Deuteronomy 29:22

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;

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;

"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,

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.

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

Context

Deuteronomy 29:22 is part of Moses' final address to the Israelites in the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land. This chapter details a solemn covenant renewal ceremony, where the people publicly affirmed their commitment to God's laws. Moses delivered a solemn warning about the dire consequences of covenant unfaithfulness, specifically detailing the plagues and desolation that would befall the land if they disobeyed the LORD. This verse emphasizes that these judgments would be so severe and evident that future generations of Israelites and even foreign visitors would observe and question their cause.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Consequences: The verse explicitly speaks of "plagues" and "sicknesses which the LORD hath laid upon it," highlighting God's direct involvement in bringing judgment upon a disobedient nation. This serves as a stark warning about the seriousness of breaking covenant with God.
  • Visibility of Sin's Effects: The phrase "the generation to come... and the stranger that shall come from a far land, shall say" underscores that the devastation would be undeniable and a public spectacle. God's justice would be openly displayed for all to see, serving as a powerful testimony.
  • Long-Term Impact of Disobedience: The consequences of sin are not momentary but can extend through generations, affecting the land and its inhabitants for a prolonged period. This emphasizes the lasting legacy of faithfulness or unfaithfulness.
  • God's Sovereignty: The LORD is depicted as actively "laying upon" the land these afflictions, demonstrating His absolute control over the natural world and the destiny of nations based on their obedience to His word.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "plagues" is makkot (מַכּוֹת), which often refers to severe blows or afflictions, reminiscent of the plagues God brought upon Egypt. "Sicknesses" (machalot, מַחֲלוֹת) denotes diseases or illnesses. The phrase "laid upon it" (הִגְלָה עָלֶיהָ, higlah aleiha) conveys a sense of direct imposition by God, indicating these are not random misfortunes but deliberate divine acts.

Significance and Application

Deuteronomy 29:22 serves as a powerful reminder of God's justice and the inevitable consequences of widespread rebellion against His commands. For ancient Israel, it underscored the conditional nature of their blessing in the land – prosperity was tied to obedience. For us today, this verse highlights several enduring truths:

  • God's Word is True: The fulfillment of these prophetic warnings, evident throughout Israel's history (e.g., the Babylonian exile), demonstrates that God's word, whether of blessing or judgment, will not return to Him void.
  • Accountability: Nations and individuals are accountable to God for their actions. Disobedience carries tangible, often visible, consequences.
  • Learning from History: The verse implies that future generations and outsiders should learn from the past. Observing the results of disobedience should prompt reflection and a return to God.
  • The Gravity of Sin: Sin is not trivial; it has far-reaching effects, impacting not only the sinner but also their environment and future generations. It calls for repentance and adherence to God's righteous path.
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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 19:8 (3 votes)

    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.