Definition: The LORD shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest to possess it.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Deuteronomy 28:21. It's a really important and somewhat frightening verse that speaks about God’s protection and judgment. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God is watching over you and protecting you, but He’s also prepared to use His power to punish you if you disobey Him or don't follow His instructions. It’s a warning about the consequences of disobedience. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Deuteronomy” : This is a book in the Bible that was written by Moses. Think of it as a record of God’s laws and commandments for the Israelites after they left Egypt. “28:21” : This is the verse itself – it's a specific passage from Deuteronomy. “The LORD shall make the pestilence…” : This refers to a disease, often a plague or epidemic. “Pestilence” means a deadly illness. “…cleave unto thee…” : This means "to attack you" or "to come upon you." It’s as if something evil is deliberately targeting you. “Until he have consumed thee from off the land…” : This is the crucial part! “Consumed” means to completely destroy or take away. "From off the land" means leaving your home, your country, and everything you know. It’s a very strong statement – God is taking you away from everything you love. “whither thou goest to possess it” : This refers to a place you are trying to own or control – a territory, land, or possession. So, what's the message? God isn’t just worried about you being sick. He’s worried about you leaving your home and your way of life. He's warning you that if you disobey His commands (and don't follow God’s plan), He will use a terrible plague to wipe out everything you have, leaving you with nothing. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a serious warning about the dangers of sin and disobedience. It’s a reminder that God’s protection isn’t just about keeping you alive; it's also about protecting your life and your way of life. In simpler terms, think of it like this: “God is watching over you with a powerful shield, but if you stray from His path, He will use a terrible force to take you away.” --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Give you some examples of how this verse might be interpreted in different contexts? Talk about the historical background of this passage?