Deuteronomy 28:60
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 28:60
60 Moreover he will bring upon thee all the diseases of Egypt, which thou wast afraid of; and they shall cleave unto thee.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 28 is a covenant blessing and curse chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of discipleship, judgment, wisdom. 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 demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 28:60
60 Moreover he will bring upon thee all the diseases of Egypt, which thou wast afraid of; and they shall cleave unto thee.
Analysis
Moreover he will bring upon thee all the diseases of Egypt, which thou wast afraid of—the Hebrew kol-maḏwēh miṣrayim (כָּל־מַדְוֵה מִצְרַיִם, 'every disease of Egypt') refers both to the ten plagues and to the endemic diseases Israel witnessed in Egypt. And they shall cleave unto thee (וְדָבְקוּ בָךְ, wǝḏāḇǝqû ḇāḵ)—the verb 'cleave' is used positively for marriage (Genesis 2:24) and covenant loyalty (Deuteronomy 10:20), but here for clinging disease.
This reverses the Exodus promise in Exodus 15:26: 'I will put none of these diseases upon thee.' What God prevented, He will now inflict. The 'diseases of Egypt' Israel 'feared' would now become their punishment. The verb 'cleave' suggests permanence—these diseases won't be temporary like Egypt's plagues but chronic. This includes leprosy, blindness, and other afflictions prevalent in Egypt.
Historical Context
Leviticus 26:16 similarly threatened wasting diseases. During the Babylonian siege, plague accompanied famine (Jeremiah 21:6-7). The Roman siege likewise brought epidemic disease due to crowding and starvation. Throughout the diaspora, Jewish communities suffered disproportionately from medieval plague outbreaks.
Reflection
- How does this passage demonstrate that God's deliverance is conditional on covenant faithfulness?
- What does the reversal of Exodus 15:26 teach about the nature of blessing and curse?
- In what ways does Christ's healing ministry demonstrate the reversal of these curses?
Cross-References
- References Egypt: Deuteronomy 7:15