Deuteronomy 29:23
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 29:23
23 And that the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 29 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, love, prayer. 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 reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 29:23
23 And that the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:
Analysis
And that the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein (גָּפְרִית וָמֶלַח שְׂרֵפָה כָל־אַרְצָהּ)—The triad gofrit ("brimstone/sulfur"), melach ("salt"), and serefah ("burning") describes complete ecological collapse. Salt symbolizes permanent desolation—Abimelech sowed Shechem with salt after destroying it (Judges 9:45), rendering land agriculturally sterile. Sulfur and burning suggest volcanic devastation or scorched earth warfare.
The threefold negation intensifies the curse: lo tizara' ("not sown"), lo tatzmiyach ("not sprouting"), lo ya'aleh vah kol esev ("no grass grows in it"). Total agricultural failure reverses Eden's fertility and Canaan's promised abundance ("flowing with milk and honey"). The land vomits out covenant breakers (Leviticus 18:25, 28).
Like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger (כְּמַהְפֵּכַת סְדֹם)—Mahpekhah ("overthrow") references Genesis 19's cataclysm. Moses adds Admah and Zeboim (Genesis 10:19, Hosea 11:8) to the infamous pair, emphasizing comprehensive destruction. The comparison warns: covenant apostasy merits Sodom-level judgment. Isaiah (1:9-10), Jeremiah (23:14, 49:18, 50:40), Amos (4:11), and Zephaniah (2:9) repeatedly invoke this comparison.
Historical Context
Sodom's destruction occurred in Abraham's era (circa 2000-1900 BCE), probably in the southern Dead Sea region. Ancient sources describe the area's sulfurous geology and salt deposits. Israel's covenant curses employ familiar historical reference points—Egypt (oppression), Sodom (judgment)—to make abstract warnings concrete. The Dead Sea area's perpetual barrenness served as ongoing visual reminder of divine judgment. When Babylon devastated Judah in 586 BCE, parts of the land experienced severe depopulation and agricultural collapse for decades, though not permanent Sodom-level devastation.
Reflection
- How does ecological judgment reflect creation's curse when humanity rebels (Romans 8:20-22)?
- What does the Sodom comparison teach about degrees of divine judgment for covenant privilege?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Jeremiah 20:16, Zephaniah 2:9
- Parallel theme: Genesis 14:2, Judges 9:45, Isaiah 34:9, Jeremiah 17:6, Ezekiel 47:11, Luke 17:29