Deuteronomy 29:19
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Deuteronomy 29:19
19 And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst:
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 29 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, holiness, covenant. 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 21-29: 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 29:19
19 And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst:
Analysis
When he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart (וְהִתְבָּרֵךְ בִּלְבָבוֹ)—The reflexive verb hitbarekh ("bless himself") describes self-deception, pronouncing personal absolution despite covenant violation. The presumptuous apostate hears the 'alah ("curse," oath-stipulations) yet claims shalom ("peace," well-being) while walking in sherirut lev ("imagination/stubbornness of heart").
This phrase sherirut lev appears frequently in Jeremiah (3:17, 7:24, 9:14, 11:8, 13:10, 16:12, 18:12, 23:17) to characterize rebellious self-will—following one's own counsel rather than God's word. It denotes hardened autonomy, the opposite of circumcised heart obedience (Deuteronomy 10:16, 30:6).
To add drunkenness to thirst (לְמַעַן סְפוֹת הָרָוָה אֶת־הַצְּמֵאָה)—This cryptic idiom likely means "to sweep away the watered with the dry" or "to add the drunk to the thirsty," suggesting total destruction without distinction. Some interpret it as the apostate's insatiable pursuit of sin (drinking excessively when already drunk), others as corporate judgment where the guilty destroy the innocent. Either way, presumption brings comprehensive ruin.
Historical Context
This warning targets covenant presumption—assuming Yahweh's protection while violating covenant terms. Ancient Israel could fall into ethnic presumption ("We're Abraham's descendants") or cultic presumption ("We offer sacrifices"). John the Baptist and Jesus confronted this mentality (Matthew 3:9, John 8:39). The phenomenon appears throughout redemptive history: Eli's sons presumed on priesthood (1 Samuel 2-4), Judah trusted the temple's presence (Jeremiah 7:4), false teachers presumed on grace (Jude 4).
Reflection
- In what ways might Christians today presume on grace while walking in deliberate sin (Romans 6:1-2)?
- How does self-blessing (self-justification) differ from genuine assurance grounded in Christ's righteousness?
Word Studies
- Word: דָּבָר (Davar) H1697 - Word, thing, matter
Cross-References
- Word: Numbers 15:39, Jeremiah 44:27
- Blessing: Psalms 49:18
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 17:2, Numbers 15:30, Psalms 10:11, Proverbs 29:1, Jeremiah 3:17, 7:24