DEUTERONOMY 28
The previous chapter refers to what was to be done at mount Ebal and mount Gerizim after the people had passed over Jordan. But the chapter now before us contains further speaking of Moses in the land of Moab as to the government of God. He continues to present in sharp contrast the blessings which will attend obedience and the curses which will follow disobedience. Christ as our divine Instructor would call our attention to these things in a very definite way.
Blessing in the city (verse 3) has typical reference to our enjoyment of those common and mutual interests which we have as “fellow-citizens of the saints”. As walking by the Spirit in obedience our relations with our fellow-citizens will be happy. There will be no discord, and the interests which we are all set to promote will prosper under the good hand of our God, so that we shall realise divine favour in our “city” conditions. In Ephesians 2: 19 - 22 our “city” relations are mentioned first; then that we are of the household of God; then that all the building increases to a holy temple in the Lord; and, finally, that we are built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.
Then from “the city” we go to “the field”, and are blessed there. The “field” is the place of labour, where ploughing, sowing, planting, watering, reaping are carried on; it is where “the labourer awaits the precious fruit of the earth, having patience for it until it receive the early and the latter rain” (James 5: 7). It is where “The husbandman must labour before partaking of the fruits” (2 Timothy 2: 6), and where “each shall receive his own reward according to his own labour” (1 Corinthians 3: 8). In “the field” we have ever to remember that God is “the giver of the increase”, and therefore to labour without [p. 334] His blessing is to labour fruitlessly. Continued labour is needed if success is to attend operations in the field, but the blessing of God is the supreme factor, and to secure this the labourer must ever be in that spirit of obedience which says, “What shall I do, Lord?”
Verse 4 pledges every kind of increase, so that where spiritual conditions are maintained it is right to confidently expect spiritual increase. Not that this could be measured by mere increase of numbers — though we would love to see this in a godly way — but by spiritual fruitfulness which yields increasing pleasure to God. Paul tells us that all the body, as ministered to from the Head, “increases with the increase of God”. This is true blessing. Not an outward increase which results — as it may be feared is sometimes the case — in there being less for God than there was before. An increase which lowers the spiritual tone of things is to be deprecated rather than desired.
The “basket” and the “kneading-trough” (verse 5) have to do with the food supply. It is good to come across saints who have a full basket brought back from the field! Such have always something newly gathered up; we do not hear them complaining that there is no food. Then the “kneading-trough” indicates one phase of the diligence by which corn is made available as bread. It is, in its place, as important as the use of the mill, to which our attention was called in chapter 24: 6. All the operations that result in the corn becoming bread are necessary; they represent spiritual exercises that have to be taken up. The first mention of “kneading” in Scripture is when Abraham said to Sarah, “Knead quickly three seahs of wheaten flour, and make cakes” (Genesis 18: 6). It would suggest the putting of things into definite shape, so that they become available in a suitable form for intelligent appropriation. Many [p. 335] try to live on isolated texts which comfort them, but this rarely results in growth. Edification is brought about by the truth being apprehended in a definite way. Paul exhorted Timothy to “Have an outline of sound words, which words thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1: 13). He was to hold the “sound words” in a definite form. To be blessed in the ability to conceive of what relates to Christ, so that it is before our minds in a definite shape, and can be set before others so as to be apprehended by them, is a distinct mark of divine favour.
Then whether “coming in” for the enjoyment of privilege, or “going out” in the mission here (John 20: 17, 21) how good to move in spiritual liberty, and to be blessed in both! But time would fail to speak of the detail of these blessings. They are summed up in being established unto Jehovah a holy people, so that all see that the Name of Jehovah is called upon His saints (verses 9, 10).
The blessings attached to walking in God’s ways are rich and manifold, but those who forsake Him will assuredly be pursued and overtaken governmentally by the curses. We do not need to dwell upon them in detail. The literal accomplishment of all that is written here upon disobedient Israel is a terrible witness that the government of God cannot be trifled with. “God is not mocked; for whatever a man shall sow, that also shall he reap”. That is as solemnly true for us as it was for Israel.
But the thoughts of God in connection with His people are very blessed, and most attractive to every heart that loves Him. To be established to Himself a holy people (verse 9), to have His Name called upon us (verse 10), to serve Him with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything (verse 47)! Such are His thoughts and as we are found [p. 336] in correspondence with them His government secures to us every blessing. It ensures that we shall be great gainers by affectionate obedience. Faith rejoices in the government of God because it is ever favourable to those who walk rightly. Even eternal life, as well as being the gift of God, is secured for present enjoyment on the line of His government, for it is written, “He that sows to the Spirit, from the Spirit shall reap eternal life” (Galatians 6: 8).