This verse, Deuteronomy 28:67, is a powerful and chilling description of the utter despair and terror that will grip the Israelites if they disobey God's commands. Let's break it down:
"In the morning you will say, 'I wish it were evening!'": This speaks to the unbearable suffering experienced throughout the day. The day will be filled with such hardship, anxiety, and dread that they will long for the respite of night, even though night might bring its own terrors.
"and at evening you will say, 'I wish it were morning!'": Conversely, even the night will offer no solace. The nightmares, the fear of what the next day might bring, and the general sense of doom will make them yearn for the supposed hope of a new morning.
"for the fear of your heart which you will fear": This emphasizes the overwhelming emotional impact of their disobedience. It's not just physical suffering, but a profound and constant anxiety that permeates their very being. The fear is so intense that it feeds on itself.
"and for the sights which your eyes will see": This refers to the horrific events and atrocities they will witness. This could include warfare, famine, oppression, and the destruction of everything they hold dear. The sights are so disturbing and traumatizing that they contribute to the overall sense of dread.
In essence, the verse is saying:
Disobedience to God will lead to such pervasive suffering, both physically and emotionally, that time itself will become a torment. They will be trapped in a cycle of longing for relief, but finding none, regardless of the time of day. The constant fear and the horrific things they see will drive them to utter despair. They will be living in a state of perpetual anxiety and dread, wanting only for the current moment to end, but knowing that no relief is coming.
Context within Deuteronomy 28:
This verse is part of a larger section of Deuteronomy 28 that lists the curses that will befall the Israelites if they are disobedient to God. The chapter is a stark warning, highlighting the dire consequences of straying from God's laws and covenant. Verse 67 is one of the most poignant and memorable depictions of the psychological and emotional torment that will accompany their downfall. It illustrates the devastating impact of rejecting God's protection and blessing.
This verse, Deuteronomy 28:67, is a powerful and chilling description of the utter despair and terror that will grip the Israelites if they disobey God's commands. Let's break it down:
"In the morning you will say, 'I wish it were evening!'": This speaks to the unbearable suffering experienced throughout the day. The day will be filled with such hardship, anxiety, and dread that they will long for the respite of night, even though night might bring its own terrors.
"and at evening you will say, 'I wish it were morning!'": Conversely, even the night will offer no solace. The nightmares, the fear of what the next day might bring, and the general sense of doom will make them yearn for the supposed hope of a new morning.
"for the fear of your heart which you will fear": This emphasizes the overwhelming emotional impact of their disobedience. It's not just physical suffering, but a profound and constant anxiety that permeates their very being. The fear is so intense that it feeds on itself.
"and for the sights which your eyes will see": This refers to the horrific events and atrocities they will witness. This could include warfare, famine, oppression, and the destruction of everything they hold dear. The sights are so disturbing and traumatizing that they contribute to the overall sense of dread.
In essence, the verse is saying:
Disobedience to God will lead to such pervasive suffering, both physically and emotionally, that time itself will become a torment. They will be trapped in a cycle of longing for relief, but finding none, regardless of the time of day. The constant fear and the horrific things they see will drive them to utter despair. They will be living in a state of perpetual anxiety and dread, wanting only for the current moment to end, but knowing that no relief is coming.
Context within Deuteronomy 28:
This verse is part of a larger section of Deuteronomy 28 that lists the curses that will befall the Israelites if they are disobedient to God. The chapter is a stark warning, highlighting the dire consequences of straying from God's laws and covenant. Verse 67 is one of the most poignant and memorable depictions of the psychological and emotional torment that will accompany their downfall. It illustrates the devastating impact of rejecting God's protection and blessing.