Deuteronomy 28:19
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 28:19
19 Cursed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and cursed shalt thou be when thou goest out.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 28 is a covenant blessing and curse chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, worship, hope. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-68: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 28:19
19 Cursed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and cursed shalt thou be when thou goest out.
Analysis
Cursed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and cursed shalt thou be when thou goest out—The Hebrew bevo'ekha (בְּבֹאֶךָ, when you come in) and uvetse'tekha (וּבְצֵאתֶךָ, when you go out) form a merism encompassing all activities and movements. This construction appears in blessing contexts as well (Psalm 121:8; Deuteronomy 28:6), indicating comprehensive divine oversight of daily life. Under curse, no journey succeeds, no homecoming brings rest, no enterprise prospers—whether going out to work, war, or worship, or returning home from any endeavor.
The phrase may also allude to military campaigns (going out to battle, returning in victory or defeat—see verse 25's elaboration) and civic activity (entering city gates for commerce or justice). Some scholars see connection to birth (coming into life) and death (going out of life), suggesting curse affects one's entire lifespan. The comprehensive formula means covenant violators find no refuge in any circumstance—activity or rest, public or private, beginning or ending. This contrasts sharply with verse 6's blessing on coming in and going out, showing that the same activities yield opposite results depending on covenant faithfulness.
Historical Context
Ancient Israelites lived communal, public lives centered around city gates (where legal/commercial transactions occurred) and fields (where agricultural labor happened). 'Coming in' and 'going out' described the daily rhythm of work and rest, public and domestic life. Military contexts used this language for deploying to battle and returning (Joshua 14:11; 1 Samuel 29:6). Under covenant curse, Israel experienced failed military campaigns (Judges 2:14-15), unsuccessful harvests despite labor (Haggai 1:6), and dangerous travel conditions. The phrase's comprehensiveness mirrors ancient Near Eastern treaty curse formulae, where vassal rebellion resulted in comprehensive judgment.
Reflection
- How does the 'coming in/going out' pattern show that covenant relationship affects every transition and activity in life?
- In what ways do you experience God's blessing or discipline in both your daily departures and returns?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 28:6