and single him out from all the tribes of Israel for disasterThis phrase highlights the seriousness of breaking the covenant with God. In the context of Deuteronomy, Moses is addressing the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land, emphasizing the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. The idea of being singled out suggests a divine judgment that is both personal and specific. Historically, Israel was a collective community, and individual actions could impact the entire nation, as seen in the story of Achan in
Joshua 7. The concept of disaster here aligns with the covenantal curses outlined in
Deuteronomy 28, which include defeat, disease, and exile. This reflects the holiness and justice of God, who cannot tolerate sin within His chosen people.
according to all the curses of the covenant
The covenant refers to the agreement between God and Israel, established at Mount Sinai and renewed on the plains of Moab. The curses are detailed inDeuteronomy 28:15-68, serving as a warning to the Israelites of the consequences of disobedience. These curses are not arbitrary but are a direct result of breaking the covenantal relationship. Theologically, this underscores the conditional nature of the Mosaic Covenant, which contrasts with the unconditional promises made to Abraham. The curses serve as a prophetic warning, fulfilled in various instances throughout Israel's history, such as the Babylonian exile.
written in this Book of the Law
The Book of the Law refers to the Torah, particularly the first five books of the Bible, which include the laws given to Moses. This phrase emphasizes the written nature of God's commands, highlighting their permanence and authority. The written law served as a constant reminder to the Israelites of their obligations and the consequences of failing to uphold them. In a broader biblical context, the written word is a precursor to the New Covenant, where the law is written on the hearts of believers (Jeremiah 31:33). The emphasis on the written law also points to the importance of Scripture as a guide for faith and practice, a principle upheld throughout both the Old and New Testaments.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is just and righteous, executing judgment according to His promises and laws.
2.
The Tribes of IsraelThe twelve tribes descended from the sons of Jacob, who are the recipients of God's covenant and laws.
3.
The CovenantThe solemn agreement between God and Israel, which includes blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, as outlined in the Book of the Law.
4.
The Book of the LawRefers to the Torah, particularly the first five books of the Bible, which contain God's laws, instructions, and the terms of the covenant.
5.
Curses of the CovenantThe consequences outlined in the covenant for those who turn away from God and His commandments, emphasizing the seriousness of disobedience.
Teaching Points
The Seriousness of Covenant FaithfulnessGod's covenant with Israel was not just a set of rules but a relational agreement requiring faithfulness. Disobedience had severe consequences, highlighting the importance of living in accordance with God's will.
The Justice of GodGod's justice is evident in His willingness to execute the curses of the covenant. This serves as a reminder that God is holy and righteous, and sin has real consequences.
The Call to ObedienceBelievers today are called to live obediently to God's Word. While we are under grace, the principles of obedience and faithfulness remain vital in our relationship with God.
The Role of Scripture in Guiding LifeThe Book of the Law was central to Israel's life and should be central to ours. Regular engagement with Scripture helps us understand God's expectations and live accordingly.
Redemption Through ChristWhile the curses of the covenant highlight the severity of sin, they also point us to the need for a Savior. Jesus Christ redeems us from the curse, offering forgiveness and new life.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 29:21?
2.How does Deuteronomy 29:21 warn against turning away from God's covenant?
3.What consequences are described for disobedience in Deuteronomy 29:21?
4.How can we ensure our names remain in God's "book" today?
5.What other scriptures emphasize the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant?
6.How can Deuteronomy 29:21 guide our daily commitment to God's commands?
7.What does Deuteronomy 29:21 reveal about God's judgment on disobedience?
8.How does Deuteronomy 29:21 fit into the covenant theme in Deuteronomy?
9.What historical context surrounds Deuteronomy 29:21?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 29?
11.(Deut 29:22-28) Is there any historical or archaeological evidence that the severe curses and land devastation described actually occurred?
12.How does Deuteronomy 10:8's statement that Levi had no land inheritance align with inherited lands described in other biblical texts?
13.Why does Galatians 3:13 claim the curse is removed by Christ, when Deuteronomy 21:23 still applies the curse to anyone hanged on a tree?
