Deuteronomy 28:43
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 28:43
43 The stranger that is within thee shall get up above thee very high; and thou shalt come down very low.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 28 is a covenant blessing and curse chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, creation, obedience. 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 28:43
43 The stranger that is within thee shall get up above thee very high; and thou shalt come down very low.
Analysis
The stranger that is within thee shall get up above thee very high; and thou shalt come down very low. Complete reversal of promised social order—the ger (sojourner/alien) who should have dwelt under Israel's blessing would instead rise above them. The contrast very high/very low emphasizes extreme status reversal. Where Deuteronomy 28:1 promised Israel would be "set on high above all nations," now foreigners within their own land would dominate them.
This curse reverses Genesis 12:3's promise that nations would be blessed through Abraham's seed. Instead, the stranger prospers while covenant people languish. Nehemiah witnessed this in post-exilic Jerusalem—Gentile governors ruled while Jews struggled. It ultimately pictures the church (wild olive branches) being grafted in while natural branches were broken off (Romans 11:17-24).
Historical Context
This was fulfilled during Babylonian and Persian rule when foreign-appointed governors (like Tattenai, Ezra 5:3) held power over Judah. In the intertestamental period, Greek and Roman overlords ruled the promised land. Even today, modern Israel navigates complex relationships with resident populations—echoes of ancient covenant curses.
Reflection
- What does status reversal with resident aliens teach about covenant blessings being conditional, not automatic?
- How does Paul's olive tree metaphor (Romans 11) connect to this Deuteronomic curse?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 28:13