Deuteronomy 28:42
All thy trees and fruit of thy land shall the locust consume.
Original Language Analysis
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עֵֽצְךָ֖
All thy trees
H6086
עֵֽצְךָ֖
All thy trees
Strong's:
H6086
Word #:
2 of 6
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
Historical Context
Ancient economies were 80-90% agricultural. Total crop failure meant famine, economic collapse, social breakdown, and vulnerability to conquest. The comprehensive nature of this curse left no escape route—every economic sector faces divine judgment when covenant is broken.
Questions for Reflection
- What does comprehensive agricultural devastation teach about the totality of judgment for covenant violation?
- How does Joel's promise of restoring "years the locust has eaten" offer hope even under this curse?
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Analysis & Commentary
All thy trees and fruit of thy land shall the locust consume. This verse summarizes and intensifies verse 38's locust curse—now all trees and all fruit face consumption. The Hebrew tslatsal (likely whirring locust) emphasizes the relentless, comprehensive devastation. Nothing green escapes—total agricultural collapse follows covenant violation.
Joel 2:25 promises restoration for "the years that the locust hath eaten," but only after repentance. Until then, comprehensive judgment matches comprehensive disobedience. God's covenant demands total obedience; partial compliance brings total devastation.