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1 Samuel 16:14
But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.

Psalm 60:3
Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment.

Isaiah 6:9,10
And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not…

blindness
Blindness in this context is metaphorical, representing a lack of spiritual insight and understanding. It signifies an inability to perceive truth and make wise decisions. This blindness is not just physical but also spiritual, as seen in other scriptures likeIsaiah 6:9-10, where the people are described as having eyes but not seeing. The New Testament also uses blindness metaphorically, as inJohn 9, where Jesus heals a blind man, symbolizing the opening of spiritual eyes. This affliction serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual discernment and the consequences of turning away from divine guidance.

and confusion of mind
Confusion of mind suggests a state of mental turmoil and indecision, where individuals are unable to think clearly or make sound judgments. This condition can lead to fear, anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness. In the biblical narrative, confusion often results from a departure from God's wisdom and truth.James 1:8 describes a double-minded person as unstable in all their ways, highlighting the importance of faith and single-minded devotion to God. The confusion mentioned here is a direct result of the Israelites' potential disobedience, serving as a warning of the chaos that ensues when God's order is rejected.

“The LORD will afflict you with madness…” (Deuteronomy 28:28)

• God warns that covenant-breaking Israel would experience irrational, uncontrollable behavior—panic, terror, rage, despair. Similar scenes unfold when Saul is tormented by an evil spirit and raves in his house (1 Samuel 18:10-11) and when Judah’s soldiers turn their swords against each other in panic (Zechariah 12:4).

• The affliction is not random; it is divine discipline. As the people had ignored God’s clear commands, He would allow their minds to unravel, showing that true mental stability flows from trusting obedience (Deuteronomy 28:65;Romans 1:28).

• Application: Sin promises freedom but delivers bondage. When we choose rebellion, we forfeit the sound mind God desires for His people (2 Timothy 1:7).

“…blindness…”

• Physical sight may be lost, yet the deeper issue is spiritual sight—an inability to perceive truth. Isaiah described ears that hear dimly and eyes that are shut (Isaiah 6:9-10), a blindness Jesus later applied to those who rejected Him (John 9:39-41).

• God sometimes used literal blindness to protect or to judge (2 Kings 6:18), but here it illustrates a nation groping at noonday, helpless though light surrounds them (Deuteronomy 28:29).

• Application: Refusing the light we have invites darker blindness. Continual obedience keeps our eyes clear (Matthew 6:22-23;Revelation 3:18).

“…and confusion of mind.”

• The word pictures dizziness, disorientation, utter bewilderment—people unable to think straight, make decisions, or discern right from wrong. Later Jeremiah speaks of Judah becoming “an object of horror, a proverb, and a byword” among the nations (Jeremiah 24:9).

• God is “not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). When order is abandoned in worship or in national life, confusion rushes in. Paul warned of a future delusion that would seize those who refused the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:11).

• Application: Clarity of mind is preserved by submitting every thought to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Resisting His lordship invites chaos.

Deuteronomy 28:28 stands as a sober covenant warning. Persisting in disobedience would bring mental collapse, moral and spiritual blindness, and crippling confusion—judgments that vividly display how life unmoored from God disintegrates. Conversely, walking in loving obedience keeps the mind sound, the eyes open, and the heart at peace.

But in that place the threat seems directed against the enemies of Jerusalem (seeDeuteronomy 30:7).