Deuteronomy 28:38

Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

«تَزْرَعُونَ كَثِيرًا فِي حُقُولِكُمْ، لَكِنَّكُمْ سَتَحْصُدُونَ القَلِيلَ، لِأنَّ الجَرَادَ سَيَأْكُلُهُ.

What Does This Mean?

This verse in Deuteronomy tells the people that they will plant a lot of seeds in their fields, but they will harvest very little because locusts will eat much of the crops. It's a warning from God about what can happen if the Israelites disobey His commands.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a big bag of seeds and you plant them all in your garden. But when you go to pick the food, there's almost nothing left because bugs ate most of it. This verse is like that, but for farmers a long time ago, and God is telling them that if they don't follow His rules, this could happen to them.

Historical Background

Moses, the leader of the Israelites, is speaking this verse around 1400 BC, just before the Israelites enter the Promised Land. He is reminding them of the consequences of not following God's laws, and the threat of natural disasters like locust plagues was a real concern for ancient farmers.

Living It Out Today

In today's world, this verse can be a reminder that our efforts might not always yield the results we expect, especially if we are not living in accordance with our values or commitments. For example, a business might invest heavily in a project only to lose most of its profit due to unforeseen circumstances or poor management.

Topics

• consequences
• obedience
• nature
• agriculture
• warning
• prosperity

Related Verses

• Joel 1:4
• Exodus 10:12
• Isaiah 33:4
• Matthew 13:30
• Luke 21:12

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this verse tell us about the relationship between God and the Israelites?

This verse emphasizes that God is directly involved in the lives of the Israelites, using natural phenomena like locusts as a means to communicate the importance of following His laws and commands.

How can modern readers apply this verse to their lives?

Modern readers can see this verse as a reminder that actions have consequences, and that living in accordance with one's values and commitments can lead to better outcomes, while neglecting them can result in loss.

Why does God use agricultural imagery in this verse?

Agricultural imagery was familiar and crucial to the daily lives of the Israelites. By using this imagery, God makes the message more relatable and underscores the significance of the warning within their cultural context.

What does the imagery of locusts eating the crops symbolize?

The imagery of locusts eating crops symbolizes the idea that natural disasters or external forces can disrupt our efforts, highlighting the unpredictability of life and the importance of faith in the face of such challenges.