Deuteronomy 28:68

Hebrew Bible Modern 1977

והשיבך יהוה מצרים באניות בדרך אשר אמרתי לך לא תסיף עוד לראתה והתמכרתם שם לאיביך לעבדים ולשפחות ואין קנה:

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Deuteronomy says that if the Israelites disobey God, He will take them back to Egypt, where they will be sold as slaves to their enemies. God is speaking through Moses, warning the Israelites of the dire consequences of their disobedience.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a favorite toy, and your parents tell you not to lose it. But you do anyway. So they say, 'If you can't take care of it, we'll take it away and give it to someone else who will take better care of it.' That's a bit like what God is saying here to the Israelites.

Historical Background

Moses wrote this part of Deuteronomy around 1200-1000 BCE. He was speaking to the Israelites, who had just been freed from slavery in Egypt and were preparing to enter the Promised Land. The threat of returning to Egypt was a powerful warning, as the Israelites would remember the harsh conditions they had suffered there.

Living It Out Today

Today, this verse reminds us of the importance of staying true to our commitments and promises. For instance, if someone entrusts you with a responsibility, like taking care of a pet, breaking that trust can lead to serious consequences, just like in this verse.

Topics

• promise
• disobedience
• consequences
• warning
• return
• salvation

Related Verses

• Leviticus 26:33
• Jeremiah 16:15
• Matthew 23:37
• Romans 11:25
• Jeremiah 32:37

Recommended Reading

Commentary Deuteronomy Commentaries → Get This Bible Hebrew Bible Modern Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be 'sold into slavery' in this verse?

In this verse, 'sold into slavery' means that the Israelites would become captives and property of their enemies, symbolizing a loss of freedom and sovereignty due to their disobedience.

How does this verse connect with the broader theme of God's protection?

This verse shows that God’s protection comes with conditions. If the Israelites disobey, they face dire consequences, but if they follow God's laws, they receive His blessings and protection.

Why is Egypt specifically mentioned as a place of punishment?

Egypt is mentioned because it was the place of the Israelites' original slavery and suffering. Returning to Egypt symbolizes a regression and loss of the freedom they gained from God.

What can we learn about commitment from this verse?

This verse teaches us about the importance of commitment and the consequences of breaking it. Just as the Israelites faced severe consequences for their disobedience, we too face consequences when we break our commitments to God or others.