Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 28:22. It's a pretty serious warning, and it essentially means: “The Lord will punish you severely if you don’t follow His rules. ” Here’s a more detailed explanation in simpler terms: "The LORD shall smite thee..." : This is a strong way of saying “God will punish you.” It's not just a mild reprimand; it implies a significant consequence. "...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..." : This is a really dramatic list of painful consequences. Think of it as God setting up a series of intense trials and hardships. These aren't just about physical suffering; they represent spiritual struggles too. "...and they shall pursue thee until thou perish." : This is the most chilling part. It means that if you don’t obey God’s laws and live according to His will, He will relentlessly pursue you, never letting you go. It suggests a constant struggle with consequences. “Perish” here means to die – in a spiritual sense, meaning to lose your way or be abandoned by God. In essence, Deuteronomy 28:22 is a message of serious consequence for disobedience and a call to faithfulness. It’s a reminder that obeying God's commandments isn’t just about following rules; it’s about aligning with His will and avoiding suffering. It’s often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of sin and the importance of living a righteous life. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect it to a particular story or concept in the Bible?