in this verse. This section serves as a dire warning, emphasizing the irreversible consequences of breaking the covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this juncture, Israel stood on the precipice of a new era, transitioning from nomadic wilderness wanderers to a settled nation in Canaan. The concept of covenant was central to ancient Near Eastern (ANE) treaties, often involving detailed stipulations, blessings for adherence, and curses for violation. Moses' discourse echoes this familiar framework, but with a unique theological depth, emphasizing the LORD's singular sovereignty and Israel's exclusive relationship with Him. For Israel, the land was not merely territory but a tangible sign of their covenant relationship with God; its flourishing or desolation was directly linked to their faithfulness. The idea of nations observing and commenting on the fate of another people was common; a nation's prosperity or ruin was often attributed to the power or displeasure of its deity. Thus, the desolation of Israel would serve as a powerful, undeniable testament to the unique power and justice of the God of Israel, a stark warning to both Israel and the surrounding pagan peoples, demonstrating that Yahweh alone controls the destinies of nations and lands.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 29:24 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Consequences**, illustrating that God's justice is not arbitrary but a righteous response to persistent rebellion and covenant breaking. The described desolation is a direct, visible, and severe consequence of Israel's unfaithfulness, demonstrating that God takes sin, especially idolatry, with utmost seriousness. Secondly, the verse highlights **God's Sovereignty and Justice**. The nations' inquiry, "Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land?", implicitly acknowledges the LORD's ultimate control and the righteousness of His actions. His "great anger" is not an uncontrolled outburst but a settled, holy indignation against profound sin, ensuring that His character as a just and holy God is vindicated. Finally, this verse develops the theme of **Israel as a Witness to the Nations**. Paradoxically, even in judgment, Israel's fate would serve as a profound testimony to the surrounding peoples. Their desolation would prompt outsiders to inquire about the God of Israel and the nature of His covenant, demonstrating His power and the seriousness of His commands. This serves as a stark warning and a unique form of divine revelation, fulfilling a part of Israel's mandate to be a light to the Gentiles, even through their suffering, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Light to the Gentiles") and [Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23 - God's Name Vindicated Among the Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term (H1471) refers to foreign peoples, Gentiles, or a collective group. In this context, it emphasizes that the judgment on Israel would be so profound and evident that it would capture the attention and provoke the inquiry of those outside the covenant community. This highlights the public spectacle of God's judgment and its role as a testimony to the world, fulfilling part of Israel's calling to display God's character, even through their failures.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God (H3068), Yahweh, signifying His self-existence, eternal nature, and His unique relationship with Israel. The nations' use of this specific name in their inquiry is highly significant, indicating that they would recognize the God of Israel as the singular, powerful agent behind the devastation. This underscores His supreme sovereignty and the undeniable nature of His divine intervention.
* **anger (Hebrew, _ʼaph'_):** This word (H639) literally means "nose" or "nostril," but idiomatically refers to "wrath" or "ire," often associated with the rapid breathing or snorting of one in a furious state. When combined with "heat" (H2750, _chŏrîy_) and "great" (H1419, _gâdôwl_), as in "heat of this great anger," it forms a powerful idiom (_ḥaron ʾaph_) conveying intense, burning, and overwhelming indignation. Unlike human anger, God's `ʼaph` is never capricious or unjust; it is a settled, righteous indignation against sin, particularly against covenant infidelity and idolatry. Its "greatness" signifies its overwhelming power and the devastating consequences it brings, leading to the complete desolation described in the surrounding verses.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Even all nations shall say":** This opening clause emphasizes the widespread and undeniable nature of the future desolation. The judgment would be so profound and evident that it would capture the attention of "all nations," not just Israel's immediate neighbors. This highlights the public spectacle of God's judgment and its role as a testimony to the world, fulfilling part of Israel's calling to display God's character, even through their failures, and demonstrating the universal impact of God's justice.
* **"Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land?":** This is a rhetorical question posed by the observing nations, expressing their astonishment and seeking an explanation for the unprecedented devastation. The question implicitly acknowledges the LORD (Yahweh), the God of Israel, as the active agent behind the calamity. It signifies that the desolation would be so clearly supernatural and divinely orchestrated that no other explanation would suffice, compelling outsiders to recognize God's hand in the events and prompting an inquiry into the unique relationship between Israel and their God.
* **"what [meaneth] the heat of this great anger?":** This second rhetorical question deepens the inquiry, focusing on the nature and intensity of God's wrath. The nations are not merely asking "why" but "what is the significance" or "what is the explanation" for such a fierce and consuming divine anger. It points to the visible manifestation of God's righteous indignation, prompting an investigation into the covenant relationship between Israel and their God, and the severe consequences of breaking it, thereby vindicating God's holiness and justice before the world.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 29:24 employs several potent literary devices to convey its prophetic warning. **Rhetorical Question** is central, with the nations' double inquiry ("Wherefore hath the LORD done thus...?" and "what meaneth the heat of this great anger?") serving not to elicit an answer from the text, but to underscore the profound astonishment and the undeniable evidence of divine judgment. This device draws the reader into the scene, emphasizing the magnitude and inexplicable nature of the future desolation from a human perspective, thereby highlighting its divine origin. **Hyperbole** is also present in the phrase "all nations," suggesting that the devastation would be so extreme and widely known that it would become a subject of global conversation, magnifying the scale and universal recognition of God's judgment. Finally, the verse is a prime example of **Prophecy/Foreshadowing**, as Moses, speaking under divine inspiration, foretells a future event that would indeed come to pass in Israel's history, particularly during the Babylonian exile and subsequent periods of desolation. This prophetic element establishes the reliability of God's warnings and His sovereign control over history, demonstrating His omniscience and faithfulness to His word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 29:24 profoundly articulates the theological truth of God's unyielding holiness and justice, which demands a response to sin, particularly covenant infidelity. It reveals that God's character, while merciful and gracious, also encompasses a righteous wrath against rebellion. This "heat of great anger" is not an impulsive human emotion, but a settled divine attribute that upholds the moral order of the universe and the sanctity of His covenant. The verse serves as a stark reminder that God's warnings are not idle threats but declarations of inevitable consequences for persistent disobedience. It also highlights the paradox that even in judgment, God's actions serve a redemptive purpose, drawing attention to His unique power and the seriousness of His commands, making His name known even to those outside His covenant people. This passage foreshadows the consistent biblical theme that God's people are called to be a witness, and their faithfulness or unfaithfulness can profoundly impact how the world perceives God. The desolation of the land was a visible sermon to the nations, testifying to the Lord's power and the gravity of His covenant.

