Definition: And [then] the LORDâS wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and [lest] ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Deuteronomy 11:17. It's a pretty serious verse, but it speaks about God’s judgment and a shift in things. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a time when God is incredibly angry with the Israelites (the people he chose to follow) because they’ve been disobeying him. He's essentially saying that he is punishing them for their choices. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “And [then] the LORDâS wrath be kindled against you…” - This means God is feeling intense anger and displeasure. It's not just a small annoyance; it’s a deep, serious feeling of punishment. "...and he shut up the heaven…” – The heavens are like a veil that protects us from the sun and rain. Shutting them up means God is preventing the rain from falling. “That there be no rain…” - This is the core problem. Without rain, there’s no water for plants to grow, and no food for animals. It's a direct consequence of their disobedience. “And that the land yield not her fruit;” – The land (the soil) is meant to produce crops and fruits. When it doesn’t, it means the harvest fails, and there’s no good food available. “And [lest] ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you.” - This is a warning! God is saying that if they continue to disobey him, he will ultimately cause them to suffer greatly. “Off the good land” refers to the blessings and prosperity that God has given them – a safe and abundant life. The "lest" (a word meaning “if”) emphasizes this danger. In simpler terms: God is incredibly angry with the Israelites because they’re not following his rules and are causing problems for themselves. He's putting a stop to the rain, preventing crops from growing, and ultimately warning them that if they continue to disobey him, they will suffer greatly. It’s a serious consequence of their choices. What does it mean for us today? This verse reminds us that God is in control and that his judgment can be severe when we stray from his path. It's a call to repentance – to stop being rebellious and to turn back to him. It also highlights the importance of obedience and trust in God’s plan. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Give a historical context for this verse (how it was written)? Relate it to a specific story or example in the Bible?