Deuteronomy 29:20
The LORD will never be willing to forgive him. Instead, His anger and jealousy will burn against that man, and every curse written in this book will fall upon him. The LORD will blot out his name from under heaven
The LORD will never be willing to forgive him
This phrase underscores the gravity of divine judgment. The Hebrew root for "forgive" is סָלַח (salach), which conveys a deep sense of pardon or absolution. In the context of Deuteronomy, this reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where forgiveness is contingent upon obedience and repentance. The phrase emphasizes the seriousness of turning away from God, highlighting that persistent rebellion leads to a point where divine forgiveness is withheld. This serves as a sobering reminder of the holiness and justice of God, who cannot overlook unrepentant sin.

instead, His anger and jealousy will burn against that man
Here, "anger" and "jealousy" are anthropomorphic expressions of God's righteous indignation. The Hebrew word for "anger" is אַף (aph), often associated with the flaring of nostrils, symbolizing intense wrath. "Jealousy," from the root קַנָּא (qanna), reflects God's zealous protection of His covenant relationship, akin to a marriage bond. This imagery conveys the intensity of God's response to idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, portraying Him as a passionate defender of His holiness and the exclusive worship due to Him.

Every curse written in this book will rest upon him
The "curse" refers to the covenantal curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28, which are consequences for disobedience. The Hebrew word for "curse" is אָלָה (alah), indicating a solemn oath or imprecation. The phrase "written in this book" underscores the authority and permanence of God's Word. The curses are not arbitrary but are the just recompense for breaking the covenant. This serves as a warning to the Israelites of the serious repercussions of forsaking God's commandments, reinforcing the importance of adherence to His laws.

and the LORD will blot out his name from under heaven
To "blot out" one's name, from the Hebrew מָחָה (machah), signifies complete eradication or removal from memory. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, one's name represented their identity and legacy. Thus, this phrase indicates total divine rejection and exclusion from the community of God's people. The concept of being "under heaven" suggests a universal scope, emphasizing that this judgment is not just temporal but eternal. This serves as a stark warning of the ultimate consequence of persistent rebellion against God, which is total separation from His presence and blessings.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is just and righteous, and who demands faithfulness from His people.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, delivering God's message and covenant terms to the people.

3. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are receiving the covenant renewal and warnings from Moses.

4. The Covenant
The agreement between God and Israel, which includes blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.

5. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which the Israelites are about to enter, contingent upon their faithfulness to God.
Teaching Points
The Seriousness of Sin
Sin is not a trivial matter to God. The severity of the consequences outlined in Deuteronomy 29:20 highlights the seriousness with which God views rebellion and idolatry.

God's Jealousy
God's jealousy is a reflection of His desire for a pure and exclusive relationship with His people. Understanding this helps us appreciate the depth of His love and the importance of our loyalty to Him.

The Reality of Divine Judgment
The passage serves as a sobering reminder of the reality of divine judgment. It calls us to examine our lives and ensure we are living in accordance with God's will.

The Importance of Covenant Faithfulness
Faithfulness to God's covenant is crucial. This passage encourages us to remain steadfast in our commitment to God, recognizing the blessings of obedience and the consequences of disobedience.

The Hope of Forgiveness
While this verse speaks of unforgiveness for the unrepentant, the broader biblical account offers hope through repentance and faith in Christ, who bore the curse for us.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's jealousy help us in our relationship with Him?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are not taking God's warnings lightly in our daily lives?

3. How does the concept of covenant faithfulness in Deuteronomy 29:20 apply to our relationship with Christ today?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to avoid the spiritual pitfalls that lead to the consequences described in this verse?

5. How can we reconcile the severe warning in this verse with the message of grace and forgiveness found in the New Testament?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 34:14
This verse emphasizes God's jealousy and His demand for exclusive worship, which connects to the warning in Deuteronomy 29:20 about God's anger and jealousy.

Hebrews 10:26-31
This passage warns against willful sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, paralleling the severe consequences of turning away from God as described in Deuteronomy 29:20.

