Meaning and Interpretation

This verse is part of the blessings and curses chapter in Deuteronomy, where God outlines the consequences of obedience and disobedience to His commandments. Here, the term 'pestilence' symbolizes a severe affliction, a divine judgment resulting from the people's unfaithfulness.

Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes that this verse reflects God's sovereign power over health and afflictions. The pestilence signifies not only physical ailments but also spiritual decay. He notes that when the people turn away from God's statutes, they expose themselves to these calamities.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes elaborates that the pestilence 'cleaving' to the people implies a close association with their actions. He explains that this punishment serves to bring the nation back to repentance, illustrating that the moral state of the people directly influences their physical and environmental conditions.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke indicates that the reference to pestilence highlights the seriousness of God's judgment. He connects this verse with historical instances where disobedience led to catastrophes, suggesting that God's ways are consistent across generations and that His warnings are relevant to all who stray from His guidance.

Cross-References

This verse connects with several others that reinforce themes of obedience, consequences, and divine judgment:

• Exodus 15:26: "If you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes..." - This verse presents the contrast between obedience and the absence of affliction.
• Leviticus 26:25: "And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant..." - This highlights the consequences of breaking God's covenant.
• 2 Chronicles 7:13-14: "If I shut up heaven that there be no rain..." - A passage emphasizing divine intervention based on the nation's prayer and humility.
• Psalms 91:3: "Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence." - A reminder of God's protection against pestilence for those who trust Him.
• Jeremiah 21:6: "I will strike down the inhabitants of this city, both man and beast; they shall die of a great pestilence." - Another mention of pestilence relating to disobedience.
• Ezekiel 14:19: "Or if I send a plague into that land and pour out my fury upon it..." - Highlights the connection between divine judgment and pestilence.
• Revelation 6:8: "And I looked, and behold, a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death..." - A prophetic reflection on pestilence as part of divine judgment in the end times.

Thematic Connections

Understanding Deuteronomy 28:35 in context provides a valuable framework for exploring larger themes throughout the Bible:

• Obedience vs. Disobedience: This theme runs throughout the biblical narrative, underlining the relationship between human behavior and divine response.
• Divine Judgment: Many scriptures illustrate God's response to sin, often using physical afflictions as a reflection of spiritual consequences.
• Repentance and Restoration: Alongside warnings of judgment, the Bible also showcases God's willingness to restore those who turn back to Him.

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

As you explore the connections between Bible verses, consider utilizing the following tools:

• Bible concordance
• Bible cross-reference guide
• Cross-reference Bible study materials
• Resources for identifying thematic connections