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Does God Speak About Prosperity? Exploring Deuteronomy 28:1-14. Question 1.

Writer's picture: Bradley SliedrechtBradley Sliedrecht

Jonathan Shuttlesworth, in his book and YouTube blog 35 Questions for Those Who Hate the Prosperity Gospel, asks Question 1:

“Did God speak about prosperity?”

He confidently answers:

“Yes, He did, and He spoke favorably about it,”

Citing Deuteronomy 28:1-14 as his primary defense of financial prosperity. This passage, part of Moses’ final address to the Israelites, describes blessings tied to obedience. However, understanding these verses requires careful exegesis and theological reflection. Does this text guarantee financial prosperity for all believers under the New Covenant?


Exegesis of Deuteronomy 28:1-14

Deuteronomy 28:1-14 is part of a larger section detailing the blessings and curses of the Mosaic covenant. These verses outline the blessings Israel would experience if they faithfully obeyed God’s commands.


Key Themes of the Passage

  1. Obedience Brings Blessings (vv. 1-2): The chapter begins by stating that if Israel fully obeys the Lord, they will experience unparalleled blessings:


    “All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God” (v. 2).


  2. Comprehensive Prosperity (vv. 3-6): The blessings are holistic, encompassing agriculture, fertility, and economic well-being:


    “The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock” (v. 4).


  3. Victory Over Enemies and National Elevation (vv. 7-10): God promises military success, protection, and Israel’s exaltation among nations:


    “The Lord will establish you as his holy people... Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name of the Lord” (vv. 9-10).


  4. Abundant Provision (vv. 11-14): The blessings culminate with promises of financial prosperity, rain for crops, and freedom from debt:


    “The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands” (v. 12).


Does This Passage Guarantee Financial Prosperity for Believers Today?

Shuttlesworth is correct in saying that Deuteronomy 28 speaks favorably about prosperity. However, the application of these blessings must be understood within the broader biblical narrative.


1. Historical Context: A Covenant with Israel

Deuteronomy 28 is part of the Mosaic covenant, given specifically to the nation of Israel. The blessings and curses are conditional upon Israel’s obedience to the Law. This covenant was tied to the land of Canaan and focused on Israel’s unique role as God’s chosen people.


While the principles of obedience and trust in God remain relevant, the specific promises of agricultural and economic prosperity were directed at Israel in their historical context.


2. New Covenant Theology

Under the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ, the focus shifts from material blessings to spiritual transformation. Paul teaches that the blessings of Abraham come to all believers through faith, emphasizing justification and eternal life (Gal. 3:14).


The New Testament does not promise universal financial prosperity. Instead, it encourages contentment (1 Tim. 6:6-8) and warns against the love of money (1 Tim. 6:9-10). Jesus Himself taught that treasures in heaven are of far greater value than earthly wealth (Matt. 6:19-21).


A Balanced Theological Perspective

God’s Provision and Prosperity

God does bless His people, and this can include material provision. Scriptures like Philippians 4:19 affirm that God meets the needs of His children. However, financial prosperity is not guaranteed as a sign of faithfulness under the New Covenant.


Dr. Michael Brown, a charismatic theologian, critiques the prosperity gospel for overemphasizing material wealth. He notes that while God delights in blessing His children, the gospel’s primary focus is on eternal life, spiritual growth, and advancing God’s kingdom.


John Piper and Eternal Perspective

John Piper emphasizes that both joy and suffering mark the Christian life. He argues that excessive focus on material blessings can detract from the greater riches found in Christ. Prosperity in the Bible often serves as a metaphor for spiritual abundance rather than a universal promise of wealth.


John MacArthur and Biblical Warnings

John MacArthur warns against interpreting passages like Deuteronomy 28 as blanket promises for material prosperity. He highlights the dangers of using isolated texts to promote a theology that can lead to greed and disillusionment.


Application for Believers Today

Deuteronomy 28:1-14 reminds believers of God’s faithfulness and His ability to bless His people. However, it should not be used as a proof text for guaranteeing financial prosperity. Instead, it calls us to trust in God, obey His Word, and steward whatever blessings we receive for His glory.


The prosperity described in Deuteronomy 28 reflects the fullness of God’s blessings under the Old Covenant. Under the New Covenant, believers are invited to experience the unsearchable riches of Christ, which transcend material wealth (Eph. 3:8).


Conclusion: What Did God Say About Prosperity?

Yes, God spoke about prosperity, and He spoke favorably about it. Deuteronomy 28:1-14 showcases His desire to bless His people. However, these blessings must be understood in their covenantal and historical context. The New Covenant focuses on spiritual transformation and eternal inheritance rather than material guarantees.


Believers today can trust in God’s provision, seek His kingdom first, and use their resources to glorify Him. True prosperity is found not in wealth but in a life rooted in Christ.


Author: Evg. Bradley Sliedrecht BCL, M.Div. ✝️📖✨

(PhD Student)

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