Deuteronomy 28:3
Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.
Original Language Analysis
וּבָר֥וּךְ
Blessed
H1288
וּבָר֥וּךְ
Blessed
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
1 of 6
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
בָּעִ֑יר
shalt thou be in the city
H5892
בָּעִ֑יר
shalt thou be in the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
3 of 6
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
Cross References
Genesis 39:5And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.Haggai 2:19Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth: from this day will I bless you.Genesis 26:12Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.
Historical Context
Ancient Israel included both fortified cities (centers of trade, government, worship) and agricultural regions (fields, vineyards, pastures). This blessing encompassed the full economic and social life of the nation.
The inclusiveness showed that God's covenant affected national life comprehensively, not merely individual piety or temple worship.
Questions for Reflection
- What does blessing in both city and field teach about God's comprehensive concern?
- How does this demolish the sacred/secular divide in our thinking?
- Why is all lawful work sacred before God rather than merely religious activities?
- How should this comprehensive blessing shape our view of vocation?
- What does the totality of blessing teach about covenant faithfulness affecting all of life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. Comprehensive blessing covers both urban and rural life - in the city represents commercial, social, and civic activities, while in the field represents agricultural and pastoral work. God's blessing extends to all spheres of life.
This totality demonstrates that covenant faithfulness affects entire existence, not merely religious activities. There is no secular/sacred divide - God's blessing permeates work, family, commerce, agriculture, and all human endeavors.
The parallelism emphasizes completeness - whether in concentrated population centers or dispersed agricultural regions, whether in trade or farming, blessing follows the obedient. Geography and vocation do not limit divine favor.
Reformed theology affirms all of life as sacred before God. There is no compartmentalization where some activities are spiritual while others are merely secular. All lawful vocations serve God and receive His blessing.