Deuteronomy 28:23

23 And thy heaven that [is] over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that [is] under thee [shall be] iron.

Deuteronomy 28:23 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 28:23

And the heaven that [is] over thy head shall be brass
Or like brass, not for its clearness, brightness, and splendour, or for its being spread out like a molten looking glass which was of brass, ( Job 37:18 ) ; but for its dryness and hardness, no moisture being in it, or passing through it; no showers of rain nor dew being let down from it:

and the earth that is under thee [shall be] iron;
or like iron, hard and impenetrable, into which the plough and spade will not enter; nor anything spring out of it, for want of rain and dew to moisten and soften it. The same is said in ( Leviticus 26:19 ) ; only there is an inversion of the figures; there the heaven is said to be as iron, and the earth like brass, but signify the same thing.

Deuteronomy 28:23 In-Context

21 The LORD shall make the pestilence cleave to thee, until he shall have consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest to possess it.

22 The LORD shall smite thee with a consumption, and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew: and they shall pursue thee until thou dost perish.

23 And thy heaven that [is] over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that [is] under thee [shall be] iron.

24 The LORD shall make the rain of thy land powder and dust: from heaven shall it come down upon thee, until thou art destroyed.

25 The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thy enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them; and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.