And all these blessingsThis phrase refers to the specific blessings listed in the preceding and following verses of
Deuteronomy 28. These blessings include prosperity, health, victory over enemies, and fruitful harvests. In the context of ancient Israel, blessings were seen as tangible evidence of God's favor and covenant relationship with His people. The blessings are comprehensive, covering various aspects of life, indicating the fullness of God's provision.
will come upon you
The blessings are described as actively pursuing the people, suggesting that they are not merely passive recipients. This reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where obedience leads to divine favor. The imagery of blessings coming upon the people emphasizes the certainty and abundance of God's promises.
and overtake you
The use of "overtake" implies that the blessings are so abundant and persistent that they will catch up with and surpass the people. This suggests an overwhelming and unavoidable nature of God's favor when His commandments are followed. It also indicates that God's blessings are not limited by human effort but are a result of divine grace.
if you will obey the voice of the LORD your God
This conditional clause highlights the importance of obedience in the covenant relationship. Obedience to God's commandments is a central theme in Deuteronomy, reflecting the covenantal stipulations given at Sinai. The phrase "the voice of the LORD your God" underscores the personal and direct communication between God and His people, emphasizing the need for attentive listening and faithful response. This condition is echoed throughout Scripture, where obedience is linked to blessing (e.g.,1 Samuel 15:22,John 14:15).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws and promises to the Israelites.
2.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, receiving the covenant and laws as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
3.
Promised LandThe land of Canaan, promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
4.
Mount Ebal and Mount GerizimLocations where blessings and curses were pronounced over Israel (Deuteronomy 27).
5.
CovenantThe agreement between God and Israel, involving blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.
Teaching Points
Obedience Brings BlessingThe verse emphasizes that blessings are contingent upon obedience to God's commands. This principle is timeless and applicable to believers today.
God's FaithfulnessThe promise of blessings highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant. Believers can trust in God's promises when they walk in His ways.
The Overwhelming Nature of God's BlessingsThe phrase "will come upon you and overtake you" suggests that God's blessings are abundant and overwhelming, surpassing human expectations.
The Role of ChoiceThe conditional nature of the blessings underscores the importance of human choice in responding to God's commands.
Spiritual ProsperityWhile material blessings are often highlighted, the deeper spiritual prosperity that comes from obedience to God is of eternal value.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 28:2?
2.How can we ensure God's blessings "overtake" us as in Deuteronomy 28:2?
3.What does "obey the voice of the LORD" mean in today's context?
4.How does Deuteronomy 28:2 relate to Jesus' teachings on obedience?
5.What practical steps can we take to live out Deuteronomy 28:2 daily?
6.How does Deuteronomy 28:2 encourage trust in God's promises and faithfulness?
7.How does Deuteronomy 28:2 relate to the concept of divine blessings for obedience?
8.What historical context influenced the promises in Deuteronomy 28:2?
9.How do archaeological findings support the events described in Deuteronomy 28?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 28?
11.What does the Bible say about blessing and cursing?
12.What lessons does Moses teach in Deuteronomy?
13.What does the Bible say about blessing and cursing?
14.What defines being blessed?What Does Deuteronomy 28:2 Mean
And all these blessingsThe promise begins with an all-inclusive word. God is not stingy; He delights to bless His people comprehensively. Think of the variety that will fill the rest of the chapter—fruitful families, abundant harvests, national security, and more. Similar breadth shows up inGenesis 12:2, where the Lord tells Abram, “I will bless you,” and inLeviticus 26:3-4, where obedience brings seasonal rain, fruit, and plenty.
• “All” reminds us none of life lies outside God’s reach.
• “Blessings” conveys favor that enriches body, soul, family, work, and community (seeDeuteronomy 28:3-14 for specifics).
will come upon youGod places Himself in the active role. The blessings do the traveling; Israel need not chase them.Deuteronomy 28:8 echoes, “The LORD will command the blessing on you…,” showing God’s personal involvement.Psalm 23:6 adds, “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me,” picturing benefits arriving where the believer already stands.
• Provision meets you at the right moment.
• Direction and timing are the Lord’s, not ours (James 1:17).
and overtake youThe imagery intensifies: blessings will not only arrive, they will outrun and surpass you. Picture a fast-moving stream sweeping you along in its current.Malachi 3:10 speaks of windows of heaven pouring out blessing “without measure,” andLuke 6:38 describes “running over” abundance.Deuteronomy 30:9 promises God will “make you prosper abundantly.”
• God’s generosity exceeds expectation.
• His favor is persistent; you cannot outpace it when walking in His will.
if you will obey the voice of the LORD your GodHere lies the hinge. Obedience, rooted in listening, positions God’s people under the flow of promised favor. Earlier,Deuteronomy 28:1 says, “If you will faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God… the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations.” Obedience is relational, not mechanical—attentive love for the One who speaks (1 Samuel 15:22;John 14:23).
Key aspects of obedience:
- Hearing: tuning in daily to God’s Word (Joshua 1:8).
- Trusting: believing His way is best even when culture clashes (Deuteronomy 5:33).
- Acting: concrete steps that align with His commands.
summaryDeuteronomy 28:2 paints a vivid picture of wholehearted obedience drawing the believer into a torrent of divine favor. Every sphere of life falls within “all these blessings.” They do the pursuing—coming, overtaking—because God Himself commissions them. Our part is simple yet profound: listen to His voice and walk in it. When we do, His unrestrained goodness meets us, surrounds us, and carries us forward.
(2)
And overtake thee.--A beautiful expression,
i.e., shall come home to thee,and impress the heart with the thought of God's love and of His promises, even when it is least expected. Comp.
Zechariah 1:6. "My words and my statutes, did they not
take hold of(
i.e.,overtake) your fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the Lord of hosts
thoughtto do unto us . . . so hath he dealt with us." The opposite is true also of the curses (
Deuteronomy 28:15).
Verse 2. - The blessings about to be specified are represented as personified, as actual agencies coming upon their objects and following them along their path.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Allכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everytheseהָאֵ֖לֶּה(hā·’êl·leh)Article | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428:These, thoseblessingsהַבְּרָכ֥וֹת(hab·bə·rā·ḵō·wṯ)Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 1293:Benediction, prosperitywill comeוּבָ֧אוּ(ū·ḇā·’ū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, goupon youעָלֶ֛יךָ(‘ā·le·ḵā)Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstand overtake you,וְהִשִּׂיגֻ֑ךָ(wə·hiś·śî·ḡu·ḵā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5381:To reach, overtakeifכִּ֣י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionyou will obeyתִשְׁמַ֔ע(ṯiš·ma‘)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlythe voice ofבְּק֖וֹל(bə·qō·wl)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6963:A voice, soundthe LORDיְהוָ֥ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelyour God:אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃(’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative
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OT Law: Deuteronomy 28:2 And all these blessings shall come (Deut. De Du)