Definition: The LORD shall make the rain of thy land powder and dust: from heaven shall it come down upon thee, until thou be destroyed.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 28:24. It's a pretty dramatic and important passage about God’s plan for Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is saying that He intends to bring a significant amount of rain and water to the land of Israel. But, he’s also warning them that this rain will be so intense and destructive that it will ultimately lead to their destruction – not necessarily death, but a complete loss of everything they have worked for. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “The LORD shall make the rain of thy land powder and dust…” : This is a very strong image. It’s like saying that the rain will be so torrential and powerful, it will turn into a thick, powdery substance – essentially a flood. “…from heaven shall it come down upon thee…” : This emphasizes that the rain isn't just happening down from God; it’s coming to Israel. It's a direct consequence of divine action. "...until thou be destroyed." : This is the key part. It means that this intense rainfall will cause significant damage and hardship to the land, leading to the loss of crops, livestock, and everything else they have built their lives on. It’s a warning about the consequences of failing to follow God's instructions or not being prepared for what He has in store. In essence, it's a promise of judgment and a call to obedience. God is preparing Israel to face a challenging time, but also emphasizing that they must remain faithful to Him and work diligently to survive. Important Context: This verse comes before Deuteronomy 29, which details God’s plan for the future of Israel – including promising them plenty of land and prosperity if they stay true to him. It's a warning about the potential consequences of disobedience. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss its significance in the Old Testament story of Israel’s history? Offer a parallel example from other stories or traditions?