Definition: Moreover he will bring upon thee all the diseases of Egypt, which thou wast afraid of; and they shall cleave unto thee.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Deuteronomy 28:60. It’s a really powerful and somewhat unsettling passage about God’s plan for Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is saying that despite all the problems and dangers you might fear – things like sickness, plagues, and hardship – He will use those challenges to bring about a great blessing for you . It’s essentially saying that God's judgment will be a way of protecting and strengthening Israel. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Moreover he will bring upon thee all the diseases of Egypt…” – This is a metaphor, but imagine Egypt was a really tough, dangerous place. It’s suggesting that you (and your nation) will face significant trials and hardships – maybe financial struggles, political turmoil, or other challenges. It's not just about physical illness; it speaks to emotional and spiritual burdens too. “…which thou wast afraid of…” – This is crucial. God isn’t saying you have to experience these diseases. He’s saying you are already afraid of them. He's acknowledging that you feel vulnerable and threatened by the challenges ahead. "...and they shall cleave unto thee." - This is where it gets a little more profound. “Cleave” means to stick together, to become deeply attached to something. In this context, it means that these challenges will deeply affect you, consuming your time, energy, and potentially even your well-being. It’s like a powerful force pulling you towards hardship. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: The verse is about God’s strategic use of adversity to prepare and strengthen Israel. It's a message of resilience – that even when things seem bleak, there's a purpose behind the suffering, and it will ultimately lead to something greater. It emphasizes that God is actively working for your good, despite the difficulties you face. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers facing Israel in their history. However, it’s also seen as a promise of blessing and reward for those who persevere through hardship. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with more examples? Discuss its historical context? Compare it to other biblical passages about suffering?