Understanding Deuteronomy 28:68

The Bible verse Deuteronomy 28:68 reads, "And the LORD shall bring thee into Egypt again with ships, by the way whereof I spake unto thee, Thou shalt see it no more again: and there ye shall be sold unto your enemies for bondmen and bondwomen, and no man shall buy you." This verse serves as a poignant warning to the Israelites about the consequences of disobedience to God’s commandments. Here, we will explore the verse through various biblical commentaries to gain in-depth insights.

Verse Meaning

Deuteronomy 28 stands as a key chapter in the Old Testament, focusing on the blessings that come from obedience and the curses from disobedience. This specific verse reflects the severe curses that would befall the Israelites should they turn away from God.

Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

• Matthew Henry's Commentary:

  Henry emphasizes that this verse demonstrates God's sovereignty and judgment. He notes that the reference to returning to Egypt signifies a complete reversal of the Exodus, where God's people were liberated from slavery. Instead, it illustrates a dark future where they would return not for freedom, but to bondage, highlighting their unfaithfulness and the dire consequences following their rebellion.

• Albert Barnes’ Notes:

  Barnes provides an explanation of the historical context surrounding this verse, indicating the likelihood of the Israelites experiencing such bondage as a form of divine retribution. He mentions the method of going back to Egypt by ships, which is paradoxical since Egypt represented slavery and oppression. The inability to find a buyer reflects their complete devaluation in the eyes of their enemies, emphasizing their dire condition and the futility of their predicament.

• Adam Clarke's Commentary:

  Clarke interprets the notion of "Egypt" symbolically, extended beyond its geographical sense. He argues it encapsulates any place of oppression, emphasizing that the Israelites would face a stark contrast to their past liberation. He also notes that being sold as slaves, yet not being bought, reflects the idea that they would be utterly despised by their captors, indicating a profound humiliation.

Historical Context

Understanding the historical context of Deuteronomy 28:68 is essential for grasping its full meaning. This verse was part of a larger discourse given by Moses before the Israelites entered the Promised Land. The backdrop is their deliverance from Egyptian bondage, and the subsequent obedient life that God desired for them. The mention of Egypt in this curse serves as a stark reminder of God's previous deliverance and the dire consequences of forsaking Him.

Applications for Today

The application of Deuteronomy 28:68 is profound even in modern contexts. Reflecting on this scripture encourages believers to consider the weight of their choices. The theme of obedience to God and the repercussions of sin remains pertinent, revealing that neglecting one’s spiritual commitments may lead to forms of bondage—existential, moral, or emotional.

Cross References

• Exodus 20:2-3: The commandments establishing God's authority and the call for fidelity.
• Jeremiah 42:10: Addresses the theme of returning to Egypt and the associated dangers.
• Lamentations 5:6-9: Another reflection on captivity and its associated suffering.

Conclusion

Deuteronomy 28:68 serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. Through the insights gleaned from revered commentaries, believers can appreciate the depth of this scripture and apply its lessons in their lives. The themes of disobedience, judgment, and the desire for redemption resonate throughout scripture and continue to be relevant in our pursuits of faith.