14.Why does this passage depict God inflicting a fatal bowel disease on Jehoram (2 Chronicles 21:18-19) instead of using more merciful methods?What Does Deuteronomy 29:21 Mean
setting the sceneMoses is renewing the covenant on the plains of Moab (Deuteronomy 29:1). He has just rehearsed the blessings and curses (Deuteronomy 28) and now warns every Israelite—leaders, families, strangers, and servants—about turning away to idols (Deuteronomy 29:18). Verse 21 follows the picture of a proud, unrepentant person who says, “I will have peace though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart” (Deuteronomy 29:19). Into that setting comes the sobering declaration: “The LORD will single him out from all the tribes of Israel for disaster, according to all the curses of the covenant written in this Book of the Law” (Deuteronomy 29:21).
the seriousness of covenant loyalty• Israel’s relationship with God is not casual; it is a sworn covenant established at Sinai (Exodus 24:7–8) and reaffirmed here.
• Blessings for obedience and curses for rebellion were publicly accepted by the nation (Deuteronomy 27:14–26; 28:1–68).
• Breaking that covenant invites real, historical consequences (cf.Leviticus 26:14–45;2 Kings 17:7–23).
the individual accountability• “Single him out” underscores that God sees personal rebellion even within a covenant community (cf.Numbers 16:1–35;Psalm 139:1–4).
• An entire nation need not go astray for judgment to fall; one hardened heart draws God’s focused response (Joshua 7:1–26, Achan).
• This principle remains in the New Testament: hidden sin in believers can bring personal discipline (Acts 5:1–11;1 Corinthians 11:30–32).
the covenant curses unleashed• “Disaster” refers to the specific penalties listed inDeuteronomy 28:15–68—famine, disease, defeat, exile.
• The verse affirms that those curses are literal, not symbolic; history records their fulfillment in Israel’s exiles (2 Chronicles 36:15–21).
• God’s justice is precise: He matches the punishment to the promised warnings, demonstrating His faithfulness even in judgment (Deuteronomy 32:4).
application for today• God still holds His people to His revealed word; while believers are under the New Covenant (Hebrews 8:6–13), divine discipline is real (Hebrews 12:5–11).
• Take personal holiness seriously:
– Guard against “secret” idolatry (Colossians 3:5).
– Confess and forsake sin quickly (1 John 1:9).
– Encourage one another lest any be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness (Hebrews 3:13).
• Remember both sides of God’s covenant character—steadfast love and unwavering justice (Romans 11:22).
summaryDeuteronomy 29:21 teaches that the LORD personally identifies and judges the individual who defiantly violates His covenant, carrying out every curse He has written. The verse magnifies God’s holiness, underscores personal accountability within the community of faith, and calls every believer to wholehearted, obedient loyalty to the God who faithfully keeps both His promises and His warnings.
(21, 22)
And the Lord shall separate him unto evil . . . so that the generation to come . . . shall say . . . of that land.--It is not a little remarkable that the sin of one man is here represented as growing and spreading devastation over the whole land of Israel--the very thing which the man apparently regards as impossible in his inward reasonings, described in
Deuteronomy 29:19. Yet is not this the true anticipation of what actually occurred? Comp.
1Kings 14:15-16 : "The Lord shall root up Israel out of this good land, which He gave to their fathers . . . and
He shall give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, who did sin, and who made Israel to sin"And what Jeroboam was to Israel, Manasseh was to Judah (
Jeremiah 15:4):
"I will cause them to be removed into all kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah, king of Judah,for that which he did in Jerusalem."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
and single him outוְהִבְדִּיל֤וֹ(wə·hiḇ·dî·lōw)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 914:To be divided, separatefor disasterלְרָעָ֔ה(lə·rā·‘āh)Preposition-l | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7451:Bad, evilfrom allמִכֹּ֖ל(mik·kōl)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe tribesשִׁבְטֵ֣י(šiḇ·ṭê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7626:Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribeof Israel,יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his descaccording to allכְּכֹל֙(kə·ḵōl)Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe cursesאָל֣וֹת(’ā·lō·wṯ)Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 423:An imprecationof the covenantהַבְּרִ֔ית(hab·bə·rîṯ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1285:A covenantwrittenהַכְּתוּבָ֕ה(hak·kə·ṯū·ḇāh)Article | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine singular
Strong's 3789:To grave, to writein thisהַזֶּֽה׃(haz·zeh)Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088:This, thatBookבְּסֵ֥פֶר(bə·sê·p̄er)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5612:A missive, document, writing, bookof the Law.הַתּוֹרָ֖ה(hat·tō·w·rāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8451:Direction, instruction, law
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OT Law: Deuteronomy 29:21 Yahweh will set him apart to evil (Deut. De Du) 
