Deuteronomy 28:60

Deuteronomy 28:60 is a stark warning within the covenant curses, illustrating the severe consequences of Israel's disobedience to God's commands. It specifically threatens the return of dreaded diseases reminiscent of those experienced in Egypt, emphasizing the depth of judgment for turning away from God's path.

Context of Deuteronomy 28:60

Deuteronomy 28 is a pivotal chapter outlining the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience, serving as a critical exposition of the Mosaic Covenant. This verse falls among the most severe warnings, emphasizing that turning away from God's statutes would undo the very deliverance He provided. The curses listed here are a direct reversal of the blessings promised, highlighting God's faithfulness to both His promises and His warnings, as seen in the general warning of curses in Deuteronomy 28:15.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Retribution and Covenant Fidelity: This verse underscores that God upholds His covenant, bringing consequences for sustained rebellion. It is not arbitrary punishment but the just outcome of breaking a sacred agreement with a holy God.
• The Terror of the Past Revisited: By threatening the "diseases of Egypt," God reminds Israel of the very afflictions from which He delivered them during the Exodus. This psychological element intensifies the warning, suggesting that their past fears would become their present reality.
• Persistent Affliction: The phrase "they shall cleave unto thee" implies that these diseases would be persistent, deeply rooted, and difficult to shake off, symbolizing a pervasive and inescapable judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "cleave unto thee" uses the Hebrew word dabaq (דָּבַק), which means to cling, stick, or be joined. This emphasizes the lasting and inescapable nature of these afflictions, not just a passing illness but something that becomes an integral part of their experience. This is in stark contrast to the positive sense of "cleaving" or "clinging" to the Lord, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 10:20.

Historical and Cultural Background

The "diseases of Egypt" likely refers to a combination of specific plagues God sent upon Egypt during the Exodus narrative (e.g., the plague of boils and blains described in Exodus 9:9-11) and endemic diseases common to the Nile region. The Israelites would have witnessed these afflictions firsthand and understood the severity and fear associated with them. By threatening to bring these very diseases back upon them, God highlights the irony of returning to a state worse than their former bondage, from which He had miraculously delivered them.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 28:60 serves as a powerful reminder for all generations about the profound consequences of spiritual disobedience:

• Choices Have Consequences: Our actions, particularly in relation to God's will, carry significant weight. Disregarding divine commands can lead to spiritual, emotional, and even physical distress.
• God's Warnings Are Serious: The Lord is faithful to His word, both in blessing and in warning. We should take His instructions seriously, recognizing that He desires our good, and His boundaries are for our protection.
• The Importance of Repentance: While this verse speaks of severe judgment, the broader biblical narrative always offers hope through repentance and turning back to God. Understanding the gravity of disobedience should motivate us towards humble submission and seeking His mercy.