Revelation 3:5
This verse speaks of names being blotted out of the Book of Life, which relates to the warning of having one's name blotted out from under heaven.
The Land of Promise Becoming AccursedR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 29:10-28
The Government of God All-EmbracingD. Davies Deuteronomy 29:14-28
The Lying HopeJ. Orr Deuteronomy 29:16-21
People
Gadites, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Manasseh, Manassites, Moses, Og, Pharaoh, Reubenites, Sihon
Places
Admah, Bashan, Egypt, Gomorrah, Heshbon, Horeb, Moab, Sodom, Zeboiim
Topics
Anger, Blot, Blotted, Book, Burn, Burning, Completely, Curse, Curses, Fall, Forgive, Heaven, Heavens, Jealousy, Kindled, Lain, Lie, Mercy, Oath, Pardon, Propitious, Rather, Recorded, Rest, Settle, Sky, Smoke, Spare, Waiting, Willing, Wrath, Written, Zeal
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 29:20

     1185   God, zeal of
     5043   names, significance
     8773   jealousy

Deuteronomy 29:14-21

     5943   self-deception

Deuteronomy 29:18-21

     1640   Book of the Law
     5827   curse
     8370   zeal

Library
Covenant Duties.
It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The law and covenant of God are co-extensive; and what is enjoined in the one is confirmed in the other. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. The duties of that Covenant are God's law; and the demands of the law are all made
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

God Willing that all Men Should be Saved.
"Who will have all Men to be saved,--." In verse first, the apostle directs "prayers and thanksgivings to be made for all men;"--which he declares to "be good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who will have all men to be saved." Had salvation been provided for only a part of the human race, prayer and thanksgivings could have been, consistently made only for a part. Those for whom no provision was made, would be in like state with persons who have committed the sin unto death, for
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

The Parable of the Householder. A Sermon, by Bishop Latimer.
MATTHEW XX.--The kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that was an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. This parable is written by the evangelist Matthew in the twentieth chapter, and is very dark and hard to be understood; yea, there is no harder piece of scripture written by any evangelist. Therefore it may well be called hard meat; not meat for mowers nor ignorant people, who are not exercised in the word of God. And yet there is no other diversity
John Knox—The Pulpit Of The Reformation, Nos. 1, 2 and 3.

Promises and Threatenings
'And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the Lord, and the king's house, and all Solomon's desire which he was pleased to do. 2. That the Lord appeared to Solomon the second time, as He had appeared unto him at Gibeon. 3. And the Lord said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before Me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put My name there for ever; and Mine eyes and Mine heart shall be there perpetually,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Unity of the Divine Essence, and the Trinity of Persons.
Deut. vi. 4.--"Hear O Israel the Lord our God is one Lord."--1 John v. 7. "There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one." "Great is the mystery of godliness," 1 Tim. iii. 16. Religion and true godliness is a bundle of excellent mysteries--of things hid from the world, yea, from the wise men of the world, (1 Cor. ii. 6.) and not only so, but secrets in their own nature, the distinct knowledge whereof is not given to saints in this estate
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"He is the Rock, his Work is Perfect. For all his Ways are Judgment. A God of Truth, and Without Iniquity, Just and Right is He.
Deut. xxxii. 4, 5.--"He is the rock, his work is perfect. For all his ways are judgment. A God of truth, and without iniquity, just and right is he. They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children. They are a perverse and crooked generation." "All his ways are judgment," both the ways of his commandments and the ways of his providence, both his word which he hath given as a lantern to men's paths, and his works among men. And this were the blessedness of men, to be found
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Forasmuch as Each Man is a Part of the Human Race...
1. Forasmuch as each man is a part of the human race, and human nature is something social, and hath for a great and natural good, the power also of friendship; on this account God willed to create all men out of one, in order that they might be held in their society not only by likeness of kind, but also by bond of kindred. Therefore the first natural bond of human society is man and wife. Nor did God create these each by himself, and join them together as alien by birth: but He created the one
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage

Conflict.
"Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against themselves, that ye
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

Manner of Covenanting.
Previous to an examination of the manner of engaging in the exercise of Covenanting, the consideration of God's procedure towards his people while performing the service seems to claim regard. Of the manner in which the great Supreme as God acts, as well as of Himself, our knowledge is limited. Yet though even of the effects on creatures of His doings we know little, we have reason to rejoice that, in His word He has informed us, and in His providence illustrated by that word, he has given us to
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

