And the LORD rooted them out of their land in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as it is this day.

DEUTERONOMY 29:28KJV
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Deuteronomy 29:28 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 29:28 mean?

Deuteronomy 29:28 describes how the LORD forcefully removed the people of Israel from their land because of His anger, wrath, and intense indignation, sending them into another land as a consequence, and this situation was still evident at the time the verse was written. The verse emphasizes that this uprooting and exile were direct acts of divine judgment.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, warning them about the consequences of breaking their covenant with God. The verse comes near the end of a section where Moses explains that disobedience will lead to disaster, including being driven out of their homeland and scattered among other nations.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 29:28

  • rooted (נָתַשׁ, natash): This word means to pull up or uproot, like pulling a plant out of the ground. It highlights the thoroughness and force of Israel's removal from their land, not just a gentle departure but a complete displacement.
  • anger (אַף, aph), wrath (חֵמָה, chemah), great indignation (קֶצֶף, qetseph): These three words stack up the intensity of God's response. "Anger" (aph) often refers to the flaring of nostrils, a physical sign of anger. "Wrath" (chemah) adds the idea of heat or burning rage. "Great indignation" (qetseph) points to a sudden outburst or overwhelming displeasure. Together, they stress how serious the offense was and how strong God's reaction was.
  • cast (שָׁלַךְ, shalak): This word means to throw or hurl, showing that the exile was not accidental or gentle but a deliberate act of judgment.
  • another land (אֶרֶץ אַחֶרֶת, erets acheret): The phrase means a different or foreign land, underlining the loss of home and the experience of being strangers elsewhere.

Why Deuteronomy 29:28 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Israel’s exile was not just a political or military event but was understood as a direct result of breaking faith with God, rooted in divine action and emotion.
  • The strong language for anger and removal emphasizes the seriousness of covenant unfaithfulness and the reality of consequences, which is a key theme in Deuteronomy’s warnings.
  • Deuteronomy 29:28 connects to the broader context of blessings and curses in the covenant, showing that God’s promises included both restoration and judgment, depending on Israel’s response.

Where else these words appear

“rooted” Hebrew H5428 · used in 19 verses

  • 1 Kings 14:15 For the LORD shall smite Israel, as a reed is shaken in the water, and he shall root up Israel out of this good land, which he gave to their fathers, and shall scatter them beyond the river, because they have made their groves, provoking the LORD to anger.
  • Jeremiah 12:17 But if they will not obey, I will utterly pluck up and destroy that nation, saith the LORD.
  • Jeremiah 42:10 If ye will still abide in this land, then will I build you, and not pull you down, and I will plant you, and not pluck you up: for I repent me of the evil that I have done unto you.

“indignation” Hebrew H7110 · used in 29 verses

  • Numbers 1:53 But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.
  • 2 Chronicles 24:18 And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass.
  • Isaiah 54:8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.

“wrath” Hebrew H2534 · used in 117 verses

  • Genesis 27:44 And tarry with him a few days, until thy brother's fury turn away;
  • Psalms 140:3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah.
  • Lamentations 4:11 The LORD hath accomplished his fury; he hath poured out his fierce anger, and hath kindled a fire in Zion, and it hath devoured the foundations thereof.

“cast” Hebrew H7993 · used in 121 verses

  • Genesis 21:15 And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.
  • 2 Kings 2:21 And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.
  • Isaiah 19:8 The fishers also shall mourn, and all they that cast angle into the brooks shall lament, and they that spread nets upon the waters shall languish.