Bible Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:61

Verse Text: "Also every sickness and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law, them will the Lord bring upon thee, until thou be destroyed."

Introduction

Deuteronomy 28 stands as a significant passage within the Pentateuch, often referred to as the chapter of blessings and curses. This chapter delineates the blessings that follow obedience to God’s commands and the curses that ensue from disobedience. Verse 61 serves as a somber conclusion to the list of curses, emphasizing the severity of divine judgment and the potential for various forms of suffering.

Theological Implications

This verse encapsulates several key theological themes pertinent for pastoral teaching and academic study:

• God's Sovereignty: The verse underscores the sovereignty of God in dispensing both blessings and curses. His ultimate authority encompasses the ability to send various ailments and disasters.
• The Consequences of Disobedience: The connection between sin and suffering is illuminated, revealing that the nature of sin has ramifications that extend beyond the individual to the community.
• Holistic Understanding of Suffering: The mention of diverse sicknesses and plagues highlights a comprehensive understanding of human suffering, inviting a deeper inquiry into the spiritual, physical, and communal dimensions of affliction.

Commentary Expositions

Drawing insights from prominent public domain commentaries:

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Matthew Henry notes that the curses outlined in this chapter reveal the serious nature of breaking the covenant with God. In this verse, he emphasizes the phrase "every sickness and every plague," which reflects the exhaustive scope of potential afflictions that could befall the nation of Israel as a result of their disobedience. Henry stresses the importance of the spiritual state of the people, arguing that such ailments serve as manifestations of God’s displeasure. The unrecorded diseases signify that the consequences of sin can be unpredictable and far-reaching.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Albert Barnes expands on the implications of diseases mentioned in Deuteronomy 28:61 by interpreting them as indicative of a comprehensive divine judgment system. Barnes articulates that the phrase “not written in the book of this law” suggests not only the severity of God’s discipline but also a warning for future generations. Such plagues serve a dual purpose: as punishment for the current generation for their sins and as a deterrent for those who would follow. The warning here extends beyond the immediate context, speaking into the moral responsibility of communities to uphold divine statutes.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Adam Clarke provides a detailed examination of the term "plague," noting that it encompasses a variety of afflictions ranging from natural diseases to external calamities. He highlights that Israel’s disobedience leads them toward a path of ruin, emphasizing that these punishments might manifest in various forms that are not even explicitly mentioned in Scripture. Clarke argues that this verse acts as a stern reminder that turning away from God invariably results in consequences that might be beyond human comprehension or expectation.

Practical Applications for Today

For pastors, theologians, and scholars, Deuteronomy 28:61 provides rich material for reflection and application:

• Preaching on Obedience and Consequences: This verse can serve as a foundation for sermons on obedience to God, emphasizing that while blessings flow from following God’s commands, disobedience invites serious ramifications.
• Cultivating a Relational Understanding of Suffering: In discussions about suffering, this text provides an opportunity to examine the relationship between personal sin and communal suffering, provoking dialogue on how the church responds to affliction.
• Encouraging Vigilance and Repentance: The warnings embedded in the text encourage believers to be vigilant in their spiritual walk, fostering an attitude of humility and repentance to avoid the pitfalls laid out in the passage.

Conclusion

Deuteronomy 28:61 stands not only as a historical reference but as a theological and moral compass for current believers. The insights from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke provide a broad spectrum of understanding that highlights God's sovereignty, the seriousness of sin, and the multifaceted nature of suffering. It challenges the contemporary church to engage deeply with issues of sin, judgment, and the need for a covenant relationship with God that fosters obedience and reverence.