Deuteronomy 28:35
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 28:35
35 The LORD shall smite thee in the knees, and in the legs, with a sore botch that cannot be healed, from the sole of thy foot unto the top of thy head.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 28 is a covenant blessing and curse chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of hope, covenant, fellowship. 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 contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 28:35
35 The LORD shall smite thee in the knees, and in the legs, with a sore botch that cannot be healed, from the sole of thy foot unto the top of thy head.
Analysis
The LORD shall smite thee in the knees, and in the legs, with a sore botch that cannot be healed, from the sole of thy foot unto the top of thy head. This returns to physical afflictions (cf. v.27) with specific targeting: birkayim (בִּרְכַּיִם, knees) and shoqayim (שֹׁקַיִם, legs) were essential for mobility, work, and worship (kneeling). The sh'chin ra (שְׁחִין רָע, evil/malignant boil) that cannot be healed echoes verse 27.
From the sole of thy foot unto the top of thy head employs merism (naming extremes to indicate totality)—comprehensive affliction covering the entire body. Job's sufferings (Job 2:7) match this description, though Job was righteous, not under covenant curse. This demonstrates God's sovereignty to afflict even the righteous for His purposes, while covenant-breakers suffer as just judgment.
Historical Context
Moses delivered this warning circa 1406 BC. Throughout Israel's history, various diseases afflicted covenant-breakers as judgment—King Jehoram suffered incurable intestinal disease (2 Chronicles 21:18-19), and King Uzziah contracted leprosy for presumption (2 Chronicles 26:19-21), exemplifying this curse's fulfillment.
Reflection
- What does affliction from head to foot signify about the comprehensive nature of covenant judgment?
- How does this curse being "incurable" emphasize human inability to remedy divine judgment?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Deuteronomy 28:27