* [Leviticus 26:31-33](/leviticus/26-31-33 "Leviticus 26:31-33 - Curses for Disobedience and Desolation")
* [Isaiah 63:6](/isaiah/63-6 "Isaiah 63:6 - God's Wrath Poured Out")
* [Lamentations 2:2-4](/lamentations/2-2-4 "Lamentations 2:2-4 - Fulfillment of Judgment on Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 29:24, though rooted in ancient covenant warnings, carries profound and timeless implications for believers today. It compels us to confront the seriousness of sin and the unwavering holiness of God. In a world that often minimizes moral transgression, this verse reminds us that God's "great anger" against unrighteousness is a real and formidable aspect of His character. It calls us to a deep reverence for God and His commands, understanding that His warnings are given not to terrify, but to guide us toward life and blessing, and away from destructive paths. Our faithfulness, or lack thereof, has implications beyond our personal lives; it can serve as a witness to the world, either glorifying God or bringing reproach upon His name. Just as the nations observed Israel's fate, the world observes the church. Therefore, we are called to live lives that reflect the transforming power of God's grace and obedience to His word, demonstrating His goodness and justice to a watching world. This verse should stir within us a holy fear of the Lord, not a paralyzing dread, but a reverent awe that motivates us to walk in integrity and devotion, knowing that our fidelity profoundly impacts our witness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's "great anger" challenge or deepen your understanding of His character, moving beyond a simplistic view of love?**
* **In what ways might our individual or collective disobedience as believers bring reproach upon God's name in the eyes of the world today, hindering our witness?**
* **What specific areas of your life might require greater covenant faithfulness in light of this warning, ensuring your actions align with God's commands?**
* **How can understanding the seriousness of God's judgment motivate you towards deeper reverence and obedience, rather than fear, fostering a desire to honor Him?**

### FAQ

**Is God's anger arbitrary or uncontrolled?**

Answer: No, God's anger, as depicted in Deuteronomy 29:24 and throughout Scripture, is never arbitrary or uncontrolled. The Hebrew term `ḥaron ʾaph` (heat of anger) signifies an intense, settled indignation, but it is always righteous and just. It is a holy reaction to sin, rebellion, and covenant breaking, particularly against idolatry and persistent unfaithfulness. Unlike human anger, which can be impulsive or irrational, God's wrath flows from His perfect holiness and justice. It is a necessary aspect of His character, demonstrating that He is not indifferent to evil and will uphold His moral standards. The nations' question in the verse, "Wherefore hath the LORD done thus...?", implies that there is a clear, discernible reason for His action, which is Israel's departure from His ways as detailed in the covenant stipulations (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). This divine anger is a manifestation of His unwavering commitment to His own righteousness and the sanctity of His covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 29:24, with its vivid portrayal of God's "heat of this great anger" poured out upon the land due to Israel's sin, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant warned of physical desolation for national disobedience, the New Covenant reveals the spiritual desolation of sin and the ultimate wrath of God against all unrighteousness (cf. [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Revealed")). Yet, in a staggering display of divine love and justice, God did not spare His own Son from this wrath. On the cross, Jesus became the propitiation for our sins, absorbing the full "heat of this great anger" that we deserved (cf. [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation")). He bore the curse of the law, redeeming us from its condemnation (cf. [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems from the Curse")). Thus, the judgment foreshadowed in Deuteronomy 29:24, which fell upon the land and its people, was ultimately and perfectly poured out upon Christ, the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through faith in Him, believers are delivered from the wrath to come (cf. [1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Delivered from Wrath")), and the witness to the nations is no longer primarily through Israel's judgment, but through the glorious gospel of Christ's redeeming love (cf. [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission") and [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to be Witnesses")). He is the true land, the true rest, and the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises, transforming the curse into blessing for all who believe.

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 22:8

And many nations shall pass by this city, and they shall say every man to his neighbour, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this great city?

Jeremiah 22:9

Then they shall answer, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God, and worshipped other gods, and served them.

1 Kings 9:8

And at this house, [which] is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?

1 Kings 9:9

And they shall answer, Because they forsook the LORD their God, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have taken hold upon other gods, and have worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath the LORD brought upon them all this evil.

Lamentations 2:15

All that pass by clap [their] hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, [saying, Is] this the city that [men] call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?

Lamentations 2:17

The LORD hath done [that] which he had devised; he hath fulfilled his word that he had commanded in the days of old: he hath thrown down, and hath not pitied: and he hath caused [thine] enemy to rejoice over thee, he hath set up the horn of thine adversaries.

Romans 2:5

But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;