Deuteronomy 28:63
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 28:63
63 And it shall come to pass, that as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought; and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possess it.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 28 is a covenant blessing and curse chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, truth, judgment. 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 establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. 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 28:63
63 And it shall come to pass, that as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought; and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possess it.
Analysis
And it shall come to pass, that as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good—the Hebrew śāśû śîś YHWH ʿălêḵem lǝhêṭîḇ (שָׂשׂ יְהוָה עֲלֵיכֶם לְהֵיטִיב, 'the LORD rejoiced rejoicing over you to do good') uses emphatic repetition showing God's enthusiastic delight in blessing. But so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you (כֵּן יָשִׂישׂ יְהוָה עֲלֵיכֶם לְהַאֲבִיד, kēn yāśîś YHWH ʿălêḵem lǝhaʾăḇîḏ)—the same verb 'rejoice' is shockingly applied to judgment.
This anthropomorphic language strains human understanding: does God literally rejoice in destruction? The answer lies in God's rejoicing in righteousness—whether blessing obedience or judging rebellion, He delights in His own holiness displayed. The phrase and ye shall be plucked from off the land (וְנִסַּחְתֶּם, wǝnissaḥtem, 'and you shall be torn up') uses agricultural language—Israel planted will be uprooted. This happened in 722 BC, 586 BC, and AD 70/135.
Historical Context
God's 'rejoicing' in judgment is attested elsewhere (Proverbs 1:26, Lamentations 2:17, Ezekiel 5:13). This doesn't mean sadistic pleasure but satisfaction that justice is done. The 'plucking' from the land happened repeatedly, with Jews becoming the world's archetypal displaced people.
Reflection
- How can a loving God 'rejoice' in judgment without contradicting His character?
- What does this passage teach about God's zeal for His own glory and righteousness?
- How does Christ's experience of God's wrath satisfy divine justice and end God's 'rejoicing' in our destruction?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Isaiah 1:24, Ezekiel 5:13, Zephaniah 3:17
- Good: Deuteronomy 30:9, Jeremiah 32:41
- Parallel theme: Proverbs 1:26