"Now the End of the Commandment," &C.
1 Tim. i. 5.--"Now the end of the commandment," &c. We come now, as was proposed, to observe, Thirdly,(474) That faith unfeigned is the only thing which gives the answer of a good conscience towards God. Conscience, in general, is nothing else but a practical knowledge of the rule a man should walk by, and of himself in reference to that rule. It is the laying down a man's state, and condition, and actions beside the rule of God's word, or the principles of nature's light. It is the chief piece
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Palestine Eighteen Centuries Ago
Eighteen and a half centuries ago, and the land which now lies desolate--its bare, grey hills looking into ill-tilled or neglected valleys, its timber cut down, its olive- and vine-clad terraces crumbled into dust, its villages stricken with poverty and squalor, its thoroughfares insecure and deserted, its native population well-nigh gone, and with them its industry, wealth, and strength--presented a scene of beauty, richness, and busy life almost unsurpassed in the then known world. The Rabbis never
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The Holy Spirit as a Teacher.
Our Lord Jesus in His last conversation with His disciples before His crucifixion said, "But the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you" (John xiv. 26). Here we have a twofold work of the Holy Spirit, teaching and bringing to remembrance the things which Christ had already taught. We will take them in the reverse order. I. The Holy Spirit brings to remembrance
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

"But Whereunto Shall I Liken this Generation?"
Matth. xi. 16.--"But whereunto shall I liken this generation?" When our Lord Jesus, who had the tongue of the learned, and spoke as never man spake, did now and then find a difficulty to express the matter herein contained. "What shall we do?" The matter indeed is of great importance, a soul matter, and therefore of great moment, a mystery, and therefore not easily expressed. No doubt he knows how to paint out this to the life, that we might rather behold it with our eyes, than hear it with our
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
That the Lord gave special token of his approbation of the exercise of Covenanting, it belongs to this place to show. His approval of the duty was seen when he unfolded the promises of the Everlasting Covenant to his people, while they endeavoured to perform it; and his approval thereof is continually seen in his fulfilment to them of these promises. The special manifestations of his regard, made to them while attending to the service before him, belonged to one or other, or both, of those exhibitions
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Peace
Grace unto you and peace be multiplied. I Pet 1:1. Having spoken of the first fruit of sanctification, assurance, I proceed to the second, viz., Peace, Peace be multiplied:' What are the several species or kinds of Peace? Peace, in Scripture, is compared to a river which parts itself into two silver streams. Isa 66:12. I. There is an external peace, and that is, (1.) (Economical, or peace in a family. (2.) Political, or peace in the state. Peace is the nurse of plenty. He maketh peace in thy borders,
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Discourse on Spiritual Food and True Discipleship. Peter's Confession.
(at the Synagogue in Capernaum.) ^D John VI. 22-71. ^d 22 On the morrow [the morrow after Jesus fed the five thousand] the multitude that stood on the other side of the sea [on the east side, opposite Capernaum] saw that there was no other boat there, save one, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples went away alone 23 (howbeit there came boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they ate the bread after that the Lord had given thanks): 24 when the multitude
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Covenanting Confers Obligation.
As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

"The Carnal Mind is Enmity against God for it is not Subject to the Law of God, Neither Indeed Can Be. So Then they that Are
Rom. viii. s 7, 8.--"The carnal mind is enmity against God for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." It is not the least of man's evils, that he knows not how evil he is, therefore the Searcher of the heart of man gives the most perfect account of it, Jer. xvii. 12. "The heart is deceitful above all things," as well as "desperately wicked," two things superlative and excessive in it, bordering upon an infiniteness, such
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee, Because He Trusteth in Thee. "
Isaiah xxvi. 3.--"Thou shall keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." All men love to have privileges above others. Every one is upon the design and search after some well-being, since Adam lost that which was true happiness. We all agree upon the general notion of it, but presently men divide in the following of particulars. Here all men are united in seeking after some good; something to satisfy their souls, and satiate their desires. Nay, but they
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf.
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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