Deuteronomy 7:15

And the LORD will remove from you all sickness. He will not lay upon you any of the terrible diseases you knew in Egypt, but He will inflict them on all who hate you.

Study Bible

And the LORD
The phrase "And the LORD" refers to Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel. In Hebrew, "Yahweh" is the personal name of God, emphasizing His eternal existence and faithfulness. This introduction underscores the divine authority and power behind the promise, reminding the Israelites of God's sovereignty and His role as their protector and healer.

will remove from you
The Hebrew root for "remove" is "sûr," which means to turn aside or take away. This conveys a sense of divine intervention where God actively takes away what is harmful. It reflects God's intimate involvement in the lives of His people, ensuring their well-being by eliminating threats to their health and safety.

all sickness
The term "sickness" in Hebrew is "ḥolî," which encompasses various forms of physical ailments and diseases. In the ancient Near Eastern context, sickness was often seen as a consequence of sin or divine displeasure. Here, God promises to protect His people from such afflictions, highlighting His role as the ultimate healer and the one who restores health.

and He will not lay upon you
This phrase emphasizes God's protective nature. The Hebrew verb "nātan," meaning "to give" or "to place," is used here in the negative form, indicating that God will withhold these afflictions from His people. It reassures the Israelites of God's commitment to their welfare and His ability to shield them from harm.

any of the terrible diseases
The "terrible diseases" refer to the plagues and afflictions that struck Egypt during the Israelites' captivity. The Hebrew word "ra‘" means "evil" or "calamitous," indicating the severity and dreadfulness of these diseases. This serves as a reminder of God's past judgments on Egypt and His power to protect His chosen people from similar fates.

you knew in Egypt
This phrase recalls the Israelites' firsthand experience of the plagues in Egypt, which were both a judgment on the Egyptians and a demonstration of God's power. It serves as a historical reminder of God's deliverance and His ability to distinguish between His people and their enemies.

but He will inflict them
The Hebrew verb "sûm" means "to place" or "to set," indicating that God will actively direct these diseases toward those who oppose His people. This reflects the biblical principle of divine justice, where God repays the wicked according to their deeds, ensuring that His people are vindicated.

on all who hate you
This phrase identifies the recipients of God's judgment as those who harbor animosity toward His people. In the biblical narrative, "hate" often signifies opposition to God's purposes and His chosen ones. This assurance of divine retribution serves to comfort the Israelites, affirming that God will defend them against their adversaries and uphold His covenant promises.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who promises protection and health to His people.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are recipients of His promises and commandments.

3. Egypt
The land where the Israelites were enslaved, representing bondage and suffering.

4. Diseases of Egypt
Refers to the plagues and afflictions that God brought upon Egypt, symbolizing divine judgment.

5. Enemies of Israel
Those who oppose God's people and, by extension, oppose God Himself.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Health
God is sovereign over all aspects of life, including health. Trusting in His promises means believing that He has the power to protect and heal.

Obedience and Blessing
The promise of health and protection is linked to obedience. As believers, we are called to live in accordance with God's commandments to experience His blessings.

Divine Justice
God's justice is evident in His protection of His people and the judgment of their enemies. This serves as a reminder of His righteousness and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

Faith in God's Promises
Believers are encouraged to have faith in God's promises, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill them. This faith should be reflected in our daily lives and decisions.

Community and Prayer
The New Testament encourages believers to support one another through prayer, especially in times of sickness, highlighting the importance of community in experiencing God's healing.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's sovereignty over health influence your perspective on sickness and healing?

2. In what ways can you align your life more closely with God's commandments to experience His blessings?

3. How does the concept of divine justice in Deuteronomy 7:15 provide comfort in facing opposition or adversity?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. How did it impact your faith?

5. How can you actively participate in your faith community to support others in seeking God's healing and protection?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 15:26
This verse emphasizes God's promise to heal and protect His people if they obey His commandments, reinforcing the covenant relationship.

Psalm 103:3
Highlights God's ability to heal all diseases, showing His power and mercy.

Matthew 8:17
Connects to the fulfillment of God's healing promise through Jesus, who took our infirmities and bore our diseases.

James 5:14-15
Encourages believers to seek prayer and anointing for healing, demonstrating the continued relevance of God's healing power.