Deuteronomy 28:22
The LORD shall smite thee with a consumption, and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue thee until thou perish.
Deuteronomy 28:22 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse describes the consequences of disobedience to God's commandments, as outlined in the Old Testament. In this passage, the LORD warns that those who turn away from Him will face various afflictions as a form of divine punishment. The consumption, fever, inflammation, burning, sword, blasting, and mildew represent a range of physical and environmental ailments that will befall those who stray from God's path. These afflictions serve as a reminder of the importance of following God's laws and staying faithful to Him. The pursuit until death signifies the severity and inevitability of these consequences for those who do not repent and seek forgiveness. Ultimately, this verse serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of disobedience and the importance of remaining true to one's faith.
Theological Overview
When examining the verse from Deuteronomy 28:22, it is clear that the LORD's punishment upon those who disobey Him is severe and comprehensive. The various afflictions mentioned - consumption, fever, inflammation, extreme burning, sword, blasting, and mildew - serve as physical manifestations of the spiritual consequences of turning away from God. The consumption and fever could symbolize the wasting away of one's spiritual life, while the sword represents the violence and destruction that sin brings. Inflammation and extreme burning may signify the inner turmoil and suffering that comes from disobeying God's commandments. Additionally, the mention of blasting and mildew could be metaphors for the decay and ruin that sin brings to one's life. Ultimately, the pursuit until death mentioned in the verse could symbolize the relentless nature of God's justice in dealing with those who reject Him. This serves as a warning to all believers to heed God's commandments and remain faithful to Him to avoid facing such severe consequences.
Deuteronomy 28:22 in other translations
American Standard Version
Jehovah will smite thee with consumption, and with fever, and with inflammation, and with fiery heat, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue thee until thou perish.
World English Bible
Yahweh will strike you with consumption, with fever, with inflammation, with fiery heat, with the sword, with blight, and with mildew. They will pursue you until you perish.
Douay-Rheims
May the Lord afflict thee with miserable want, with the fever and with cold, with burning and with heat, and with corrupted air and with blasting, and pursue thee till thou perish.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The Lord shall smite thee with a consumption, and with the feuer, and with a burning ague, and with feruent heate, and with the sworde, and with blasting, and with the mildew, and they shall pursue thee vntill thou perish.