Deuteronomy 28:23

23 `And thy heavens which [are] over thy head have been brass, and the earth which [is] under thee 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 `Jehovah doth cause to cleave to thee the pestilence, till He consume thee from off the ground whither thou art going in to possess it.

22 `Jehovah doth smite thee with consumption, and with fever, and with inflammation, and with extreme burning, and with sword, and with blasting, and with mildew, and they have pursued thee till thou perish

23 `And thy heavens which [are] over thy head have been brass, and the earth which [is] under thee iron;

24 Jehovah giveth the rain of thy land -- dust and ashes; from the heavens it cometh down on thee till thou art destroyed.

25 `Jehovah giveth thee smitten before thine enemies; in one way thou goest out unto them, and in seven ways dost flee before them, and thou hast been for a trembling to all kingdoms of the earth;