Deuteronomy 28:27
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 28:27
27 The LORD will smite thee with the botch of Egypt, and with the emerods, and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof thou canst not be healed.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 28 is a covenant blessing and curse chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, sacrifice, worship. 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 addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. 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 28:27
27 The LORD will smite thee with the botch of Egypt, and with the emerods, and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof thou canst not be healed.
Analysis
The LORD will smite thee with the botch of Egypt, and with the emerods, and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof thou canst not be healed. The sh'chin Mitzrayim (שְׁחִין מִצְרַיִם, boils of Egypt) recalls the sixth plague (Exodus 9:9-11) that struck Egypt but not Israel—now covenant-breakers would suffer the same afflictions they had been protected from. This demonstrates the terrifying principle: redemption can be reversed through apostasy.
Emerods (t'chorim, טְחֹרִים) likely refers to hemorrhoids or tumors, the same affliction God sent on the Philistines when they captured the ark (1 Samuel 5:6-12). Whereof thou canst not be healed indicates incurable diseases—divine judgment beyond human medical remedy. The accumulation of four distinct skin diseases emphasizes comprehensive physical affliction.
Historical Context
Moses spoke these warnings circa 1406 BC before Israel entered Canaan. The diseases mentioned were well-known afflictions in the ancient world with no cure. During the Babylonian siege, Jeremiah reported pestilence and disease decimating Jerusalem (Jeremiah 14:12, 21:6-7), fulfilling this very curse.
Reflection
- What does it mean that Israel would suffer the same plagues Egypt endured, from which God had previously protected them?
- How do incurable diseases function as divine judgment that humbles human pride in medical knowledge?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Deuteronomy 28:35, Exodus 15:26, 1 Samuel 5:6, 5:9, Isaiah 3:17
- References Egypt: Exodus 9:9, 9:11
- Parallel theme: Leviticus 21:20, 1 Samuel 5:12, Psalms 78:66