Deuteronomy 28:65Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Yet, death, which evokes significant dread—as evidenced by the fear experienced by the saints—is far less burdensome than despair. My lengthy discourse originates from a desire to illuminate the suffering you endure and what divine blessings you anticipate in return. To clarify this matter, I will turn my attention to those ensnared by this intense longing, as I have previously noted. When Moses arrived to proclaim liberation from the afflictions of Egypt, the Israelites would not heed his message; the lawgiver remarked that “Moses recounted it” to them, yet they failed to listen to “Moses through cowardice” (Ex. 6:9).

The Jews, dispersed across the known world, have faced intense scrutiny, suspicion, oppression, and persecution. This prophecy has been impressively realized in the many descendants of Jacob who are spread throughout the earth and continues to hold true. All nations have regarded the Jews with skepticism and continue to do so; their circumstances vary constantly due to differing governmental perspectives. They have frequently endured harsh persecutions, resulting in the loss of countless lives. Their homeland bears the weight of divine wrath.