Deuteronomy 29:27
And the anger of the LORD was kindled against this land, to bring upon it all the curses that are written in this book:
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּֽחַר
was kindled
H2734
וַיִּֽחַר
was kindled
Strong's:
H2734
Word #:
1 of 13
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
אַ֥ף
And the anger
H639
אַ֥ף
And the anger
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בָּאָ֣רֶץ
against this land
H776
בָּאָ֣רֶץ
against this land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
4 of 13
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
הַהִ֑וא
H1931
הַהִ֑וא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
5 of 13
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
עָלֶ֙יהָ֙
H5921
עָלֶ֙יהָ֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַכְּתוּבָ֖ה
that are written
H3789
הַכְּתוּבָ֖ה
that are written
Strong's:
H3789
Word #:
11 of 13
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
Historical Context
Written circa 1406 BC but prophetically describing the Babylonian exile 800 years later. Deuteronomy 29-30 constitutes the Palestinian Covenant, addressing Israel's future in the land. Moses speaks in the plains of Moab to the second generation, warning them of consequences their children and grandchildren would experience. The "anger kindled" language parallels ancient Near Eastern suzerain-vassal treaties where covenant breaking triggered military invasion and deportation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding God's judgments as covenant consequences (not arbitrary punishment) shape your view of divine justice?
- What 'written warnings' in Scripture do you need to take more seriously in your own life?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the anger of the LORD was kindled against this land, to bring upon it all the curses that are written in this book—the Hebrew charah 'af YHWH ("the anger of the LORD burned") uses visceral language for God's judicial response to covenant violation. Qelalah ("curses") refers back to the covenant sanctions in Deuteronomy 28:15-68, not arbitrary divine wrath but covenantal consequences Israel agreed to at Sinai and Moab.
The phrase written in this book establishes the written Torah as binding covenant document. Unlike ancient Near Eastern treaties where kings could arbitrarily punish vassals, Israel's judgment came through stipulated, publically known sanctions. The exile (fulfilled in 722 BC for the Northern Kingdom, 586 BC for Judah) wasn't divine caprice but the execution of treaty curses for breaking brit (covenant). This demonstrates God's justice and faithfulness—He keeps His word in both blessing and judgment.